Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: albert on 28/02/2007 03:50:44

Title: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: albert on 28/02/2007 03:50:44
Following the question on the program:

We've a dog and a cat - both cared for properly, wormed, innoculated and all that.

My son is still a thumbsucker and despite our badgering demonstrates pretty poor hygiene regarding playing with pets, eating food etc..

Is there a test available to check for the presence of parasitic infections that he (or indeed anyone) might have? I seem to recall hearing that toxoplasmosis can have psychological effects while the individual is unaware that they are infected.

Do I need to worry? How would I know if I was infected?

Albert
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Bored chemist on 28/02/2007 19:07:47
I remember that there was a story in new scientist about toxoplasmosis and it definitely said there was some indication of an effect on behaviour even when people were not aware they were infected.
To get that data they must have had a test for infection. My best guess would be to ask your doctor about it.
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: chris on 28/02/2007 22:12:27
Hello Albert.

There is a test for toxoplasma exposure; usually we look for antibodies. People who have never been infected will not have any antibodies that recognise the parasite, whilst those that have will make antibody, which we can detect.

There are two main "classes" of antibody made during an immune response to infection, IgM and IgG. They can be used to discriminate an acute (i.e. recent) infection from one that occurred historically because IgM is only made at acute timepoints and disappears after a few months, whilst IgG provides longlasting immunity.

So someone with a past history of toxoplasmosis will have IgG in their bloodstream, but no IgM, whilst someone who has recently been infected will make IgM as well.

Toxoplasma is a relative of malaria; it's a so-called coccidian parasite. When an individual first contracts the disease the agent replicates (grows) and seeds itself to every tissue in the body, where it forms dormant tissue cysts. This includes muscle and brain tissues.

When a ***** cat eats a mouse carrying these tissue cysts the parasite comes to life in the gut of the cat and undergoes sexual reproduction, forming new infectious forms that pass out in its faeces to be acquired by other rodents. Humans and other large mammals are incidental "dead end" hosts (because we're not eaten by cats as a rule and hence the parasite cannot complete its lifecycle in us).

Recently scientists have uncovered evidence that the presence of toxo in the brains of infected rodents might alter their behaviour, and this has led to speculation that the same might be true in humans.

In the case of the mouse, toxo-infected animals become less timid. They are more likely to venture out into uncovered ground, and lose their aversion to the smell of cat urine (which usually makes mice scarper faster than a rat down a sewer). This, say researchers, makes the mouse more likely to be caught by a cat, enabling the parasite to complete its lifecycle.

There is some (fairly weak) evidence linking toxo infection with psychological problems in humans. Indeed, the fact that in France 80% of the population test positive for toxo could explain a lot...
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 01/03/2007 23:24:55

Quote
There is some (fairly weak) evidence linking toxo infection with psychological problems in humans. Indeed, the fact that in France 80% of the population test positive for toxo could explain a lot...

Hi Chris,
welcome Albert!
I was really surprised to find 33 citations
crossing "schizophrenia and toxoplasma" in
PubMed database.
Thank you so much for this information
Here is the most recent:

Toxoplasma gondii in Individuals With Schizophrenia:
Association With Clinical and Demographic Factors and With Mortality.

Dickerson F, Boronow J, Stallings C, Origoni A, Yolken R.
2The Stanley Research Center at the Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204.

Background: Increased rates of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii have been found in individuals with schizophrenia as compared with control groups, but the correlates of Toxoplasma exposure in schizophrenia have not been defined.
Methods: We measured IgG class antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 358 individuals with schizophrenia. We correlated Toxoplasma antibody status with clinical and demographic variables and examined the effect of Toxoplasma seropositivity on mortality in a follow-up period of up to 5 years. Results: Individuals with schizophrenia who had serological evidence of Toxoplasma infection were more likely to be female but did not differ in age, race, total symptom score, or other demographic or clinical characteristics. However, we found that serological evidence of Toxoplasma was associated with a significantly increased risk of dying of natural causes during the follow-up period (Cox proportional hazard ratio of 4.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-17.31, P = .020) adjusted for age, gender, and other clinical and demographic variables.

Conclusions: Toxoplasma infection may confer an increased risk for mortality from natural causes in schizophrenia. An understanding of the pathogenesis of Toxoplasma infections in individuals with schizophrenia might lead to new approaches to the management of this disorder.

Schizophr Bull. 2007 Feb 20; [Epub ahead of print]




...and this is the first catch:

Toxoplasmosis masquerading as a psychotropic side effect.

Pariser SF, Zunich J, Pinta ER.
When treating a patient with neuroleptics or tricyclic antidepressants, it is usually assumed that complaints of blurred vision can be ascribed to the anticholinergic side effects of these drugs. The authors present a patient treated with imipramine and trifluoperazine whose complaints of blurred vision led to the diagnosis of toxoplasma chorioretinitis.

J Clin Psychiatry. 1978 Jul;39(7):631-2.




Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 02/03/2007 22:38:17
And what about this?
That's reeeally neat!
Me like this stuff:

Drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
 inhibit the replication of Toxoplasma gondii.

Jones-Brando L, Torrey EF, Yolken R.
Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street/Blalock 1149, Baltimore, MD 21287-4933, USA. lbrando@jhmi.edu

The exact mechanisms of action of some antipsychotics and mood stabilizers have not been elucidated. Response to these medications can vary among individuals. Recent studies indicate that infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia in some individuals.
We investigated commonly used antipsychotic and mood stabilizing medications for their ability to inhibit the replication of this organism.We employed a system for testing compounds for in vitro activity against T. gondii. Human fibroblasts (HFF) were treated with test compounds and then exposed to Toxoplasma that has been genetically modified to express cytoplasmic beta-galactosidase. Inhibition by the drugs was determined by spectrophotometric analysis of colorimetric reactions.We tested 12 neuroleptic compounds and found that of these, the antipsychotic haloperidol and the mood stabilizer valproic acid most effectively inhibit Toxoplasma growth in vitro. Valproic acid inhibited the parasite at a concentration below that found in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of individuals being treated with this medication and displayed synergistic activity with haloperidol and with trimethoprim, an antibiotic commonly used to treat Toxoplasma infections.Several medications used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have the ability to inhibit the in vitro replication of T. gondii.

Schizophr Res. 2003 Aug 1;62(3):237-44.


(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fd2993411.u58.surftown.nu%2Fimages%2FAalesund2.jpg&hash=174d855ac2ffcf882ab22ebcbe4a34f1)

Now, just for fun, could vitamin D3
from cod liver oil help alleviating
a chronic Toxoplasma infection?
As usual, the 'evidence' is weak...
but towards a positive effect.
wow

1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits in vitro and in vivo intracellular growth of apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Rajapakse R, Uring-Lambert B, Andarawewa KL, Rajapakse RP, Abou-Bacar A, Marcellin L, Candolfi E.
Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie et Tropicale, de la Faculte de Medecine, EA 3950 Interactions Cellulaires et Moleculaires Hote-Parasite, 3 rue Koeberle, 67000 Strasbourg, France.

The hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25-dyhydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), is implicated in a wide range of functions other than its classical role in calcium and phosphorous homeostasis.
When Toxoplasma gondii-infected BALB/c mice were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, they succumb to death sooner than their counterparts. But they showed less parasite burden in tissues which was further supported by mild pathological lesions. As an effort to understand the physiological mechanism for the above observation an in vitro study was performed. Fewer parasites were observed when 1,25(OH)2D3 pre-treated murine intestinal epithelial cells were challenged with parasites. Moreover, the observed inhibition was dose-dependent and had a maximum effect with 10(-7)M of 1,25(OH)2D3. However, no observable difference was observed, when pre-incubated parasites were added to cells suggesting that the observed inhibition was a result of an effect from 1,25(OH)2D3 on Toxoplasma intracellular growth.
Our data support the notion that 1,25(OH)2D3 may inhibit intra cellular T. gondii parasite proliferation in vivo and in vitro.

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Jan 30; [Epub ahead of print]



I begin to think that, perhaps only in a certain percentage
of psychiatric patients, hidden Toxoplasma infection
could contribute to neurologic symptoms and some people
might benefit from long-term anti-Toxoplasma treatment.

Hidden, chronic, paucisymptomatic* and persistent
infections by common pathogens had been quite
underestimated so far.
(see the Helicobacter story in "New cancer theory")
But this is a new century...

* Che?...sorry, I learned
English from a book!
from: Manuel  BBC - Fawlty Towers

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iptv.org%2Ffriends%2Fbritcom%2Fimages%2FFawltyGasp.jpg&hash=721c8b217d59dfd49cc52d33e1e777b7)
http://www.iptv.org/friends/britcom/images/FawltyGasp.jpg


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 07/03/2007 21:07:29
Even bipolar disorder (see the 'omega-3 connection'!) and Toxoplasma
has been investigated quite recently:


Infection, treatment and immune response in patients with bipolar disorder
versus patients with major depression, schizophrenia or healthy controls.

Hinze-Selch D.
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts University, Keil, Germany.

Bipolar disorder is the least studied among the three major psychiatric disorders of schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. Furthermore, investigations on infection and immunity in bipolar disorder make up only a small portion of the sparse research done on this disorder. However, there are reports that modulation of the immune system and certain infections might be associated with bipolar disorder and that there might be differences between bipolar and the other disorders. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review published data on these issues in bipolar versus the other disorders, and to present an ongoing clinical study on the putative involvement of infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in these three major psychiatric disorders.

Bipolar Disord. 2002;4 Suppl 1:81-3.
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Zoey on 07/03/2007 23:26:18
That is some powerful information on psychological symptoms and toxoplasmosis! I'm copying it and sending it to some friends. I will also check on a connection to seizures for 3 reasons. 1. many folks labeled 'schizophrenic' turn out to be having partial complex seizures, which antipsychotic drugs may exacerbate, 2. This might offer another option to explore in looking for the cause of seizures with an unknown origin, and 3. The information may be of value to anyone contending with seizures or psychiatric symptoms.
   Wonder if there are any studies to test people suspected of having "psychiatric disorders" for this parasite prior to confirming a diagnosis.
   Now you will send me to the library looking for links on toxoplasmosis and seizures.   The COL "connection" warrants more exploration.
   In Tucson, AZ I joined a support group for folks with seizure disorders many years ago. One of our members was diagnosed with schizophrenia, not epilepsy. However, when he explained his symptoms they were identical to what those of us with partial seizures experienced, so he fit right in with the group.
Thanks for all this information!

Zoey
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Zoey on 07/03/2007 23:41:08
p.s. Maybe this explains the political and social chaos in the U.S.too!
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Fulltext: Volume 189 ...Overall, toxoplasmosis seropositivity in the United States. is about 15%, but in other populations the prevalence may be considerably higher. ...
http://www.pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/ajog/fulltext.00000447-200309000-00056.htm
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 06/05/2007 22:59:15
Toxoplasma research in patients affected by psychiatric disorders is going further and certainly we deserve an update around here.  For the discussion, to keep this topic alive. 
A new detailed study from Germany:

A Controlled Prospective Study of Toxoplasma gondii Infection
in Individuals With Schizophrenia: Beyond Seroprevalence.

Hinze-Selch D, Daubener W, Eggert L, Erdag S, Stoltenberg R, Wilms S.
2The Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University, Niemannsweg 147, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.

Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection has been reported to be more frequent in schizophrenia. The interaction of the lifelong persisting parasite with the host's immune system involves T-cell/interferon-gamma-induced degradation of tryptophan and provides a challenge to the host well beyond a possible role in the etiology of schizophrenia. The hypothesis we tested in this study was that TG infection may be more frequent (serofrequency) and/or more intense (serointensity) in patients with schizophrenia or major depression compared with psychiatrically healthy controls. In addition, these measures are associated with the clinical course. We did a cross-sectional, prospective investigation of individuals with schizophrenia (n = 277) and major depression (n = 465) admitted to our department (2002-2005) and of healthy controls (n = 214), with all groups adjusted for age and geographic home region. Serofrequency was comparable between the groups, but serointensity was significantly higher in the patients. In individuals with schizophrenia, serointensity was significantly positively associated with C-reactive protein levels and leukocyte counts, and first-episode patients yielded significantly higher serotiters. Immunomodulatory medication was associated with decreased serotiters. In addition, the route of infection appears to differ between patients and controls. Thus, our results support increased host responses to TG infection in the patients, as well as increased titers in first-episode patients with schizophrenia; this may relate to the shifted T-helper 1/2 status described in these patients.
Therefore, we suggest that TG infection, particularly in individuals with schizophrenia, is an important environmental factor in the interaction between psychiatric vulnerability, genetic background, immunomodulation, and the neurotransmitter systems.

Schizophr Bull. 2007 Mar 26;



Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 07/05/2007 22:58:13
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http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/parasitology/Toxoplasma-lc.gif





Gallery of Histological Sections

Section of brain stained with Giemsa to demonstrate
Toxoplasma gondii cysts and frr trophozoites.

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http://home.primus.com.au/royellis/toxgon.jpg

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http://www.portable-essentials.com/uploaded_images/beerboxkittens-728202.jpg
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: albert on 08/05/2007 00:08:07
Toxoplasma research in patients affected by psychiatric disorders is going further and certainly we deserve an update around here.  For the discussion, to keep this topic alive. 

Jeepers! How expensive is the diagnosis? What's the treatment? Aaaaghhh!
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 08/05/2007 07:15:47
Calm down Albert,

We are dealing with so called 'unconfirmed evidence',
still matter of investigation and scientific debate.
It will take just a few decades.
Toxoplasma eradication is cheap: two antibiotics
for some weeks or months (they are intracellular).
Take care

ikod   [^]


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Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: chris on 08/05/2007 07:57:51
Hi Iko

the drugs work against replicating toxoplasma infection, but I don't think they are active against the latent tissue cysts - these are metabolically inert most of the time and therefore insensitive to drug action.

