Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cats, could exist in humans

For years, scientists have known the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cats, and the ability of infected mice to make risky decisions. But now a new study published in the journal Proceeding of the Royal Society B, suggests that this parasite could also have on humans. I would make them more enterprising.

Research, conducted by the University of Colorado, examined databases containing information on the coincidence of T. gondii infections and commercial activity worldwide. In parallel, they analyzed samples of sputum from students and professionals to see if they had the protozoa mentioned above.

An Interesting Model
The research team, led by Stefanie K. Johnson, was looking for clues to a relationship between the positive and at-risk characteristics of business people and the parasite.

Nearly 1,500 students who tested positive for T. gondii exposure were 1.4 times more likely to study the trade. They were also 1.7 times more likely to focus on "management and entrepreneurship". As for the 197 professionals evaluated, the parasite made them 1.8 times more likely to have their own business at one time.

Analysis of national databases on infection rates in the past 25 years also showed an interesting pattern: infections could be used to predict new businesses, as well as less fear of it. failure.

Toxoplasma gondii
The hypothesis is that toxoplasmosis could make the human brain less objectionable. when taking financial risks. After all, the parasite transmitted by cats can cause mice to lose fear or dislike the odor of their natural predators.

This reckless attitude of the mouse could be an evolved feature that helps the parasite jump between cats through their food supply. This, in turn, raises the question of whether there is a similar neurological effect in humans.

The relationship of parasites with humans
Although the parasite seems to wreak havoc on our immune system, it has an effect at the neurological level, it is more complicated, in part because cats do not not feed humans.

Also, although some studies suggest that a T. gondii infection might make some people more aggressive, the numbers are not convincing. contrary studies have failed to establish links between psychological conditions or personality traits and illness.

This new approach suggests that something more subtle could happen, an influence that is not important enough to create conditions. serious psychological, but that could still make people riskier.

Source: https://nmas1.org/news/2018/07/26/gatos-empre ndedores-ciencia