ArticleBMC infectious diseases2026
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection, associated risk factors, and circulating IL-6 and VEGF-A levels in colorectal cancer patients: a case-control study from western Iran.
Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) development is influenced by inflammatory, angiogenic, and lifestyle-related factors. Latent Toxoplasma gondii infection has been implicated in modulating host immune and inflammatory responses, potentially affecting tumour biology. This study investigated the relationship between T. gondii seropositivity, risk factors, and circulating Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels with CRC risk in a population from Lorestan Province, western Iran.
methodsThis case-control investigation was conducted on 215 newly diagnosed patients with CRC and 215 apparently healthy individuals without CRC (non-CRC). Participants were assessed for T. gondii antibodies, demographic and dietary variables, and serum concentrations of VEGF-A and IL-6. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent association of infection and CRC case status.
resultsT. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in CRC patients (30.2%) compared with controls (19.5%; OR = 3.646, CI = 1.217-9.824, P < 0.001*). After adjustment, older age, urban residence, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, frequent fast-food intake, and lower educational level were independently associated with infection (all P < 0.05). Circulating VEGF-A and IL-6 levels increased progressively across study groups, peaking in CRC patients with T. gondii seropositivity (VEGF-A: 82.9 pg/mL; IL-6: 63.7 pg/mL), a pattern that may reflect the underlying inflammatory milieu of colorectal malignancy, the potential immunomodulatory effects of T. gondii infection, or both, and which cannot be attributed to either factor independently in this observational study. Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity, fast-food consumption, and elevated VEGF-A and IL-6 levels were independently associated with CRC case status in this case-control study (P < 0.05).
conclusionsIn conclusion, T. gondii seropositivity was more frequent among patients with CRC than among controls and was independently associated with elevated circulating IL-6 and VEGF-A levels. Older age and selected dietary factors were also associated with seropositivity. Owing to the observational case-control design and several potential sources of residual confounding, these findings should be considered hypothesis-generating rather than evidence of causality. Prospective studies incorporating comprehensive clinical and immunological characterization are warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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