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<p>Substance abuse is a multifaceted issue with various proposed explanations. One emerging theory proposes that <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection, through its effect on dopamine regulation, may contribute to drug-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between <i>T. gondii</i> seropositivity and the use of substances like opium, cannabis, and amphetamine. A case–control study involved 180 substance abusers and 180 healthy participants. Substance abuse was confirmed in urine samples through the Multi-Drug Panel Test, while serum samples were analyzed for anti-<i>Toxoplasma</i> IgG in all studied individuals. <i>Toxoplasma</i> IgG seroprevalence was significantly higher in substance abusers than in controls (35.6% vs. 20%, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001), with seropositive individuals being over four times more likely to be addicted (OR 4.532). No significant differences were found in addiction duration or substance type between <i>Toxoplasma</i> seropositive and seronegative cases. However, drug use by inhalation and injection was more prevalent among <i>Toxoplasma</i>-negative cases. This is the first study in Upper Egypt that suggests a significant association between latent <i>T. gondii</i> infection and substance abuse. In this study, seropositive individuals were more likely to be addicts, but causality cannot be established because of the nature of case–control design. Further research is recommended to explore the core mechanisms and assess the prospective benefits of screening for <i>T. gondii</i> in substance users.</p>

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Potential relationship between latent Toxoplasma gondii infection and substance abuse: case–control study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月23日

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  • Doaa A. Hamdy,
  • Wegdan M. Abd El Wahab,
  • Marwa S. Ismeal,
  • Alshimaa Mohsen Mohamed Lotfy,
  • Sara Ahmed Mohamed Morsy,
  • Shaimaa Hussien Ali

摘要

Substance abuse is a multifaceted issue with various proposed explanations. One emerging theory proposes that Toxoplasma gondii infection, through its effect on dopamine regulation, may contribute to drug-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between T. gondii seropositivity and the use of substances like opium, cannabis, and amphetamine. A case–control study involved 180 substance abusers and 180 healthy participants. Substance abuse was confirmed in urine samples through the Multi-Drug Panel Test, while serum samples were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma IgG in all studied individuals. Toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence was significantly higher in substance abusers than in controls (35.6% vs. 20%, P < 0.001), with seropositive individuals being over four times more likely to be addicted (OR 4.532). No significant differences were found in addiction duration or substance type between Toxoplasma seropositive and seronegative cases. However, drug use by inhalation and injection was more prevalent among Toxoplasma-negative cases. This is the first study in Upper Egypt that suggests a significant association between latent T. gondii infection and substance abuse. In this study, seropositive individuals were more likely to be addicts, but causality cannot be established because of the nature of case–control design. Further research is recommended to explore the core mechanisms and assess the prospective benefits of screening for T. gondii in substance users.