Brain cancer mortality rates increase with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in France
Infection, Genetics and Evolution
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Abstract
The incidence of adult brain cancer was previously shown to be higher in countries where the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is common, suggesting that this brain protozoan could potentially increase the risk of tumor formation. Using countries as replicates has, however, several potential confounding factors, particularly because detection rates vary with country wealth. Using an independent dataset entirely within France, we further establish the significance of the association between T. gondii and brain cancer and find additional demographic resolution. In adult age classes 55 years and older, regional mortality rates due to brain cancer correlated positively with the local seroprevalence of T. gondii. This effect was particularly strong for men. While this novel evidence of a significant statistical association between T. gondii infection and brain cancer does not demonstrate causation, these results suggest that investigations at the scale of the individual are merited.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Brain cancer mortality rates increase with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in France |
| Series title | Infection, Genetics and Evolution |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.01.013 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | Western Ecological Research Center |
| Description | 3 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Infection, Genetics and Evolution |
| First page | 496 |
| Last page | 498 |
| Country | France |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |