Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Differentiating Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis

Benha University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Toxoplasmosis

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Circulating miRNA Expression and T. gondii Serology

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07346833

RC 10.10.2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is a widespread condition that can negatively affect brain function and is considered a risk factor for various psychiatric conditions, including depression and schizophrenia. This prospective observational study aims to investigate the expression levels of specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in women diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder who also have chronic toxoplasmosis. By comparing these levels to patients without the infection, the study seeks to determine if these miRNAs can serve as biological markers to help differentiate between specific psychological disorders and identify the impact of chronic toxoplasmosis on mental health.

Enrollment: 55 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Confirmed psychiatric diagnosis of Schizophrenia (SCZ), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), or Bipolar Disorder (BD) according to DSM-5 criteria.
• Seronegative for T. gondii IgM (to ensure infection is not in the acute phase).
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Psychiatric disorders other than Schizophrenia, MDD, and Bipolar Disorder.

Seropositive for T. gondii IgM (indicating acute infection).

Refusal to participate.

Trial design

55 participants in 2 patient groups

T. gondii Seropositive Group

Description:

Women with diagnosed psychiatric disorders (Schizophrenia, MDD, or Bipolar Disorder) who test positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, indicating chronic infection.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Circulating miRNA Expression and T. gondii Serology

T. gondii Seronegative Group

Description:

Women with the same diagnosed psychiatric disorders who test negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Circulating miRNA Expression and T. gondii Serology