Toxoplasmosis
medicineman 10 Aug 2010
Behavioral changes
It has been found that the parasite has the ability to change the behaviour of its host: infected rats and mice are less fearful of cats—in fact, some of the infected rats seek out cat-urine-marked areas. This effect is advantageous to the parasite, which will be able to proliferate as a cat could eat the infected rat and then reproduce.[23] The mechanism for this change is not completely understood, but there is evidence that toxoplasmosis infection raises dopamine levels and concentrates in the amygdala in infected mice.[24]
The findings of behavioural alteration in rats and mice have led some scientists to speculate that Toxoplasma may have similar effects in humans, even in the latent phase that had previously been considered asymptomatic. Toxoplasma is one of a number of parasites that may alter their host's behaviour as a part of their life cycle.[25] The behaviors observed, if caused by the parasite, are likely due to infection and low-grade encephalitis, which is marked by the presence of cysts in the human brain, which may produce or induce production of a neurotransmitter, possibly dopamine,[26] therefore acting similarly to dopamine reuptake inhibitor type antidepressants and stimulants.
Correlations have been found between latent Toxoplasma infections and various characteristics:[27]
- Decreased novelty-seeking behaviour[28]
- Slower reactions[citation needed]
- Lower rule-consciousness and greater jealousy (in men)[28]
- Promiscuity and greater conscientiousness (in women)[28]
Studies have found that toxoplasmosis is associated with an increased car accident rate in people with Rh-negative blood. The chance of an accident relative to uninfected people is increased roughly 2.5 times.[26][29][30]
This may be due to the slowed reaction times that are associated with infection.[29] "If our data are true then about a million people a year die just because they are infected with Toxoplasma," the researcher Jaroslav Flegr told The Guardian.[31] The data shows that the risk decreases with time after infection, but is not due to age.[26] Ruth Gilbert, medical coordinator of the European Multicentre Study on Congenital Toxoplasmosis, told BBC News Online these findings could be due to chance, or due to social and cultural factors associated with Toxoplasma infection.[32] However there is also evidence of a delayed effect which increases reaction times.[33]
Other studies suggest that the parasite may influence personality. There are claims of Toxoplasma causing antisocial attitudes in men and promiscuity[34] (or even "signs of higher intelligence"[31] ) in women, and greater susceptibility to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in all infected persons.[34] A 2004 study found that Toxoplasma "probably induce[s] a decrease of novelty seeking." [35]
According to Sydney University of Technology infectious disease researcher Nicky Boulter in an article that appeared in the January/February 2007 edition of Australasian Science magazine, Toxoplasma infections lead to changes depending on the sex of the infected person. [36][37]
The study suggests that male carriers have shorter attention spans, a greater likelihood of breaking rules and taking risks, and are more independent, anti-social, suspicious, jealous and morose. It also suggests that these men are deemed less attractive to women. Women carriers are suggested to be more outgoing, friendly, more promiscuous, and are considered more attractive to men compared with non-infected controls. The results are shown to be true when tested on mice, though it is still inconclusive. A few scientists have suggested that, if these effects are genuine, prevalence of toxoplasmosis could be a major determinant of cultural differences.[27][37][38]
[edit] Toxoplasma's role in schizophrenia
The possibility that toxoplasmosis is one cause of schizophrenia has been studied by scientists since at least 1953.[39] These studies had attracted little attention from U.S. researchers until they were publicized through the work of prominent psychiatrist and advocate E. Fuller Torrey. In 2003, Torrey published a review of this literature, reporting that almost all the studies had found that schizophrenics have elevated rates of Toxoplasma infection.[39] A 2006 paper has even suggested that prevalence of toxoplasmosis has large-scale effects on national culture.[40] These types of studies are suggestive but cannot confirm a causal relationship (because of the possibility, for example, that schizophrenia increases the likelihood of Toxoplasma infection rather than the other way around).[39]
- Acute Toxoplasma infection sometimes leads to psychotic symptoms not unlike schizophrenia.
- Several studies have found significantly higher levels of Toxoplasma antibodies in schizophrenia patients compared to the general population.[41]
- Toxoplasma infection causes damage to astrocytes in the brain, and such damage is also seen in schizophrenia[citation needed].
chris w 10 Aug 2010
The study suggests that male carriers have shorter attention spans, a greater likelihood of breaking rules and taking risks, and are more independent, anti-social, suspicious, jealous and morose. It also suggests that these men are deemed less attractive to women.
This is interesting, the ruling dogma of human evol psychology was always that those 3 traits generally do make males more attractive by definition, also the "dark triad" personality supposedly, that would cover the rest of them. So I guess - watch out badboys, 'cause if you get the bug, your mojo's riding down.
