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06:33
3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
Published on: December 9, 2014
Effects of toxoplasma on human behavior
1Departmeent of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicná 7, CZ-128 44 Praha 2, Czech Republic. flegr@cesnet.cz
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Latent Toxoplasma gondii infections, common in humans, may not be asymptomatic. This parasite may alter adult human behavior and psychomotor performance, possibly through effects on dopamine and testosterone.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Latent Toxoplasma gondii infection is highly prevalent globally.
- Previously assumed asymptomatic in adults, except for congenital cases.
- Rodent studies suggest T. gondii can alter host behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential behavioral alterations in adult humans with latent Toxoplasma gondii infection.
- To explore the impact of T. gondii on human personality and psychomotor performance.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of infected versus uninfected adults using personality questionnaires.
- Assessment of psychomotor performance in infected individuals.
- Review of potential biological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Observed significant differences in personality traits between infected and uninfected adults.
- Demonstrated reduced psychomotor performance in individuals with latent T. gondii infection.
- Identified potential roles for dopamine and testosterone modulation.
Conclusions:
- Latent Toxoplasma gondii infection may be associated with behavioral and psychomotor changes in adults.
- T. gondii's influence on neurotransmitters and hormones could underlie these effects.
- Reconsideration of the asymptomatic nature of latent toxoplasmosis in humans is warranted.
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