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Failure to replicate associations between Toxoplasma gondii or hepatitis C virus infection and personality traits

Authors :
Ibtihal Mohamed Aly Ibrahim
Salwa Tobar
Hala Salah
Hanan El-Sayed
Hader Mansour
Ahmed Eissa
Joel Wood
Warda Fathi
Faith Dickerson
Robert H. Yolken
Wafaa El-Bahaey
Vishwajit Nimgaonkar
Source :
Middle East Current Psychiatry. 29
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2022.

Abstract

Background Infections with Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo), a protozoan that can infect the brain, have been reported to alter behavior in rodents and humans; several investigators have related Toxo infection to personality traits such as novelty seeking in humans. We investigated human personality traits in relation to Toxo in Egypt, where such infection is common. Results In a community-based sample of Egyptian adults (N = 255), Toxo infection were indexed by levels of IgG antibodies. Viruses like hepatitis C virus (HCV) have also been associated with cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders; therefore, HCV antibody titers were also assayed for comparison. The antibody levels were analyzed in relation to the Arabic version of the NEO personality inventory (NEO-FFI-3), accounting for demographic variables. No significant correlations were noted with Toxo or HCV antibody levels, after co-varying for demographic and socio-economic factors and following corrections for multiple comparisons. Conclusions Infection with Toxo or HCV infection was not associated with variations in personality traits in a sample of Egyptian adults. The possible reasons for the discordance with prior reported associations are discussed.

Details

ISSN :
20905416
Volume :
29
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Middle East Current Psychiatry
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........b4362ace8a091dc5aa873a1e3d3c0564
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-021-00169-7