A similar situation exists for the bacterium M. tuberculosis, although this can (thankfully) be eliminated. These cells enter a quiescent state during which they are invunerable to anti-tuberculous therapy. That's why a course of treatment needs to last 6 months in order for the majority of the bacteria to have re-awakened for long enough to respond to the drugs. This is part of the reason that this infection is so difficult to treat, that resistant forms (MDRTB) are becoming more common and that the global TB death toll is now 5000 people per day. A sobering thought.

Chris
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 08/05/2007 13:30:34
Hi Iko

the drugs work against replicating toxoplasma infection, but I don't think they are active against the latent tissue cysts - these are metabolically inert most of the time and therefore insensitive to drug action.

A similar situation exists for the bacterium M. tuberculosis, although this can (thankfully) be eliminated. These cells enter a quiescent state during which they are invunerable to anti-tuberculous therapy. That's why a course of treatment needs to last 6 months in order for the majority of the bacteria to have re-awakened for long enough to respond to the drugs. This is part of the reason that this infection is so difficult to treat, that resistant forms (MDRTB) are becoming more common and that the global TB death toll is now 5000 people per day. A sobering thought.

Chris

Thank you Chris,

I should have specified better that anti-Toxoplasma therapy could be at least as long as in TB, to allow eradication of intracellular protozoa difficult to reach, metabolically almost inert and consequently less exposed to pharmacological treatment.
Another similar condition is Whipple disease, where the germs have a duplication time over two weeks and daily antibiotic treatment should be continuous  for one or two years.  Even in this case relapses are not infrequent after stopping daily bactrim.  When bacteria or protozoa have been able to reach hyperprotected areas like the central nervous system, any kind of treatment is more difficult and results are not guaranteed.
I read that for particular cases or Q-fever antibiotic treatment for life should be recommended.
Talking about occult persisting infections!
They should be investigated more extensively these days, don't you think?
Now that we have achieved such wonderful diagnostic tools like PCRtests, that allow direct detection of pathogens...not INDIRECT search for specific antibodies, we seem to have lost interest in underdiagnosed occult infections and their hypothetical consequences (autoimmunity, some lymphomas, etc).
Is this happening for a mere lack of funds and investment money or what?

iko
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 10/05/2007 11:21:22



I read that for particular cases or Q-fever antibiotic treatment for life should be recommended.
Talking about occult persisting infections!
They should be investigated more extensively these days, don't you think?
Now that we achieved wonderful diagnostic tools like PCR, we seem to have lost interest in underdiagnosed occult infections and their hypothetical consequences (autoimmunity, some lymphomas, etc).
Is this happening for a mere lack of funds and investment money or what?

iko

This is a 'rare' example of overlapping between a typical autoimmune disease (dermatomyositis) and an acute Toxoplasma infection:


[A case of toxoplasmosis with dermatomyositis] [Article in Japanese]


Kawakami Y, Hayashi J, Fujisaki T, Tani Y, Kashiwagi S, Yamaga S. Department of General Medicine, Kyushu University.

We report a case of dermatomyositis (DM) in a 15-year-old female with toxoplasmosis after ingestion of raw bovine liver. Facial erythema and cervical lymphadenopathy preceded myalgia and muscle weakness of the extremities. The diagnostic criteria of DM was fulfilled because of symmetrical and proximal dominant muscle weakness, elevation of myogenic enzyme (CPK, GOT, LDH, myoglobin, aldorase), myogenic pattern of electromyogram, skeletal muscle biopsy showing interstitial myositis with mild destruction of muscle fiber, and facial erythema. Immunological findings showed IgG anti-toxoplasma antibody to be 1340 IU/ml and IgM to be 7.0 (Cut off index 0.7), suggesting acute toxoplasmosis. Treatment with prednisolone for DM and acetylspiramycin for toxoplasmosis was successful. Toxoplasmosis should be considered as a possibility in patients with myositis.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi. 1995 Nov;69(11):1312-5.






Dermatomyositis responding to treatment of associated toxoplasmosis.

Harland CC, Marsden JR, Vernon SA, Allen BR.
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, U.K.

We report a 59-year-old woman with severe dermatomyositis in association with high serum toxoplasma antibody titres who was successfully treated with pyrimethamine and sulphadiazine. This case supports an aetiological role for toxoplasmosis in the pathogenesis of some cases of dermatomyositis.

Br J Dermatol. 1991 Jul;125(1):76-8.




Causes of Dermatomyositis

The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown; however, the following factors have been implicated:

A genetic predisposition may exist. Dermatomyositis rarely occurs in multiple family members, but it may be linked to certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types (eg, DR3, DR5, DR7). In addition, polymorphisms of TNF-alpha have been linked to photosensitivity in patients with dermatomyositis.

Immunological abnormalities are common in patients with dermatomyositis. Patients frequently have circulating autoantibodies. Abnormal T-cell activity may be involved in the pathogenesis of both the skin and the muscle disease. In addition, family members may have other diseases associated with autoimmunity.

Autoantibodies to nuclear antigens (ANA) and cytoplasmic (ie, antitransfer RNA synthetases) antigens may be present. Although their presence may help to define subtypes of dermatomyositis and polymyositis, their role in pathogenesis is uncertain. Infectious agents, including viruses (eg, coxsackievirus, parvovirus, echovirus, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 [HTLV-1], HIV) and Toxoplasma and Borrelia species, have been suggested as possible triggers of the disease.


Several cases of drug-induced disease have been reported. Dermatomyositislike skin changes have been reported with hydroxyurea in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia or essential thrombocytosis. Other agents that may trigger the disease include penicillamine, statin drugs, quinidine, and phenylbutazone.

Dermatomyositis may be initiated or exacerbated by silicon breast implants or collagen injections, but the evidence for this is anecdotal and has not been verified in case-control studies. A recent report detailed HLA differences among women in whom inflammatory myopathy develops after they received silicone implants.

more reading from:  http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic2608.htm


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 10/05/2007 21:13:07
Toxoplasmosis and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia


Several cases of drug-induced disease have been reported. Dermatomyositislike skin changes have been reported with hydroxyurea in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia or essential thrombocytosis. Other agents that may trigger the disease include penicillamine, statin drugs, quinidine, and phenylbutazone.

more reading from:  http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic2608.htm


Toxoplasma may cause dermatomyositis.
Dermatomyositis rarely goes together with CML:
Could Toxoplasma cause some case of CML?

I don't know if we can play this game.
It is late in the evening, professors and
real scientists are probably all busy
writing their papers and don't have time
for silly forums...

There are no known causes for CML.
The discussion is open: it's an experiment!
Allowed search engines:  Google - PubMed.
Enjoy

iko




I remember one case only of acute toxoplasmosis in a patient with newly diagnosed CML.
Surely that's a coincidence, nevertheless you may start searching for other hints:


Cutaneous toxoplasmosis.

Leyva WH, Santa Cruz DJ.
A case of epidermotropic cutaneous toxoplasmosis is reported. The patient, a 53-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis, received a bone marrow allograft but continued to have severe pancytopenia. Numerous diffuse, palpable, purpuric nodules appeared 21 days after the transplant. Organisms were found within the epidermal keratinocytes--both singularly and in cysts. Dermal and neural infiltration was also present. Toxoplasma gondii was identified on the basis of the ultrastructural features of the parasite. Possible sources of infection include reactivation of a previous latent infection, transmission through a bone marrow allograft, or nosocomial acquisition.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Apr;14(4):600-5.






Here you have different hypotheses:
- Reactivation of a latent infection helped by immune depression from leukemia and treatment.
- Infection transmitted through the bone marrow graft (but 21 days is a bit too fast!).
  These two suggestions support the 'opportunistic theory': germs prevail BECAUSE of the leukemic process, are very dangerous, but totally unrelated to the real cause of that particular type of leukemia (Lymphoid or myeloid).
In this context, infectious agents are frequently defined 'innocent by-standers' instead of 'implicit bastards' (more appropriate, in my personal opinion).

- Occult persistent infection (infestation: they are protozoa) unmasked in terminal phase. Toxoplasma and consequent abnormal overridden immune reaction might have stimulated a previously inactive clone of CML precursors and started the leukemic process itself over weeks and months, replacing normal hemopoietic cells and invading liver, spleen and marrow.
Little CML clones may harbour in normal people and represent the result of a somatic mutation.
Percentage of 'positive' healthy carriers of tiny CML clones would obviously increase with age.
So another factor is needed to justify the expansion of the mutated clone.
Toxoplasma could be one of a restricted group of germs capable of jamming some crucial point of the complex immune reaction (involving T-cells, macrophages, complex cytokine interactions) evoked by protozoa and other 'fastidious' germs.
Helicobacter pylori and mycoplasmas might be in the number.

 

Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 11/05/2007 23:10:38
More than thirty years ago a French group reported that:
 "The frequence of high serological titres (i.e.: lots of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies) seems to be greater among patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia than among another people"...but in the following decades these observations were not either confirmed or implemented by the new diagnostic tools available.


[Toxoplasmosis and chronic myeloid leukemia][Article in French]

Beauvais B, Garin JF, Lariviere M, Languillat G.
A patient suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia and used as a donor of leucocytes was found to have toxoplasmosis associated with a high level of IgG without an elevation of IgM which was maintained for several months. This case raises several points for discussion. Toxoplasmosis is a frequent complication of malignant hematological disease, it is often severe with neurological complications in more than half the patients affected. It is often difficult to diagnose. The parasite is arduous to isolate and serology is problematic to interpretate without reference to previous samples. This suggests it would be wise to measure the titre of anti-toxoplasma antibodies as part of the initial investigations of every malignant hemopathy and to repeat the measurements during the evolution of the disease. Any patient showing a high serological titre, even though it is stable and without IgM should be given systematically a specific treatment for toxoplasmosis, for as in the patient presented in this paper, such a serological picture is compatible with an increasing infection. The frequence of high serological titres seems to be greater among patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia than among another people. Then, transfusion of leucocytes of such patients may be the source of parasite transmission; this paper relates one case of post-transfusional toxoplasmosis.
Nouv Rev Fr Hematol Blood Cells. 1976;16(2):169-84.



In this case of CML, parasites were so many in peripheral white cells to be trasferred into the recipient of a granulocyte transfusion and start acute toxoplasmosis.  CML patients have plenty of mature granulocyte in their blood: these ready-to-combat-germs cells were harvested and transfused to acute leukemia patients after chemotherapy, who had no white cells and overwhelming infections.
Today this practice has been abandoned.
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 19/05/2007 13:59:04
Bits and pieces from the past, difficult to track: neither the abstracts are available!

Quote
An autopsy case of toxoplasmosis associated with myelocytic leukemia.

Kishida S, Yoshie Y, Hamamoto Y.
Acta Pathol Jpn. 1974 Jul;24(4):541-50. 

Quote
[Toxoplasmosis and generalized mycosis after treatment of chronic myelosis (author's transl)] [Article in German]

Musil A, Friedrich E.
Zentralbl Allg Pathol. 1973;117(2):110-7.

Quote
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored

Aldous Huxley 


Quote
from:  New Cancer Theory
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 19/05/2007 14:14:56
Good news about Toxo tricky hide-and-seek techniques!
from:    Science Daily May 12, 2007
Source:  Imperial College London
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070510110538.htm

Quote

Toxoplasmosis Infection Trick Revealed By Scientists


Scientists have provided new insight into how the parasite which causes toxoplasmosis invades human cells. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease, primarily carried by cats. It is transmitted to humans by eating undercooked meat or through contact with cat faeces.
...
It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, whose foetuses can be infected via the placenta, and those with a weakened immune system, such as people infected with HIV. In severe cases, toxoplasmosis can cause damage to the brain and eyes, and even death.
...
Now researchers from London and Geneva have determined, for the first time, the atomic structure of a key protein which is released onto the surface of the parasite just before it invades host cells in the human body. They found that the protein known as TgMIC1 binds to certain sugars on the surface of the host cell, assisting the parasite to stick to, and then enter the human cell.
...
Using a novel carbohydrate microarray the team were able to identify the precise sugars to which the parasite protein binds. Following this the team used a combination of NMR spectroscopy and cellular studies to characterise the behaviour and interactions of the parasite protein and host cell sugars. This means that the team have a more detailed picture than ever before of exactly how the parasite recognises and attacks host cells in the body.

Professor Steve Matthews from Imperial College London’s Division of Molecular Biosciences, one of the paper’s authors, explains the significance of the research, saying: “Understanding the fundamental, atomic-level detail of how diseases like toxoplasmosis pick out and invade host cells in the human body is vital if we want to fight these diseases effectively.

“Now that we understand that it’s a key interaction between a protein on the parasite’s surface and sugars on the human cell which lead to the cell’s invasion, there is potential to develop therapeutics that are targeted at disrupting this mechanism, therefore thwarting infection.”

Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, is one of the world’s most common parasites. Around a quarter to half of the world’s population is thought to be infected, and around 1% of people in the UK catch toxoplasmosis each year. In the majority of cases, those affected don’t have any symptoms. But for those with weakened immune systems, and unborn babies, toxoplasmosis can cause very serious health problems.

Reference:
 ‘Atomic resolution insight into host cell recognition by Toxoplasma gondii’,
 The EMBO Journal, 10 May 2007.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Imperial College London.


(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedaily.com%2Fimages%2F2006%2F08%2F060816020833.jpg&hash=cead8166fdbe1c973ef4f686f3894495)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2006/08/060816020833.jpg
Toxoplasma gondii cyst in brain tissue. (Image courtesy of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 20/05/2007 15:16:29
Quote
So another factor is needed to justify the expansion of the mutated clone.
Toxoplasma could be one of a restricted group of germs capable of jamming some crucial point of the complex immune reaction (involving T-cells, macrophages, complex cytokine interactions) evoked by protozoa and other 'fastidious' germs.
Helicobacter pylori and mycoplasmas might be in the number.


Another 'coincidence' buried in a prestigious
journal like the New England J. of Medicine
ten years ago.  Everybody laughs when I say
that the real title should actually be:
   "A Mother Nature's Lecture on CML"

Spontaneous remission in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Musashi M, Abe S, Yamada T, Tanaka J, Gotohda Y, Maeda S, Sato Y, Morioka M, Sakurada K, Minagawa T, Asaka M, Miyazaki T.
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

N Engl J Med. 1997 Jan 30;336(5):337-9.



