Investigation of the Effect of Latent Toxoplasmosis on Oxidative Stress in Acne Vulgaris Patients

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that plagues many individuals and reflects on their quality of life. The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial and is subject of continuous investigation and research. Infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress are among the numerous theories explaining the pathogenesis of acne. Meanwhile, the etiological factors of acne vulgaris share common grounds with immune alterations during toxoplasmosis. Objectives: Investigation of a possible association between toxoplasmosis and the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Subjects and Methods: Serum anti-Toxoplasma IgG and glutathione (GSH) were measured in 43 acne patients and 40 healthy control subjects. Serological detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG was performed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and GSH level in serum was detected using colorimetry. In addition, clinical evaluation of the acne lesions was assessed. Results: GSH was significantly lower in seropositive acne patients as compared to seronegative ones. No difference in seroprevalence and anti-Toxoplasma IgG titre was observed between cases and controls. Clinical evaluation of cases revealed that patients with severe acne showed a higher Cardiff acne disability index (CADI) score. Conclusion: The reduction of GSH in seropositive cases suggests a contributing role of toxoplasmosis to the development of acne by altering the oxidative balance. The involvement of toxoplasmosis in the pathogenesis of multi-factorial clinical conditions such as acne vulgaris should be focused upon since latent infection is widely present among the Egyptian population.