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Over the past three turbulent decades, research has profoundly reshaped our understanding of chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection—traditionally regarded as harmless in immunocompetent individuals—unveiling its surprising impact on human health, performance, and behavior. This review emphasizes the effects of chronic Toxoplasma infection on physical and mental health, cognitive performance, and behavioral changes, highlighting key findings from studies investigating these domains, with a particular focus on both ultimate and proximate mechanisms underlying the observed effects. To this end, the primary focus will be on human studies; however, animal model studies will also be thoroughly considered when necessary and appropriate, to provide context and additional important information. Research demonstrates that chronic Toxoplasma infection may contribute to a broad spectrum of physical health issues. Ecological studies have revealed correlations between toxoplasmosis prevalence and increased morbidity and mortality from various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and certain cancers. Large-scale cross-sectional studies have further shown that infected individuals report a higher incidence of numerous health complaints and diagnosed diseases, suggesting a significant impact on overall physical well-being. In addition to physical health, lifelong Toxoplasma infection (subclinical toxoplasmosis) has been implicated in cognitive impairments and behavioral changes. Studies have reported associations between infection and poorer performance in areas such as reaction time, processing speed, working memory, and executive function. Many of these behavioral changes likely relate to worsened health and a shift towards a “fast life history strategy.” These cognitive deficits can have significant implications for daily functioning and performance. Furthermore, the role of Toxoplasma infection in the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders has been extensively investigated. Meta-analyses, ecological studies, and large-scale observational studies have demonstrated associations between Toxoplasma infection and an increased risk of disorders such as schizophrenia and obsessive–compulsive disorder. While the precise mechanisms underlying these associations remain under investigation, research suggests that neuroinflammation and alterations in neurotransmitter systems are likely to play a role. Far from being harmless, subclinical toxoplasmosis is increasingly recognized as a hidden factor influencing human health, behavior, and cognitive performance—with implications that extend well beyond the individual to public health at large. Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between Toxoplasma infection, host physiology, and the development of various physical, cognitive, behavioral, and mental health conditions. Full article

The Rh system, including the highly immunogenic D antigen, is one of the clinically most important blood group systems in transfusion medicine. Numerous alleles of the RHD gene are associated with variant RhD phenotypes. In case of Rh incompatibility, some of them can induce hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Thus, accurate blood group diagnostics are critical for safe transfusion therapy. We characterized phenotypes of four individuals revealing weakened D expression during routine pre-transfusion testing. Standard gel card matrix techniques with monoclonal and polyclonal anti-D antibodies were used for serological typing, complemented using D epitope and antigen density analysis. Genotyping employing PCR with sequence-specific primers, genomic and allele-specific Sanger sequencing and in silico protein analysis were performed. Four novel RHD alleles associated with weak D or partial D phenotypes were identified. One of the mutations is predicted to disrupt the terminal stop codon and result in an elongated translation of the mutant D protein that phenotypically exhibits a loss of D epitopes. Furthermore, a hybrid gene formed with the homologue RHCE gene is described. The presented data enhances the understanding of the Rh system and may contribute to continued advances in blood group diagnostics. Full article

Most hospitals recommend performing neonatal hearing screening. Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) tests represent an ideal technique for conducting this process. Previous studies have related the influence of ABO blood group and Rhesus antigens (Rh) on the susceptibility to various pathologies. However, available data about the potential relationship between ABO blood groups, Rh, and TEOAE pass rates are sparse. Recently, several authors concluded that O blood group and Rh+ are possible influential factors of TEOAE pass rates. Significantly different TEOAE amplitude response between the four main ABO blood groups were observed among normal-hearing individuals. Moreover, ABO blood groups were discussed as a possible influential factor for the development of noise-induced hearing loss later in life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ABO blood groups, Rh, and the first TEOAE pass rates in healthy newborns. Data were retrospectively collected from healthy newborns at the maternity ward of F. Borja hospital in Gandia (Spain). Rh and ABO were compared with the results of TEOAE performed within the first 48 h of life. Results: the study group included 2765 newborns. No significant correlation between ABO blood group or Rh and TEOAE pass rates was observed in comparative tables. Conclusion: ABO blood group and Rhesus antigens do not appear to have a significant impact on the pass rate of TEOAE screening in healthy newborns. Full article