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Lufega 11 Aug 2010
medicineman 12 Aug 2010
Dmitri 12 Aug 2010
If the microbe is present in enough people, which I think it is, then this could have dramatic effects on our culture and evolution.
According to wikipedia 1/3rd of the world population is estimated to carry the protozoa, which is most commonly spread by fecal matter or uncooked meat. However, it has only been found in 10-11% of childbearing women in the U.S. Also, it seems treatment is reserved specifically for people with immune problems (most notably AIDS patients).
eon 06 Jan 2015
It's not exactly a disease carried just by cats but other animals as well. Even if you didn't own one, any stray cats walking around may carry risks I would think. Not sure if toxoplasmosis "lingers" (i.e. if you move to a house or apartment previously owned by a cat person, could the cat's disease linger around). Who knows? I've dated the cat lady types before too.
I'm looking into toxoplasmosis as possible cause of my mood shift and other things. I suspected Lyme disease as well considering I live in a region where it is prevalent, but as a cat lover (not owner), I may have came across toxoplasmosis at some point. Whether from stray cats I used to play with as a child and or from visiting families with house cats.
Not sure exactly how does one catch toxoplasmosis. Is it just by being around cats (and other animals that may have them)? I've been bitten and scratched by cats before. I've been nibbled on by a ferret. There must be something regarding "cat's scratch fever"? No wonder Ted Nugent's behavior is whack. LOL. That was his song!
That's one of the reasons I don't have a cat.
Edited by eon, 06 January 2015 - 12:06 PM.
Mind 06 Jan 2015
I love cats...woot, woot... (t. gonddii speaking for Mind today)
Here is another good discussion about the influence of this parasite http://www.longecity...ty-and-culture/
eon 10 Jan 2015
Would getting immunization for malaria work for lyme and or toxo considering both uses the same antibiotics that is used for Malaria? I think these shots (Malaria immunization) are given if "travelling overseas" if going to a certain place where Malaria is prevalent. What other immunizations might work as a preventive measure? God knows how many immunizations there are out there.
Edited by eon, 10 January 2015 - 04:17 AM.
eon 21 Jan 2015
Does anyone here know how to get tested for Toxoplasmosis or which type of test could work similarly as well? There is a Lyme disease testing at Walgreens' healthcare clinic but when I inquired about it, they said it's not a blood test but a visual test! Then if they think something is going on they send you to somewhere else.
Does anyone here know of a source that sells anti malarials such as Atovaquone for possible cure for toxoplasmosis? I'm also looking for minocycline antibiotic. I always see other types of antibiotics such as azithromycin, but haven't found minocycline yet.
i wonder how these are used? How long must one be on it? When I had gonorrhea the azithromycin (sometimes amoxicillin) I took was only good for about a week or 6-7 doses. The Atovaquone pills usually start with a 12 pill pack, does that mean the whole pack needs to be used? Do I need to buy a Nurse's handbook to determine which dosage is recommended?
Edited by eon, 21 January 2015 - 05:27 PM.
Kalliste 21 Jan 2015
Wonder if a cure of antibiotics would do more harm than good. Wonder if there is an online test for this. Toxo always seemed like the kind of thing to cause many diseases in later life.
eon 22 Jan 2015
StevesPetRat 22 Jan 2015
Well, if you live in Phoenix or San Jose, it costs $9.90 to test for past infection (IgM optional IMO):Does anyone here know how to get tested for Toxoplasmosis or which type of test could work similarly as well?
Thanks for the heads up on how to kill it. I've often wondered if it's Toxo, not EBV, that triggered my mental health troubles, as we "adopted" an aggressive stray cat around the time when I got mono and then depressed and "ADHD" (yeah, that totally develops out of the blue at age 19)... Now to find a doctor who doesn't think running tests is evil or whatever the hell problem they seem to have with simply gathering more information.86777 Toxoplasma, IgG $9.90
86778 Toxoplasma, IgM $9.90
Kalliste 22 Jan 2015
I did bring this up once or twice with healthcare and they looked at me like I was about to pull out a gun or something. What is their problem with this?
eon 22 Jan 2015
I think the tests are going to become available nationwide soon. I've read of the Theranos company. I think they will be available in all Walgreens if I'm not mistaken. Hopefully it will be this year so I won't have to go to Phoenix or San Jose.
Most doctors wouldn't bother testing anyone for something "obscure" like Toxo or EBV. There's no money in an obscure niche.
Well, if you live in Phoenix or San Jose, it costs $9.90 to test for past infection (IgM optional IMO):Does anyone here know how to get tested for Toxoplasmosis or which type of test could work similarly as well?
