Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among children with autism Spectrum Disorder in Mosul, Iraq
Authors: Yaseen Farah Dhyaa , Abdullah Basima Ahmed 
Published: July 2024

Toxoplasmosis is regarded as one of the prevalent challenges in global health caused by parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Autism may be a single diagnosis, but the characteristics of autistic people are highly heterogeneous, include phenotypic traits, predictive factors, and biomarkers that contribute to the neurodiversity of autism, which include a variety of medical, social, ecological, and Indigenous models (and their combinations) of disability and difference. Autism The phenomenon known as Paraphraser has been recently associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric and behavioral conditions, with a particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The objective of this research endeavor was to assess the prevalence of Toxoplasmosis antibodies in children diagnosed with ASD. Method: The investigation was carried out on 154 kids aged between 2 and 12 years, who were divided into two distinct groups. Group 1 comprised 94 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while Group 2, serving as the control group, consisted of 60 healthy children. The diagnosis of ASD in the patient group was based on the criteria outlined in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Each child partaking in the study underwent a thorough medical history assessment, a clinical test, and labs tests to identify serum anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies utilizing ELISA IgM. Furthermore, the patient group underwent additional evaluation using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale to assess the strong of their symptoms. Results: The prevalence of IgM in children with ASD was found to be statistically insignificant when compared to that in typically developing children. There was no significant association observed between Toxoplasma infection and the strong of autistic symptoms in the ASD cohort. Moreover, the investigation indicated a higher level of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies in ASD children with a family history good of this disorder as opposed to those without such a history. Additionally, a higher distribution of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was noted in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in contrast to those from moderate or high socioeconomic backgrounds. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in children with ASD in order to establish a potential link between toxoplasmosis and autism in children. Conclusions: The research findings indicated that past exposure to Toxoplasma in children, as opposed to recent exposure, might be associated with the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Broader Autism Phenotype challenges could also be supported by biological studies of autism that include broader perspectives and topics, as well as enhanced communication and resources. The term “risk factor” is defined as a factor that heightens the likelihood of disease onset, the classification of autism as a disorder remains a topic of contention. Limited terminology options exist for the notion of "risk factors" in facilitating scientific comprehension of the origins, processes, or prognostic indicators of autistic characteristics within human cohorts. This factor may include many factors such microorganism such as parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, is obligate intercellular parasite that transport to the fetal from mother or by feed raw meat or contaminated food.