Research progress on the impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on schizophrenia
Chu Wenyue
Jiao Ying
Xu Yu
Jiang Jinbo
Zhang Haijun
Wu Di
Wu Wenjun
Zhang Yahong
Cui Longbiao
Wang Huaning
Abstract：Schizophrenia results from the interaction of environmental,individual,genetic,and immune factors,and is also associated with epigenetic modifications.Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed obligate intracellular parasite in nature.Approximately one-third of the global population has been infected with Toxoplasma gondii,but most cases are inapparent infections,with an infection rate of about 8%in China.Meta-analysis,ecological studies,and large-scale observational research indicate an association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and an increased risk of schizophrenia.However,as the pathogenesis of schizophrenia remains unclear,research into the impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on schizophrenia has become a hot topic.Current mechanistic studies primarily focus on neuroinflammation and alterations in neurotransmitter systems,though definitive conclusions have yet to be reached.This review aims to systematically present research progress on the impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on schizophrenia from epidemiological,immunological,and genetic perspectives,providing a reference for the early diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with schizophrenia.
Keywords：SchizophreniaToxoplasmaInfectionsImmunityReview
Publication Date：2026-02-20
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-11(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 116-120 )