Unfortunately there is no abstract and full-text is not free, but as a
NEJMed subscriber I think I am allowed to write a short summary for you:


Quote
Case Report
A 45-year-old man was referred to our hospital for evaluation of leukocytosis in January 1985. Three months previously, he had reported tarry stools.
A peptic ulcer was diagnosed and treated with intravenous cimetidine. At that time, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and anemia were detected. A bone marrow aspirate showed marked myeloid hyperplasia. Cytogenetic analysis revealed Ph-positive cells in the bone marrow, and a diagnosis of CML was made. During the next month the leukocyte count decreased to 14,400 per cubic millimeter, but it subsequently gradually increased to 31,800 per cubic millimeter before admission to our hospital.
Physical examination on admission revealed anemia and mild hepatosplenomegaly. A complete blood count again showed leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. The neutrophil alkaline phosphatase score was 94 (normal range, 170 to 335). Plasma histamine and prostaglandin E concentrations were within the normal range.
An endoscopic examination revealed an ulcer scar in the duodenal bulb.

Regular follow-up, without chemotherapy, was planned for the patient. In February 1985, the hepatosplenomegaly disappeared. The leukocyte count and platelet count returned to normal in April 1985. As of January 30, 1996, the patient had been well, without any signs of recurrence, for 11 years. Blood counts since June 30, 1994, have been normal.
...

In 1984 the 'infectious theory' of peptic ulcer was still a matter of debate (1).
Consequently the word helicobacter cannot be found through the whole text (but it's a 1997 paper!).
Intravenous cimetidine had been available for several years, and found quite useful for healing peptic ulcers, and probably making life difficult to H. pylori as well.
In the past, cimetidine had been reported to have also an immunomodulating activity.
Something surely happened in that patient during the following weeks and months, and chronic myeloid leukemia (confirmed by more sophisticated tests over the following years) pulled back gently.
Average survival rate for CML was about <5 years then, with 1/3chance to find a donor for BMT.
In 2000 STI571-Gleevec-Imatinib (2pills/day - no BMT) finally came and life became much easier for CML patients.  According to some distiguished scientists, this new drug actually represents, in oncology, the most important achievement in the last two decades.
Thanks to Dr. Brian Druker and his colleagues from Oregon.
In 2000 that japanese man just turned 60, hopefully healthy and CML free.

ikod   [^]




1)  click down here for "Helicobacter connection"




Quote
CML Treatment

Treatment options and outcome from treatment have improved significantly over the years.


Year          Treatment          Survival (months)
 
1920-1950     Splenic irradiation         28
 
1950-1960     Busulfan                   35-45
 
1960-1970     Hydroxyurea                48-67
 
1970-1980     1st Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant for CML
                                    50-60% CURE
 
1980-1990     IFNa (Interferon alpha)    55-89
 
1990-2001     IFNa + Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C)
                 Recent studies showing significant improvement over IFNa alone
 
1995-2001     STI-571                >90% 5yrs survival (2007)


Table 1. Treatment options and survival. (JAMA, August 22/29 p. 896)

from:  http://intmedweb.wfubmc.edu/grand_rounds/2001/myeloid.html
 
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 30/05/2007 11:26:55
Most of all, Toxo is very difficult to find, even with the now available highly-sensitive PCR techniques, and in several reported cases it has been found too late (autoptic diagnosis):

Quote
Leptomeningeal toxoplasmosis after allogeneic marrow transplantation.
Case report and review of the literature
.




Seong DC, Przepiorka D, Bruner JM, Van Tassel P, Lo WK, Champlin RE.
Department of Hematology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

A 37-year-old woman with chronic myelogenous leukemia underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with CD8-depleted marrow from an HLA-identical sister. On day 43 post-transplant, the patient developed a headache and became lethargic and tremulous. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed abnormal meningeal and superficial parenchymal enhancement anteriorly. The spinal fluid had an elevated protein level with normal glucose and a neutrophilic pleocytosis. At autopsy, Toxoplasma meningo-encephalitis was seen. On review of the literature, headache and confusion at 1-2 months post-transplant are common presenting signs of central nervous system toxoplasmosis. The predominance of neutrophils in the spinal fluid in this patient probably reflects the meningeal component of the infection and is an unusual finding. The presentation of toxoplasmosis in marrow transplant recipients is quite pleomorphic, and a definite diagnosis is difficult to obtain antemortem. Empiric therapy with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine should be considered for marrow transplant recipients with neurologic deficits for which there is no other apparent etiology.

Am J Clin Oncol. 1993 Apr;16(2):105-8.

Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 09/06/2007 11:14:26
Toxoplasmosis after bone marrow transplantation is not an uncommon event for CML patients and recipients affected by other hematological malignancies.
This issue has been recently reviewed and published in specialized Journals:


Toxoplasmosis in bone marrow transplantation:
a report of two cases and systematic review of the literature.

Mele A, Paterson PJ, Prentice HG, Leoni P, Kibbler CC.
Department of Haematology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.

Toxoplasma infection represents a rare but often fatal complication in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. We report two cases of toxoplasmosis: one of successfully treated cerebral toxoplasmosis after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and a fatal case of pulmonary toxoplasmosis in a BMT recipient. We have systematically reviewed the 110 published cases of toxoplasmosis following BMT. We analyzed the pre-transplant and clinical features of BMT recipients developing toxoplasmosis, together with the diagnostic procedures used and treatment given. By univariate and multivariate statistical analysis we analyzed the risk factors for diagnosis (during life vs post-mortem) and Toxoplasma-related mortality. Ante-mortem diagnosis was made in 47% of cases. Site of infection (P = 0.02; odds ratio 10.8), presence of symptoms at onset (P = 0.01) and conditioning regimen (P = 0.04) were factors influencing whether the diagnosis was made before or after death. Overall mortality rate was 80% and that attributed to toxoplasmosis was 66%. Variables influencing outcome were: site of infection (P = 0.02; odds ratio 5.28), day of onset (P = 0.04) and conditioning regimen (P = 0.04). Underlying disease (P = 0.02; odds ratio 9.45), among patients diagnosed before death, was the most significant factor influencing outcome.
 
Bone Marrow Transplant. 2002 Apr;29(8):691-8.





Disseminated toxoplasmosis after bone marrow transplantation: report of 9 cases.

de Medeiros BC, de Medeiros CR, Werner B, Loddo G, Pasquini R, Bleggi-Torres LF.
Department of Medical Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Toxoplasma infection following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is infrequently reported. We report 9 cases of disseminated Toxoplasma gondii infection in BMT recipients documented during an 11-year period at our institution. The incidence of T. gondii infection in our institution (1.14 per 100 allogeneic BMT) is higher than previously reported. The most frequently affected sites were the brain, lungs, and heart. Findings common to most patients who developed toxoplasmosis were positive pre-transplant serology, allogeneic transplant and graft-versus-host disease and its treatment, as well as BMT from matched unrelated donors. All 9 patients died and 8 were diagnosed only after autopsy. Heightened awareness of the occurrence of toxoplasmosis in marrow recipients, especially in highly endemic areas, and early diagnosis and therapy are needed for a better outcome.

