Toxoplasmosis is one of the world's most prevalent zoonoses. The causative agent, Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) is a facultative heteroxenic, polyxenic apicomplexan protist. There are several potential pathways of transmission within and between host species. Most infections with T. gondii result from close contact with pets/cats, ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat of infected animals, and oocysts from food or water contaminated by feline faeces. Recently, epidemiological studies have shown that T. gondii infection plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of several psychiatric disorders. This report reviews the association between T. gondii infection and patients with psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.

Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia

Department of Psychiatry Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia

Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine Universiti Sains Malaysia Penang Malaysia

School of Dental Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus Kubang Kerian Kelantan Malaysia

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