Did you know that a common food-borne illness might increase the risk of developing a type of rare brain cancer called glioma? According to Science Daily, a recent study suggests that a toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, sometimes found in undercooked meat, can heighten the risk of glioma. In fact, says the report, published in International Journal of Cancer, patients with glioma are more likely to have T. gondii antibodies than other groups.
T. Gondii
According to ScienceDirect, T. gondii is:
a protozoan parasite transmittable through contact with cat feces or the consumption of contaminated foods, such as meat containing infective tissue cysts or unwashed produce from contaminated soil.
The CDC continues to explain that over 40 million Americans may be infected with T. gondii. Although the infection is sometimes asymptomatic, a severe toxoplasmosis infection may cause:
tissue cysts, most commonly in skeletal muscle, myocardium, brain, and eyes; these cysts may remain throughout the life of the host.
Other symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Body aches
- Confusion
- Retinal inflammation
- Seizures
- Jaundice
A T. gondii infection is much more serious in infants and those who are immunocompromised. These groups are at a higher risk of a more severe infection and worse symptoms.
Within this study, researchers explored the relationship between T. gondii antibodies and glioma risk. Even while sourcing data from two separate cohorts, researchers found a link between these antibodies and a heightened risk of brain cancer. Thus, this suggests that those with parasite exposure are more likely to develop glioma. However, researchers also urge people to recognize that there are many cases of exposure in which the brain cancer does not develop. Additional research is needed to replicate and evaluate this data.
Glioma
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) explains that:
“Glioma” is a general term used to describe any tumor that arises from the supportive (“gluey”) tissue of the brain. This tissue, called “glia,” helps to keep the neurons in place and functioning well.
Overall, this is one of the most common types of brain tumors. An estimated 80% of malignant brain tumors fit into this category, with just a 5% 5-year survival rate. There are three types of glial cells that can produce tumors: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal. Ultimately, these may result in astrocytomas, such as glioblastoma, optic glioma, gliomatosis cerebra, or other tumors.
Symptoms vary based on the type of tumor. For example, patients with mixed glioma, which means that the tumor has multiple types of glial cells involved, may experience:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Changes in behavior and personality
- Vision loss
Patients with glioblastoma, on the other hand, might experience:
- Double or blurred vision
- Headaches
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
- Trouble thinking or speaking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Appetite loss
