A ubiquitous parasite estimated to infect millions of people around the world, it is associated with schizophrenia and a host of other neurological disorders. associated† however, no clear evidence of this situation was presented. Also known as the ‘mind-altering’ parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) While there are many studies that claim that this parasite, called a parasite, is related to strange patterns of behavior change or human activity, there is also data that refutes this relationship.

Now, a new study led by Vincent Paquin, a psychiatrist at McGill University in Canada, appears to have new findings that may help explain this paradox. According to this research, this has the potential to find a way to identify what may lie behind the apparent dangers of T. gondii mental disorders in cat owners examines the relationship between

Cats alone are not enough for the parasite to infect humans

A 1995 study suggested that T. gondii can be transmitted to humans through exposure to the feces of an infected domestic cat, in addition to contaminated food or water; accordingly, having a cat in childhood developing a mental illness in adulthood He claimed to be connected. However, subsequent studies have failed to provide a clear answer to the relationship between cat ownership and T. gondii. The aforementioned new research seems to have brought a new perspective on this situation.

In new research papers, “Domestic cats often become infected with the parasite by feeding on rodents and are not contagious until the following days or weeks.” Paquin and co-authors, “So the cat whether it is known to hunt rodents? may be a better indication of potential exposure to T. gondii compared to owning a cat alone.” expressions used.

In other words, they are cats only means it does not expose people to the parasite. However, rodent-hunting cats, such as those that are not left home alone and allowed outside, are more likely to come into contact with T. gondii outdoors. high school looks like it could.

The research shows once again the importance of not interrupting the health checks of our dear friends.

Hypothetically speaking, this means that cats can transmit the infection to individuals in childhood and adulthood. develop psychological problems It means it can cause. To investigate this assumption, researchers surveyed nearly 2,200 participants in Montreal, asking them questions about cat ownership during childhood and measuring the frequency of their psychotic experiences. In addition, the researchers asked respondents a number of other questions in the study, such as how often they were transported as children, whether they had suffered head trauma, and whether they smoked.

The team analyzed the participants’ reactions and found that they had a cat that hunted rodents in their childhood. male participants saw a greater risk of experiencing psychotic experiences in their adulthood; but strangely the same relationship, in female participants not observed†

However, it turned out that there was no association among the participants who had never had a cat in their youth and only had a cat in the house. On the other hand, we mentioned above; other factors examined in the questionnaire (smoking, head injury, etc.), in addition to parasitic infection, the participants’ risk of psychotic experiences. influenced by was clearly visible.

In addition to all these problems, the study also has some problems, such as reporting all findings in the study by the participants themselves. limits consists; however, this does not change the fact that their findings demonstrate the importance of further research in the future that could help us more accurately identify the interactions associated with exposure to T. gondii.

Finally, research has shown that the health benefits of our furball friends not be interrupted It also shows how important it is. As you know, owning a cat is recommended by many experts to patients as an aid in the treatment of mental disorders. In other words, so as not to disrupt and prevent the veterinary checkups of our dear friends. most healthy to make sure they are in our health also of great importance.