Strain-dependent effects of Toxoplasma gondii on ovarian health and inflammation in a rat model.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular parasite, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a widespread disease affecting approximately one-third of the global population. This study investigates the strain-specific effects of T. gondii infection on immune responses, reproductive physiology, and oxidative stress in Wistar rats, comparing the highly virulent RH strain to the less virulent VEG strain. The results show that the RH strain significantly reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p < 0.01) while increasing pro-inflammatory IFN-γ (p < 0.05), suggesting a strong inflammatory response. In contrast, the VEG strain produced a more balanced immune profile, with no significant change in IL-10 and a moderate rise in IFN-γ. Although no visible damage to ovarian tissue was observed in any group, the RH strain resulted in a higher number of growing follicles (p < 0.05), while the VEG strain led to significantly larger follicles (p < 0.05). Both strains elevated CRP levels, with the RH strain inducing a more significant inflammatory response. However, oxidative stress markers showed no significant differences among the experimental groups. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the highly virulent RH strain elicits a strong inflammatory response, whereas the less virulent VEG strain induces a more moderate immune reaction, without causing significant damage to ovarian tissue.