ScienceToday

Mind control parasite.

Toxoplasma gondii is a strange parasite that can infect the brain and live in your body for a long period of time, or even forever. This parasite could even cause schizophrenia in some patients. Recent evidence has shown that 2 billion people across the world have toxoplasmosis, while 40 million of them are in the United States.

This parasite is mostly found in house cats and it reproduces sexually inside the feline’s gut, and you can get the virus from the cat’s feces. However, the parasite can also be found in other mammals, where it reproduces asexually.

After Toxoplasma gondii enters your body, it usually hides in certain areas ‘that are not protected enough by your immune system, including your brain, muscle tissue and heart. According to Live Science, after it gets comfortable with its new home, the parasite encapsulates eggs and form a new parasite, also known as tachyzoite. This new parasite will multiply and spread in your body.

Toxoplasma gondii is also known as a mind-control parasite because it affects the minds of those infected. For instance, once a rodent is infected with this parasite, it forgets about its fear of cats, and it can be drawn to them by the smell of their urine, which makes them easy prey.

However, with humans things are different. In fact, most humans infected won’t show any symptoms, as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown. Only 20% of infected people show mild, flu-like symptoms.

These symptoms could last up to a few months in some people. Also, in some rare cases, people have severe reactions that could contribute to serious conditions, including brain damage.

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