Transpl Infect Dis. 2001 Mar;3(1):24-8.



Toxoplasmosis in bone marrow-transplant recipients: report of seven cases and review.

Derouin F, Devergie A, Auber P, Gluckman E, Beauvais B, Garin YJ, Lariviere M.
Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.

We report seven cases of cerebral or disseminated toxoplasmosis that occurred following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and review the other 24 cases described in the literature. For all the cases, toxoplasmosis occurred within 6 months of BMT, with the highest incidence in the second and third months. Twenty-four of 26 recipients tested serologically before BMT were positive for Toxoplasma gondii, a finding that supports the view that such cases result from reactivation of latent infection. At the onset of clinical symptoms, IgG antibody titers were unchanged or decreased in 23 of 25 documented cases, and IgM antibodies were detected in two cases. Antemortem diagnosis was made in 16 cases and was based on the response to specific therapy in six cases and/or the demonstration of the parasite in body fluids or tissues in 10 cases. Autopsy was performed in 19 cases and revealed that infection was not restricted to the brain but either involved lung or heart tissue or was disseminated in 14 cases.

Clin Infect Dis. 1992 Aug;15(2):267-70.


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 09/06/2007 22:01:10
Well, if you managed to reach
this very post of a crazy thread...
I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy reading
this recent 'catch' of mine!

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundwaves.usgs.gov%2F2006%2F09%2FTgondiiLG.jpg&hash=89f43e752e3b667d6b3a3c435efb4ee2)
http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2006/09/TgondiiLG.jpg


Cat Parasite May Affect Cultural Traits in Human Populations
By Gloria Maender    USGS, September 2006

Little is known about the causes of cultural change, but behavioral manipulation by a common brain parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, may be among the factors that play a role, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) published in the August 2, 2006, issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society, Biology.

"In populations where this parasite is very common, mass personality modification could result in cultural change," said study author Kevin Lafferty, a USGS scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who has conducted extensive studies of parasites in coastal ecosystems. "The geographic variation in the latent prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii may explain a substantial proportion of human population differences we see in cultural aspects that relate to ego, money, material possessions, work, and rules."

Although this sounds like science fiction, it is a logical outcome of how natural selection leads to effective strategies for parasites to get from host to host, said Lafferty. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of cats, both domestic and wild. Although modern humans are a dead-end host for the parasite, Toxoplasma appears to manipulate human personality by the same adaptations that normally help it complete its life cycle. The typical journey of the parasite involves a cat and its prey, starting as eggs shed in an infected cat's feces, inadvertently eaten by a warm-blooded animal, such as a rat. The infected rat's behavior alters so that it becomes more active, less cautious, and more likely to be eaten by a cat, where the parasite completes its life cycle. Many other warm-blooded vertebrates may be infected by this pathogen, including marine mammals: a study begun in 2001 discovered that Toxoplasma gondii had caused 8 percent of stranded-sea-otter deaths in California between 1967 and 1989, the sea otters likely acquiring the parasite from cat feces that had been washed to sea (see Sound Waves article, Parasites as Indicators of Coastal-Ecosystem Health). In humans, the parasite commonly causes mild flu-like symptoms, after which it tends to remain in a dormant state in the brain and other tissues.
...
more reading from:  http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2006/09/research3.html


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 11/06/2007 23:17:04
 
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc243%2Feastlmark%2F1190546ddac301f666.gif&hash=11b9386b1959f60249d497ca701482ce)
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sushiesque.com%2Fphotos%2Funcategorized%2Fbritain_cat_wash_lo_8412842_2.jpg&hash=b197ff82d8bddfd9b0e4f2a4dbcbcf67)
http://www.sushiesque.com/photos/uncategorized/britain_cat_wash_lo_8412842_2.jpg

Epidemiological evidences from China assume that psychiatric-related diseases
may be associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Zhu S, Guo MF, Feng QC, Fan JM, Zhang F.
School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. zsha@zzu.edu.cn.

In recent years, the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on psychiatric-related aspects has been increasingly recognized. T. gondii has a high affinity for brain tissue where tachyzoites may form tissue cysts and persist life long. In recent years, 15 serological surveys about T. gondii infection and psychiatric diseases have been carried out in different areas in China. Studies showed that the prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii in psychotic patients was much higher than in normal persons; statistically differences were significant. Studies also reported that raising cats or enjoying the habit of eating raw or under cooked meet were potential risk factors for the infection of T. gondii. The epidemiological and serological evidence support the hypothesis that some psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia or mental retardation might be linked to T. gondii infection.

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2007 Apr 15;28(2)


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 21/06/2007 22:07:54



(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F9%2F97%2FToxoplasma_gondii.jpg&hash=03f73c1e121760d0a3c733e5d98eb42b)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Toxoplasma_gondii.jpg

...just look at them: no wonder that some people get mad!


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 23/06/2007 17:02:00
Float toxotopic float!  [;)]

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fprometheus.med.utah.edu%2F%7Ebwjones%2FC1276349108%2FE20070102093914%2FMedia%2FCrazy%2520cat.jpg&hash=c0136eb5b6991464403a31717d81b92c)
http://prometheus.med.utah.edu/~bwjones/C1276349108/E20070102093914/Media/Crazy%20cat.jpg
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Karen W. on 23/06/2007 17:41:36
THat is a great picture Iko! LOL Love it!
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 23/06/2007 22:37:25
THat is a great picture Iko! LOL Love it!

Thanks Karen,

is compulsive-pic-posting one of the first signs of...something?

madkod  [:o)]
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Karen W. on 25/06/2007 07:15:40
I don't know could be, I have learned how and am doing the same.. trying to keep busy with me camera.. LOL Maybe I will get better at it!LOL!
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 08/07/2007 09:37:56
This abstract should be dedicated
to Zoey, she is deeply interested
in this issue...but where is Zoey?



Meta-analysis of three case controlled studies and an ecological study
into the link between cryptogenic epilepsy and chronic toxoplasmosis infection.

Palmer BS.


Barts & The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of London, United Kingdom.

A meta-analysis was performed on three case controlled studies which examined the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis gondii infection in the immunocompetent host and cryptogenic epilepsy. Further comparison was also made by examining the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis rates for 17 various countries, cities or regions against the prevalence rates for epilepsy in those regions.
RESULTS: The results for the meta-analysis showed a log-odds ratio of 4.8 which approximates to a similar relative risk, (CI 2.6 to 7.8), with CI for all three studies being above 1. Seroprevalence rates for toxoplasmosis and prevalence rates of epilepsy showed a strong association (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION: The prevalence of toxoplasmosis is an important factor in the prevalence of epilepsy with a probable link in the cryptogenic epilepsies. An area with a reduced burden of toxoplasmosis will also have a reduced burden of epilepsy. Neuropathophysiology findings from various studies show a common physical relationship of microglial nodule formation in Toxoplasma gondii infection and epilepsy. This analysis raises the possibility that one of the many causes of epilepsy may be an infectious agent, or that cryptogenic epilepsy may be a consequence of latent toxoplasmosis infection. This raises the possibility that public health measures to reduce toxoplasmosis infection may also result in a reduction in epilepsy.