Thanks for the heads up on how to kill it. I've often wondered if it's Toxo, not EBV, that triggered my mental health troubles, as we "adopted" an aggressive stray cat around the time when I got mono and then depressed and "ADHD" (yeah, that totally develops out of the blue at age 19)... Now to find a doctor who doesn't think running tests is evil or whatever the hell problem they seem to have with simply gathering more information.86777 Toxoplasma, IgG $9.90
86778 Toxoplasma, IgM $9.90
eon 22 Jan 2015
for those of us trying to self-medicate, does anyone here know of a good book that has information on several drugs that show how to use them, etc.? I could only think of Physicians Desk Reference annual book series. While the reviews of it on amazon.com were mostly bad, does anyone else know of a better reference book? I'm wondering if these books would cover the drugs I mentioned here? Mostly obscure drugs like minocycline and or Atovaquone.
eon 23 Jan 2015
eon 23 Jan 2015
I would think one has to get to the root of the problem if it's parasitic then kill the parasite because I don't think anyone will be well off if they have the bug regardless if they pop methamphetamine to have a "functional" brain. What do you guys think?
StevesPetRat 23 Jan 2015
Yes, Epstein-Barr virus. You have it. It's transmitted directly from human to human. Not sure if airborne, definitely transmissible via saliva (you continue to shed the virus in your saliva chronically after infection. Sounds totally "benign", eh?). It has immune system modifying properties, through superantigen and IL10-analogue secretion, and is associated with autoimmune disease.If EBV stand for Epstein-Barr virus, there is no vaccine yet, it's still in clinical trial. How does one determine if they have this and what causes it? Is it from cats as well or is it tick-borne (like Lyme disease)?
eon 23 Jan 2015
You make it sound as if EBV is a good thing. LOL.
Yes, Epstein-Barr virus. You have it. It's transmitted directly from human to human. Not sure if airborne, definitely transmissible via saliva (you continue to shed the virus in your saliva chronically after infection. Sounds totally "benign", eh?). It has immune system modifying properties, through superantigen and IL10-analogue secretion, and is associated with autoimmune disease.If EBV stand for Epstein-Barr virus, there is no vaccine yet, it's still in clinical trial. How does one determine if they have this and what causes it? Is it from cats as well or is it tick-borne (like Lyme disease)?
eon 26 Jan 2015
This will soon be available at all Walgreen location nationwide, but doesn't it require you to Get a lab order from your clinician? Meaning this isn't as easy as walk-in, buy the kit then submit blood for testing. Must you have to make appointment with your doctor to get the tests done which may defeat the purpose of this supposedly cheap and fast service.
Well, if you live in Phoenix or San Jose, it costs $9.90 to test for past infection (IgM optional IMO):Does anyone here know how to get tested for Toxoplasmosis or which type of test could work similarly as well?
Edited by eon, 26 January 2015 - 01:29 PM.
eon 19 Mar 2015
funny thing happened today when I was at my doctor. I had asked for bloodwork to test for toxoplasmosis and my doctor said that's usually only for people with HIV or AIDS (something I don't have). The test is called Toxo Titers test. I just wanted the test done so my suspicions of having it gets settled. I was a cat lover at one point...
groentjes 22 May 2015
Most people get Toxoplasmosis from raw meat/bad cooked meat or unwashed vegetables not from cats although you can get it from cats too.
I eat raw meat quite often, have had cats all my life and will occasionally forget washing my vegetables (or I am just too lazy) however I got sick with toxoplasmosis. I got very very painful swollen lymph nodes they hurt so bad that I had trouble moving my neck and pain in my head and was really really tired. The doctor ran a blood test because he thought i had Pfeiffer's disease but my blood test reveal that I had Toxoplasmosis; This is weird because I already been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis a few years ago and my mothers had it to in her early twenties so weird that I got sick with it again. Apparently you have it for life and it can have latent and active phases; I wonder if there is a way of telling in your blood test how long the infection have been there.
I wonder if toxoplasmosis could be an explanation for my mental health problems (OCD, anxiety) and suicidal thoughts. But I don't think the doctor is going to prescribe my any medication for toxoplasmosis (it is not seen as serious- but now it seems it can be) so maybe I can try an overcounter treatment.
ARe there any antiparasitic supplements you guys know off?
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Kalliste 23 May 2015
Simvastatin and other LDL stuff, curcumin, nanosilver, ginger. Probably many more.
http://journals.plos...al.pone.0057302
http://www.researchg...-Giardia_agents
http://www.researchg...xoplasma_agents