Toxoplasmosis among Egyptian children with neurological disorders: developmental and risk factors analysis

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread neurotropic protozoan that influences the CNS physiology with a potential role in mediating congenital and neurodevelopmental disabilities of children. Objectives: The current study was conducted to investigate the associations between toxoplasmosis and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and to analyze the possible risk factors. Patients and Methods: In this case control study, serum samples from 120 children with neurological disorders and 120 healthy control children were investigated for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographics, maternal and children risk factors and developmental data of children were recorded. Results: The seropositivity rates of both IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were higher in the children group with neurodevelopmental disorders than the control group with significant difference. Statistically significant associations were found between Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity and children manifesting hydrocephaly, microcephaly, and Down syndrome. While anti-Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity was significantly associated with children manifesting epilepsy and Down syndrome. Contact with soil and farm animals was found to be a significant risk factor for toxoplasmosis in this study. Conclusion: The findings denote that toxoplasmosis is a probable risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This highlights the importance of toxoplasmosis consideration by pediatricians for investigating and early management of such congenital and neurodevelopmental disorders.