Seizure. 2007 Jun 27; [Epub ahead of print]





(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fao.org%2Fdocrep%2F003%2Ft0756e%2FT0756E180.jpg&hash=2af9693dd9676d0f3ad8a18fb785fb73)
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/t0756e/T0756E180.jpg

Toxoplasmosis. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Tachyzoites are distributed throughout the brain where they encysts and produce bradyzoites.

FAO - Manual on meat inspection for developing countries
SPECIFIC DISEASES OF SHEEP AND GOATS
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/t0756e/T0756E06.htm
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 08/07/2007 22:24:27
floating pic...



(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.enpacn.it%2Fedit%2Fimages%2Ffoto%2F124%2FImmagine%2520106.JPG&hash=d51be678a3dec1fe2fec59e1bc2bc96c)
http://www.enpacn.it/edit/images/foto/124/Immagine%20106.JPG
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 13/12/2007 22:14:29
Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days...

...well, I think it's time for a 'refreshing' update!

Parasitosis, dopaminergic modulation and metabolic disturbances in schizophrenia:
evolution of a hypothesis.


Treuer T, Martenyi F, Karagianis J.
Neuroscience Research, Area Medical Center Vienna, Eli Lilly Regional GmbH, Venna, Austria. treuert@lilly.com.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsocialfiction.org%2Fimg%2FToxoplasma_gondii.jpg&hash=00ba6877596e7ec05ea2d18491ba8870)
http://socialfiction.org/img/Toxoplasma_gondii.jpg

Recent meta-analyses have provided a comprehensive overview of studies investigating Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in schizophrenic patients, thus attempting to clarify the potential role these infections might play in causing schizophrenia.
Issues for further research have been suggested. Associations and theories that may enrich the current level of knowledge with regard to this significant subject deserve attention.
Anti-parasitic agents as well as antipsychotics are effective in treating parasitosis.
Both classes of drugs have been shown to exert dopaminergic activity. Parasites and human organisms have a long history of mutual contact. The effect of parasitosis on the host and the host's response to infection are undoubtedly the product of a long evolutionary process. The neurochemical background of delusions of parasitosis is potentially similar to ancient evolutionary traces of altered neurotransmission and neuropeptide gene expression caused by parasites; these include fungal and viral infections. This is very unique in medicine if a class of drugs is effective in the treatment of an illness but also cures the delusion of the same disorder as well. Furthermore, metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia and insulin resistance were reported several decades before the antipsychotic era. Toxoplasmosis may also be linked to insulin resistance. Schizophrenia research can benefit from understanding this evolutionary link. New chemical entities that are liable to alter neurochemical changes related to the brain's perception of the risk of predation secondary to parasites may result in new approaches for the treatment of psychosis. These findings suggest that further research is needed to clarify this evolutionary link between parasite infection and delusions of parasitosis. We believe this model may well open up new avenues of research in the discovery of drugs to counteract schizophrenia.

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2007 Oct;28(5):535-40.[/size]


for more reading:  http://toxoplasmaparasite.blogspot.com/2007/11/parasitosis-dopaminergic-modulation-and.html

...isn't it just fascinating?
I wish I could grab the whole article:
our library might do this miracle 4me!

Got any suggestions out there?

Cheers,

ikod  [^]

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moreno-stone.co.il%2Fplayground%2Fhumor%2Fphoto%2Fsmile%2520cat.jpg&hash=8a3ab1cbaa63257715fb48c66fdd1d14)
http://www.moreno-stone.co.il/playground/humor/photo/smile%20cat.jpg
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 29/01/2008 16:11:39
...and last, but not least,
an almost 30yrs old report
from Cuba:

Reactivity of toxoplasmin intradermal test
in neurotic and manic-depressive patients.

[Article in Spanish]


Delgado García G, Rodríguez Perdomo E.

Fifty patients with manic-depressive psychosis, 120 neurotics and 100 healthy individuals were studied. They underwent the toxoplasmin intradermal test. The highest percentage of reactors was found among patients with manic-depressive psychosis (66,0%). Patients with depressive neurosis accounted for the highest number among neurotics (55,6%). The intensity of reaction was higher among patients with manic-depressive psychosis. Neurotic patients were compared to schizophrenic patients from a previous study conducted by one out of the authors. It is concluded that the percentage of reactors is higher among patients with depressive mental disorders, and also that this percentage increases with mental deterioration in patients.

Rev Cubana Med Trop. 1980 Jan-Apr;32(1):35-9.


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: another_someone on 29/01/2008 16:37:52
While not wishing to dispute the plausibility of what is being said, but applying my usual scepticism about statistics, the fact that we can detect correlation does not prove causality.  It may simply be that people with psychiatric disorders tend to not integrate well in human society, so prefer the company of animals, which increases their likelihood of infection from those animals.  Equally, it is well known that people with psychiatric disorders tend to be less thorough in terms of hygiene, both their own, and probably their pets - so further increasing the risk of infection.

I am not saying the causality is absent, only that at present, have we anything more than mere correlation?
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 29/01/2008 17:32:41
While not wishing to dispute the plausibility of what is being said, but applying my usual scepticism about statistics, the fact that we can detect correlation does not prove causality.  It may simply be that people with psychiatric disorders tend to not integrate well in human society, so prefer the company of animals, which increases their likelihood of infection from those animals.  Equally, it is well known that people with psychiatric disorders tend to be less thorough in terms of hygiene, both their own, and probably their pets - so further increasing the risk of infection.

I am not saying the causality is absent, only that at present, have we anything more than mere correlation?

...and the winner is...
We seem to have a discussion around here!
Thanks George, you are exactly right, as usual.
 In my personal opinion, the point here is the diagnostic level presently used in the case of a supposed chronic persistent infection by a common pathogen.
If we have to count on concentration of specific antibodies or skin reactions to toxo antigens...we will never reach anything more than a mere correlation.
Searching for protozoa DNA 'bits' - in the circulating white cells, for example - would eventually allow to differentiate active infection from immune 'memory'.
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 08/02/2008 21:26:13
Hi everybody,

I finally found one of the last year reports mentioned by Chris
last February 2007, that started the discussion about mysterious
"Toxoplasma Psychonnections"!
Enjoy,

ikod  [^]


Parasite gives rats suicidal cat attraction
Tuesday, 3 April 2007by Hilary Jones


http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/node/1139

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmosmagazine.com%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2F20070403_catrat.jpg&hash=3f65b8e46260ce1c703fe291f45fbbe7)

http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/system/files/20070403_catrat.jpg
http://blog.wired.com/tableofmalcontents/2006/12/the_rise_of_tox.html


Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Titanscape on 17/02/2008 11:04:36
Is there a possible immune weakness in some to toxoplasmic parasites? Is there treatment for parasites? Can one recover from toxoplasm and does it leave damage?

