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Toxoplasma

All articles tagged with #toxoplasma

health-research1 year ago

"Long-Term Effects of Parasite in Contaminated Meat on Memory and Learning Revealed by Study"

A study from Charles University in the Czech Republic suggests that food poisoning caused by parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia spp can lead to long-term effects on memory and learning, as well as an increased risk of developing conditions like schizophrenia and dementia. The research found that individuals who had experienced food poisoning from these parasites showed slower reaction times and poorer cognitive abilities, even after their physical symptoms had resolved. The study indicates a potential link between these infections and chronic neurological issues, although the exact mechanisms behind these effects are not yet fully understood.

via Daily Mail|
#food-poisoning#health-research#learning
science2 years ago

Advancements in Cat-Restricted Toxoplasma Pre-Sexual Stages Production

Researchers have discovered that the depletion of AP2XI-2 and AP2XII-1, two transcription factors associated with the chromatin modifiers MORC and HDAC3, leads to the induction of merozoite-specific gene expression in Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This finding sheds light on the sexual reproduction of Toxoplasma, which is confined to the guts of felids. The study also revealed changes in the expression of microneme, rhoptry, and dense granule proteins, as well as surface proteins, during the transition from tachyzoites to merozoites. In vitro-produced merozoites were found to be deficient in essential proteins necessary for tachyzoite functions and exhibited reduced infectivity.

via Nature.com|
#ap2-proteins#gene-expression#merozoites
health2 years ago

The Surprising Link Between Cat Poop and Personality Changes

A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, found in cat feces, has been shown to alter behavior and feelings towards cats. More than 30 million people in the US alone carry the parasite, which can cause toxoplasmosis. While most healthy individuals experience no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, infected individuals may exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased risk-taking and a higher likelihood of being involved in car accidents. Infected men may find the smell of cat urine more pleasant, while infected individuals overall may be more likely to become entrepreneurs. The parasite's ability to alter behavior is believed to be linked to increased dopamine levels in the brain.

via IndyStar|
#cat-behavior#health#parasite