Status of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the etiology of epilepsy

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mirdha, Bijay Ranjan

Affiliations: Department of Microbiology All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029, India

Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. B. R. Mirdha, M.D., Consultant Microbiology Asian Institute of Medicine, Science & Technology (AIMST) 2, Persiaran Cempaka, Amanjaya 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia. Tel: (6) 04-442 2884/5; fax: (6) 04-442 2881; E-mail: mirdhabr@hotmail.com or mirdhabr@yahoo.com

Abstract: Detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma in sera from patients suffering from recurrent unprovoked seizures were performed using "in-house" indirect hemagglutination assay and by commercially available anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum antibody to toxoplasmosis were detected in 12.3% and 15.3% by indirect hemagglutination assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and respectively. Controls showed seropositivity of 5.7% for antibody to Toxoplasma using the same methods. Seropositivity was higher in children compared to adults. No gender differences were noted. Individuals with rural background (living in a relatively unhygienic conditions) were more commonly affected compared to people living in urban areas. (J Pediatr Neurol 2003; 1(2): 95–98).

Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, IHA, ELISA, epilepsy

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 95-98, 2003