Can cats be treated for such parasites?

Does it matter, as to which part of the brain in which the parasites takes root?

 
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Zoey on 02/08/2011 00:04:53
This abstract should be dedicated
to Zoey, she is deeply interested
in this issue...but where is Zoey?



Meta-analysis of three case controlled studies and an ecological study
into the link between cryptogenic epilepsy and chronic toxoplasmosis infection.

Palmer BS.


Barts & The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of London, United Kingdom.

A meta-analysis was performed on three case controlled studies which examined the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis gondii infection in the immunocompetent host and cryptogenic epilepsy. Further comparison was also made by examining the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis rates for 17 various countries, cities or regions against the prevalence rates for epilepsy in those regions.http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/t0756e/T0756E06.htm

[:D]

It's been a while since I logged in here. Came to this page while searching out information on toxoplasmosis and epilepsy. Iko-if you still roam here, do you have any new information in toxoplasmosis and neurological disorders? Can the infection be treated with cod liver oil?
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: iko on 03/08/2011 21:42:40
Dear Zoey!

How are you doing my dearest web-friend?
So much time has passed, but nothing is moving on the leukemia-codliveroil connections.
I'm left with a first citation on Google (leukemia+vitamin) out of zillions...
No discussion anymore: something has been found about vitamin D deficieny and CLL, a chronic leukemia in adults.
So 'something' is moving...50-60 viewers per day make me positive about the whole issue.
Almost every day I wonder about parents that find the CLO message today and have to decide about their own kid.
Nobody is posting, messagin' or anything like that. This makes me think that I did something wrong.
From the very start. Years are passing and vitamin D and leukemia is slowly becoming a reality.
But...How many roads must a man walk down?
Little boy is a happy young adult working in a FogSystem Company in LA as an engineer
and he's taking flight lessons to get a pilot licence just for the fun of it.
As you can easily imagine, I should be the happiest man on earth (>10 years, leuk never comes back!).
It's not like it should be, unfortunately. So I worry for the other 'patients' and...wonder if I did anything wrong
and lost my chance to help people with my very same problem.
Is going to FaceBook a good idea? I do not know, and I'am sort of tired and exhausted in this 'silence'.
If you support an hypothesis and nobody is talking to you (in the wwww. I mean)...well, maybe something is wrong.
And you do not know what you did wrong and what you missed in the process.

Toxoplasmosis. I'am not your expert, I know that 'eradication' treatments are based on simple sulfa-drugs.
They have to be taken for a long period, 'cause these naughty beasts like to hide in our body and survive with us.

I know that's not a big help for my friend Zoey, but She will find better stuff on the internet!
On my part, I give you a BIG hug and a kiss,

Ikod
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Zoey on 05/08/2011 02:54:40
Greetings, Iko,
Nice to hear the good news of your family. This may be a good time to revive the cod liver oil issue for leukemia. There may be more interest in it now than in the past as more is being understood on the role of nutrition in disease--progression and healing.

Facebook or even Yahoo, might be good possibilities for bringing up the CLO topic, especially with the parent's groups. Considering all the research and publicity since Merck bought the CLO company, this may be an excellent time to start the discussion up again. It should not be forgotten!

 A few years ago I moved to Kentucky seeking medical treatment for the spinal cord disorder, big mistake. However, all is well and am starting to write again.

About Toxoplasmosis:
 Supposedly, in it's dormant stage, toxoplasmosis is doing no harm, thus it is often not treated. Further, the drugs used can have such severe side effects, it may be safer to try other treatments, i.e., improve the ability of the immune system to keep the infection in it's dormant stage.
 However, in the dormant phase the slower growing cysts are embedded in the brain and elsewhere in the body. Aren't they having some sort of effect, causing irritation, inflammation to those tissues? If so, would this not help explain slow degenerative phase in some disorders to which it may be linked, i.e. seizures, Parkinson's, schizophrenia? I have some questions to ask about some aspects of disease progression, such as in Parkinson's, and a few others.
 I just published an overview article on toxoplasmosis.  The plan is to do one on epilepsy, and on other conditions that may have a toxoplasma link.

Toxoplasma decor for the home
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F&hash=3cd4f4119996b42d10f5ed9eb0e8d712)
 
Title: Re: Toxoplasmosis: how does one know one's infected, and should I worry?
Post by: Zoey on 08/08/2011 05:30:54
Maybe there is a role for cod liver oil in treating toxoplasmosis. The first study below shows how CD8+ T cells can be mobilized to erradicate the "latent" brain cysts so pervasive in toxoplasmosis . The second  article focuses on the role of vitamins A  and D in the body's immune response. Perhaps everyone who develops seizures or symptoms labeled 'schizophrenic' should be tested for toxoplasmosis and for deficiences of vitamins A and D. 




Am J Pathol. 2010 Apr;176(4):1607-13. Epub 2010 Feb 18.
Removal of Toxoplasma gondii cysts from the brain by perforin-mediated activity of CD8+ T cells.
Suzuki Y, Wang X, Jortner BS, Payne L, Ni Y, Michie SA, Xu B, Kudo T, Perkins S.
Source
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. yasu.suzuki@uky.edu

Abstract
Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans. Formation of tissue cysts is the basis of persistence of the parasite in infected hosts, and this cyst stage has generally been regarded as untouchable. Here we provide the first evidence that the immune system can eliminate T. gondii cysts from the brains of infected hosts when immune T cells are transferred into infected immunodeficient animals that have already developed large numbers of cysts. This T cell-mediated immune process was associated with accumulation of microglia and macrophages around tissue cysts. CD8(+) immune T cells possess a potent activity to remove the cysts. The initiation of this process by CD8(+) T cells does not require their production of interferon-gamma, the major mediator to prevent proliferation of tachyzoites during acute infection, but does require perforin. These results suggest that CD8(+) T cells induce elimination of T. gondii cysts through their perforin-mediated cytotoxic activity. Our findings provide a new mechanism of the immune system to fight against chronic infection with T. gondii and suggest a possibility of developing a novel vaccine to eliminate cysts from patients with chronic infection and to prevent the establishment of chronic infection after a newly acquired infection.

PMID:
20167872
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID: PMC2843452
Free PMC Article

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20167872


Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Sep;8(9):685-98.
Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take centre stage.
Mora JR, Iwata M, von Andrian UH.
Source
Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. j_rodrigo_mora@harvard.hms.edu

Abstract
Vitamins are essential constituents of our diet that have long been known to influence the immune system. Vitamins A and D have received particular attention in recent years as these vitamins have been shown to have an unexpected and crucial effect on the immune response. We present and discuss our current understanding of the essential roles of vitamins in modulating a broad range of immune processes, such as lymphocyte activation and proliferation, T-helper-cell differentiation, tissue-specific lymphocyte homing, the production of specific antibody isotypes and regulation of the immune response. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of vitamin A and D metabolites for modulating tissue-specific immune responses and for preventing and/or treating inflammation and autoimmunity.

PMID:
19172691
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID: PMC2906676
Free PMC Article


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906676/?tool=pmcentrez
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F&hash=3cd4f4119996b42d10f5ed9eb0e8d712)