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Subject Area

Dermatology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The objective was to investigate the association of latent Toxoplasma infection and the underlying androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris. Background Androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris are common dermatological conditions that affect many persons and reflect on their life. The parthenogenesis of both diseases is multifactorial and are subjected to continuous researches. Hormonal role is among theories explaining parthenogenesis of both diseases. Meanwhile, their etiological factors share common grounds with endocrinal alterations that occur during Toxoplasma latent infection. Patients and methods Both Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G and free testosterone were measured with immunoassay method (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for 30 androgenic alopecia and 30 acne vulgaris patient groups in serum samples that were well clinically diagnosed and subgroups according to severity. Results There were statistical significances between Toxoplasma seropositivity and androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris severity, P value less than 0.001, 0.019, respectively. There was also a significant elevation of free testosterone in seropositive subgroups of both androgenic alopecia (median, 32.65 pg/ml; range, 0.40–44.80 and P = 0.001 for males and median, 4.45 pg/ml; range, 2.40–39.00, P = 0.001 for females) and acne vulgaris (median, 33.85 pg/ml; range, 0.40–49.80 for males, and median, 3.9; range, 2.20–30.00 in females). Compared with seronegative subgroups: for androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris median of free testosterone 14.4 pg/ml (range, 1.60–26.30, in males: median, 2.10 pg/ml; range, 0.70–4.40 in females, respectively). There were statistical significances with free testosterone levels and the severity of female patients in androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris P values were 0.025 and 0.001, respectively, and only in androgenic alopecia, male patients' P value was 0.02. Free testosterone was positive correlated to the severity of both diseases in males of seropositivity of toxoplasmosis (r = 0.658: r = 0.470). While in females, seropositivity values were r = 0.696 and r = 0.765. Conclusions The positive correlation of the free testosterone level and seropositivity of Toxoplasma and the severity of androgenic alopecia and acne vulgaris suggests a contributing role of Toxoplasma in both diseases by altering the free testosterone level. So, involvement of toxoplasmosis in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and androgenic alopecia should be focused since Toxoplasma latent infection is present worldwide.

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