OhMayGod Chances are you're probably infected with this parasite and brain does not know

Chances are you're probably infected with this parasite and brain does not know -

Have you heard of Toxoplasma gondii, or Toxo for short? Chances are you probably have not. Chances are you are probably infected with it.

Do not worry, this is not a fatal disease, but it is insidious in its own way. Toxo is a parasite that is traditionally found in rats, but the races in the stomachs of cats. It does this by subtly rewire the brains of rats to be attracted cats. The rat and begins deliberately in danger for a cat to kill and eat, thus transferring the parasite in cat.

The traditional thinking was that although humans can contract Toxo There are no real threat to us. In those with a weakened immune system, the parasite can sometimes lead to complications. However, for healthy adults, the infection causes a short flu-like illness while the body fights the parasite. He then proceeds to put to sleep in the brain.

Well at least that used to be what we thought ...

Meet Czech scientist Jaroslav Flegr. Most of what we know Toxo comes from its research.

Atlantic

.. it seems strange, but Flegr began studying Toxo after acknowledging that some of his behavior in many imitated respects that of other species whose brains have been manipulated by parasites (reckless disregard for his own security). After the fall of communism, Flegr began to devote himself to the study of Toxo and its life cycle. Finally, he had himself tested for it, and it is found that it was infected

It is estimated that nearly half of the human population is infected with Toxo , it is actually quite easy to contact.

Well, Toxo is bad news for the rats, but what about humans? This is the Flegr question was answered.

As Flegr continued its Toxo research, he began to find evidence of some pretty disturbing things and other institutes research began to read ...

Toxo humans once you are infected. so even if you are infected, you really can not do anything about it

(via: the Atlantic).

But not just yet be rid of your cats if you're looking to avoid Toxo . There are only outdoor cats that are prone to bring Toxo in the house. If you have outdoor cats, Flegr said they usually only paid Toxo for three weeks when they are young. Flegr advises keeping clean kitchen surfaces, wash all vegetables, and avoiding water that has not been properly purified.

I'm very uncomfortable with the idea of ​​a prehistoric parasite infecting me inadvertently while subtly influence my thoughts and actions, but at the same time now, I think I'd rather not know if I am infected with Toxo . In this particular area of ​​life, I think ignorance is truly bliss.

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