Toxoplasma Gondii
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan, causes toxoplasmosis in warm-blooded animals. It alters rodent behavior to increase predation risk by cats. Human infection can lead to behavioral changes. The parasite's complex life cycle involves cats as definitive hosts shedding oocysts in feces, infecting various hosts. T. gondii is prevalent globally, with potential behavioral effects in humans studied but debated.
Read original article
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan causing toxoplasmosis, infecting warm-blooded animals with felids as definitive hosts. In rodents, infection alters behavior to increase predation risk by cats. Human infection is often asymptomatic but can lead to toxoplasmosis, with potential behavioral changes. The parasite's life cycle involves sexual reproduction in cats and asexual reproduction in other hosts. Cats shed oocysts in feces, infecting various animals including humans through ingestion. Tachyzoites multiply rapidly in host cells, forming tissue cysts mainly in the brain and muscle tissue. Bradyzoites, a slower dividing stage, develop within tissue cysts. The parasite can be transmitted through consumption of infected meat containing tissue cysts. T. gondii is prevalent globally, with up to 50% of the population exposed. Behavioral effects in humans, such as decreased aversion to cat urine and potential links to schizophrenia, have been studied but remain debated. The parasite's ability to manipulate host behavior for its reproductive advantage is a key aspect of its lifecycle.
Related
The First Animal Ever Found That Doesn't Need Oxygen to Survive
Scientists discovered Henneguya salminicola, a jellyfish-like parasite surviving without oxygen inside salmon. This challenges oxygen-dependency beliefs, shedding light on anaerobic metabolism evolution and life's adaptability to extreme conditions.
High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety in rats
Researchers studied male rats on a high-fat diet (HFD) to analyze its impact on gut microbiome, brain gene expression, and anxiety behavior. HFD led to reduced microbiome diversity, altered gene expression, and increased anxiety-like behaviors.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) could combat depression
A study suggests omega-3 fatty acids can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in stressed young mice. Results show improved behavior and molecular changes, but human translation remains uncertain due to study limitations.
First mouse model with complete, functional human immune system
Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center created a humanized mouse, TruHuX, with a functional human immune system. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for immunotherapy, disease modeling, and vaccine testing, potentially reducing the need for non-human primates in research. The model's capabilities are being explored, including its response to pathogens like Salmonella and SARS-CoV-2, as well as factors affecting antibody production. Published in Nature Immunology, the research emphasizes the model's potential for advancing immune system studies and therapies.
Public Health Officials Investigating Human Plague Case in Pueblo County
Public health officials in Pueblo County, Colorado, investigate a human plague case. Caused by Yersinia pestis, it spreads through fleas and rodents. Symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. Prevention includes rodent control and prompt medical care.
0 commentsRelated
The First Animal Ever Found That Doesn't Need Oxygen to Survive
Scientists discovered Henneguya salminicola, a jellyfish-like parasite surviving without oxygen inside salmon. This challenges oxygen-dependency beliefs, shedding light on anaerobic metabolism evolution and life's adaptability to extreme conditions.
High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety in rats
Researchers studied male rats on a high-fat diet (HFD) to analyze its impact on gut microbiome, brain gene expression, and anxiety behavior. HFD led to reduced microbiome diversity, altered gene expression, and increased anxiety-like behaviors.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) could combat depression
A study suggests omega-3 fatty acids can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in stressed young mice. Results show improved behavior and molecular changes, but human translation remains uncertain due to study limitations.
First mouse model with complete, functional human immune system
Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center created a humanized mouse, TruHuX, with a functional human immune system. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for immunotherapy, disease modeling, and vaccine testing, potentially reducing the need for non-human primates in research. The model's capabilities are being explored, including its response to pathogens like Salmonella and SARS-CoV-2, as well as factors affecting antibody production. Published in Nature Immunology, the research emphasizes the model's potential for advancing immune system studies and therapies.
Public Health Officials Investigating Human Plague Case in Pueblo County
Public health officials in Pueblo County, Colorado, investigate a human plague case. Caused by Yersinia pestis, it spreads through fleas and rodents. Symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. Prevention includes rodent control and prompt medical care.