University of California parasite ecologist Kevin Lafferty published a
research paper recently that may have many cat owners in the U.S. and
abroad questioning their mental health. In it he examined an intestinal
parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, which he believes may have the
ability to affect mood and behavior in humans.
Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted from cats to humans via contact with
eggs found in the cat's feces, and once allowed to take up residence in
the intestinal tract it can cause everything from diarrhea to flu-like
symptoms. But perhaps the most intriguing characteristic of this
particular species of parasitic protozoa is its effect on personality. |
According to Lafferty's findings, people infected with the parasite are
more prone to feelings of guilt and insecurity. In women, Toxoplasma gondii can manifest as increased affection and attentiveness, while men who
contract the parasite can seem dull and somewhat unintelligent.
Corroborating these findings, Dr. Joanne Webster and a team of researchers
at Oxford University in the UK linked Toxoplasma gondii infection in
children with hyperactivity and low IQ levels. These findings and others
have prompted scientists to wonder if parasites may in fact manipulate
behavior on a regional or even on a global scale - a question that will
require further investigation from Lafferty and his colleagues in the field.
So does this mean cat owners should send their feline companions packing?
No, says Lafferty. Healthy indoor cats typically pose very little threat
to their human companions, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't worry about
parasites. In addition to Toxoplasma gondii, trillions of intestinal
parasites exist today that can cause poor health and disease in humans.
For this reason, a growing number of health practitioners recommend regular
internal cleansing to boost immunity and prevent infestation. |
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