Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection is associated with decreased working memory performance in women

Infecção crônica por Toxoplasma gondii está associada à diminuição de desempenho da memória de trabalho em mulheres

Abstract

Objective

The present study sought to investigate changes in mood, inhibitory control, and working memory associated with T. gondii infection in a sample of Brazilian women.

Method

Twenty-eight female participants were equally distributed into two groups, according to the serology for chronic infection by T. gondii. The participants answered a Sociodemographic questionnaire, the CES-D, and performed Simon and N-Back tasks.

Results

Infected participants presented less accuracy and longer response time in N-Back tasks. No significant differences were found in the Simon task performance or in the depression levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that chronic infection by T. gondii may result in impaired working memory and point out the importance of public policies aiming at preventing this infection.

Keywords:
Depression; Memory, short-term; Toxoplasmosis