Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Differentiating Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Deciphering The Role of Circulating MicroRNAs To Differentiate Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Benha University
55 participants
Nov 20, 2025
OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- 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 Criteria3
- Psychiatric disorders other than Schizophrenia, MDD, and Bipolar Disorder.
- Seropositive for T. gondii IgM (indicating acute infection).
- Refusal to participate.
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Interventions
Serology: ELISA testing to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG (confirming chronic infection) and IgM (excluding acute infection). Genetic Analysis: Quantitative Reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure the expression levels of a predetermined panel of plasma miRNAs. Psychiatric Evaluation: Clinical diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07346833