If you’re a cat owner, you may have already heard of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is found in soil, water, and raw meat.

Cats become infected when they eat an animal infected with the parasite, then pass it out in their feces. If a human ingests food or water contaminated with infected cat feces, they can become infected too.

Symptoms

Most people who become infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite don’t have any symptoms. However, some may experience flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and fever.

These symptoms can last for a few weeks and then go away.

In some cases, though, a person may develop more serious symptoms. This is more likely in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.

In these cases, the parasite can affect the brain and cause seizures, confusion, and potentially fatal encephalitis.

Brain Effects

The reason toxoplasmosis is of particular interest to brain researchers is that the parasite has been linked to changes in behavior and personality.

Specifically, some studies suggest that people infected with the parasite are more likely to take risks and exhibit impulsive behavior.

One study found that people infected with the parasite were more likely to be involved in car accidents, potentially because they were more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors.

Other studies have suggested that infected individuals may be more prone to mental illness, including schizophrenia.

While these findings are intriguing, it’s important to note that they are still somewhat controversial.

It’s possible that some other factor, such as genetics or early life stress, could be responsible for both the likelihood of infection and the behavioral changes observed.

Prevention

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. If you’re a cat owner, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the litter box.

Avoid feeding your cat raw or undercooked meat, and consider having them tested for the parasite.

If you’re pregnant, you should be especially careful, as the parasite can be passed on to the baby. Avoid cleaning the litter box, and have someone else do it if possible. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid drinking untreated water.

Treatment

If you’re diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may need to monitor you closely to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to your brain.

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis is a potentially serious parasitic infection that can have brain-related effects.

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the parasite and behavior, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of infection.