Actively Recruiting
Deciphering The Role of Circulating MicroRNAs To Differentiate Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Led by Benha University · Updated on 2026-01-16
55
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection is common and can negatively impact brain function, posing risks for psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This observational study focuses on women diagnosed with these psychiatric disorders to explore the role of specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biological markers. Researchers aim to compare miRNA levels in women with chronic toxoplasmosis to those without the infection to better understand the impact on mental health and help differentiate these psychological conditions. Participants are divided into two groups: women with psychiatric diagnoses who test positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies indicating chronic infection, and those with the same diagnoses but negative for these antibodies. The study involves serology testing using ELISA to confirm chronic infection and exclude acute infection, genetic analysis via qRT-PCR to measure plasma miRNA expression, and psychiatric evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria. No treatment is administered as this is an observational study focused on diagnostic and biological assessments. During the study, women will undergo plasma miRNA expression analysis and T. gondii serology testing to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of miRNA levels for detecting chronic toxoplasmosis in psychiatric patients within 2-3 months. Researchers will monitor psychiatric diagnoses and collect relevant laboratory and clinical data. The total participation involves diagnostic testing and clinical assessments without intervention, aiming to clarify the biological links between chronic infection and mental health.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Differentiating Psychological Disorders Among Women With Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Women aged 18 to 50 years
- Confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
- Negative for T. gondii IgM antibodies to exclude acute infection
- Signed informed consent to participate
You will not qualify if you...
- Psychiatric disorders other than schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder
- Positive for T. gondii IgM antibodies indicating acute infection
- Refusal to participate
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 to 3 months
Participants undergo blood tests and psychiatric evaluation to assess circulating microRNA expression and confirm chronic Toxoplasma infection status.
1 to 2 visits depending on antibody levels
Duration - Up to 3 months
Participants are observed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of plasma microRNA expression in relation to psychological disorders.
1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Benha faculty of Medicine
Banhā, El Qalyoubia, Egypt, 13511
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Heba Abo El Ela, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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