OBJECTIVE: The correlation between both types of diabetes and toxoplasmosis has not been firmly established. To confirm this correlation, we conducted this study to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and to identify possible associated risk factors in diabetic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was assessed in a cohort study that included 300 diabetic patients (150 Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and 150 Type 2) in addition to 300 healthy controls. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data to identify the risk factors for seropositive diabetic cases.

RESULTS: The total seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was significantly higher in diabetic patients of both types (p<0.0001) than in healthy control individuals. Recent Toxoplasma gondii infection was clearly observed in type 2 diabetic patients. Female diabetic patients (71.1%) were found to be more susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Also, living in rural areas (75.6%), illiteracy (46.7%), consuming raw vegetables (91.1%), and contact with soil (68.9%) were found to be the most significant risk factors for toxoplasmosis in diabetic patients. Furthermore, 42.2% of positive Toxoplasma gondii diabetic cases showed diabetic complications.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and diabetes; also, Toxoplasma gondii could be a potential cause of diabetes. Moreover, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are more susceptible to acquiring Toxoplasma gondii infections, and this infection could be a risk factor for diabetes complications.