Parasite in the brain: the role of Toxoplasma gondii in brain cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite that affects about one-third of the world's human population, frequently creating a dormant presence in the brain. Recent studies have placed growing emphasis on the possible consequences of T. gondii infection concerning brain cancer and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. This review consolidates recent discoveries regarding how T. gondii could affect neurological well-being, especially its capacity to modify neurotransmitter pathways, adjust immune reactions, and provoke neuroinflammation. We examine the epidemiological links between T. gondii seropositivity and different psychiatric disorders, highlighting the necessity for additional research into the causal mechanisms connecting this parasite to brain pathology. Moreover, we investigate the possibility of T. gondii as a co-factor in developing brain tumors, emphasizing its function in immune evasion and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Grasping these connections is essential for creating focused therapeutic approaches and public health measures designed to reduce the impact of T. gondii infection on mental health and neuro-oncology.