Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Differentiating Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Circulating miRNA Expression and T. gondii Serology.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Toxoplasmosis. Basic parameters: 18 years — 50 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Egypt
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Deciphering The Role of Circulating MicroRNAs To Differentiate Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Overview
Chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is a widespread condition that can negatively affect brain function and is considered a risk factor for various psychiatric conditions, including depression and schizophrenia. This prospective observational study aims to investigate the expression levels of specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in women diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder who also have chronic toxoplasmosis. By comparing these levels to patients without the infection, the study seeks to determine if these miRNAs can serve as biological markers to help differentiate between specific psychological disorders and identify the impact of chronic toxoplasmosis on mental health.
Interventions
- Diagnostic test Circulating miRNA Expression and T. gondii Serology
Serology: ELISA testing to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG (confirming chronic infection) and IgM (excluding acute infection). Genetic Analysis: Quantitative Reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure the expression levels of a predetermined panel of plasma miRNAs. Psychiatric Evaluation: Clinical diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria.
Primary outcome measures
- Diagnostic Accuracy of Plasma miRNA Expression for Detecting Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Psychiatric Patients [Time frame: 2-3 Months]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Confirmed psychiatric diagnosis of Schizophrenia (SCZ), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), or Bipolar Disorder (BD) according to DSM-5 criteria.
- Seronegative for T. gondii IgM (to ensure infection is not in the acute phase).
- Signed informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Psychiatric disorders other than Schizophrenia, MDD, and Bipolar Disorder.
Seropositive for T. gondii IgM (indicating acute infection).
Refusal to participate.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Egypt · 1 center
- Benha faculty of Medicine — Banhā
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07346833 · RC 10.10.2025