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Infection caused by the predominant parasite in the world Toxoplasma gondii may increase the likelihood that a person will pursue entrepreneurial and business-related activities, according to a new study by CU Boulder
the researchers found that T. gondii -positive people were 1.4 times more likely to major in business and 1.7 times more likely to pursue a management focus and entrepreneurship. In an additional poll of 197 adult professionals participating in entrepreneurship events, infected individuals were 1.8 times more likely to have started their own business than other participants.
Researchers have also compiled national statistics from 42 countries over the past 25 years. The prevalence of T. gondii infection (ranging from 9% in Norway to 60% in Brazil) has been shown to be a positive and consistent predictor of entrepreneurial activity, even in taking into account relative national factors of wealth and opportunity. T. gondii which breeds in wild and domestic cats, infects approximately 2 billion people worldwide. While human infections often lack acute symptoms, T. gondii has been correlated to impulsive behaviors and health problems such as the increased risk of car accidents, road rage. , mental illness, neurosis, drug addiction and suicide
. Since the parasite needs a cat to reproduce, any change in the behavior of the host that would make it more likely to be eaten by a feline is supposed to benefit the parasite.
The new study was published today in the journal The work of the Royal Society B highlights the hidden and under-explored role that transmissible microbes might play in the Human decisions and large-scale cultural behaviors
"As human beings, we like to think that we control our actions," said Pieter Johnson, co-lead author of the study and professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of CU Boulder (EBIO). "But emerging research shows that the microorganisms we encounter in our daily lives have the potential to significantly influence their hosts."
Other examples of parasite-host interactions abound in nature, including the infamous fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis that diverts the brain from carpenter ants and constrains self-destructive behavior . More benign, the human intestinal microbiome contains bacteria related to the functions of mood, diet and the immune system
Economic research has historically emphasized the importance of rationality in l & # 39; Explanation of human decisions. -interest. T. gondii exposure, however, could push individuals towards higher risk, higher reward activities and move away from economic theory.
The study found that countries with a higher prevalence of infection as a deterrent to a new venture. But that does not mean that all these companies will work or that T. gondii deserves credit or blame for any individual outcome, according to the researchers.
"We can see the badociation in terms of the number of companies and the intentions of the participants, but we do not know if the companies have started." The positive individuals at T.gondii are more likely to succeed or fail in the long run, "said Stefanie K. Johnson, senior author of the study and badociate professor at the Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder." New businesses have rates failure, so the fear of failure is very rational. T.gondii could just reduce this rational fear. "
The researchers pointed out that the study is correlational in nature, rather than causal, and that individuals predisposed to high-risk behavior might be more likely to be both entrepreneurial in their attitudes." and exposed to T. gondii by contact with animals
"Infectious diseases have strongly shaped the history and culture of mankind for millions of years "Today, we like to believe that our decisions and destiny are ours alone, but the roles of our microscopic companions are more and more obvious."
The David and Lucile Packard, One Health Program of the State University of Colorado and CU Demould Center Entrepreneurship funded the study.Co-authors include Marissa Beldon of Leeds; Dana Calhoun of EBIO; Markus Fitza of the School of Finance and the Frankfurt Management, Germany; Daniel A. Lerner of the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain; and Elsa Chan of the City University of Hong Kong, China
SOURCE: University of Colorado Boulder
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