Scientists: brainwashing by parasites – those who are affected become frequent travelers

Toxoplasma gondii makes people more cautious in professional life

Amazing result: According to an American study, the parasite toxoplasma gondii prevalent in cats would make people more cautious in their professional lives and more often in their own business . The explanation of these altered behaviors is as disturbing as it is intriguing: it appears that the parasite influences the choices of its host and encourages more risk averse behavior.

The infection with the world's most common feline parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, could increase the human likelihood of pursuing entrepreneurial activities and founding one's own business. This is the result of a recent study from the University of Colorado recently published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The results of the study suggest that the parasite is capable of To influence human behavior.

From the mouse taking the risk to the young entrepreneur

In the mouse, the effect of modifying the behavior of the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii has already been reported. When the parasite infects a mouse, it then changes behavior. It makes you more risk averse and thus increases the risk of being eaten by a cat. This is in agreement with the parasite that the cat must reproduce. Current research suggests that these risk-increasing effects may also occur in humans.

The feline parasite promotes entrepreneurial action

A team of researchers from the University of Colorado discovered that people infected with the widespread parasite Toxoplasma gondii, up to 1.8 times more likely to own a business than people without the parasite. Statistics from 42 countries with data from the last 25 years have been taken into account. Researchers have always identified the prevalence of parasite infection as a positive factor for entrepreneurial action.

About 30% of the world's population affected

The parasite is anything but a rare human visitor. Toxoplasma gondii breeds in wild and domestic cats and can be transmitted through them to humans. The University of Colorado estimates that 2 billion people worldwide are infected. The consequences of such toxoplasmosis are still largely unknown. Other studies have already reported the effects of the agent on the human body. The infectious disease should therefore have a negative impact on the health of newborns. Toxoplasma gondii promotes impulsive behavior

The Colorado team of researchers reports that the appearance of Toxoplasma gondii is associated with increased impulse behavior of the host. Thus, among the human hosts, there would be an increased risk of car accidents, frenzy, mental illness, neurosis, drug abuse and suicide. Another study reports that cat owners have an increased likelihood of aggression and irritability due to the parasite.

A hidden brain of human behavior?

Scientists in the study point out the hidden, yet unexplored role of transmissible microbes could have human behavior. If these assumptions are true, it is an indisputable impact on human decision making.

The co-pilot in the brain

"As humans, we like to think that we control our actions," reports Pieter Johnson, co-author of the study and professor at the Department of Ecology and evolutionary biology, in a press release on the results of the study. However, new research shows increasingly clearly that the microorganisms we encounter in our daily lives have the potential to significantly affect their hosts.

Many Natural Examples

As the Professor reports, there are many examples in nature for such parasitic interactions. The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, for example, supports the brain of ants, which then exhibit self-destructive behavior to promote the fungus. In humans too, there are other examples. So, according to Johnson, human intestinal microbes can affect the mood and immune system of the host.

Taking greater risks does not mean more success

However, researchers warn that greater risk-taking does not necessarily mean more success. Only because statistically more people with toxoplasmosis start a business, which must not be successful. "We do not know if companies started with Toxoplasma gondii positive individuals will be successful or fail in the long run," said lead author Stefanie K. Johnson. New businesses have a high default rate, so the fear of failure is very rational. Toxoplasma gondii can reduce this rational anxiety. (Vb)