If you’re a big fan of eating undercooked meat or cat poo, you could be one of the suspected 30% of Americans infected with a brain parasite.
There is nothing I like more than sitting down after a long day of work and eating a bit of raw chicken and cat poo. However, scientists have revealed that this common practice may have infected millions of Americans with a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii.
This mouthful is a parasite that can affect the way our brains communicate. Furthermore, it could also be significant;y more widespread than previously thought. A study by the University of California, Riverside, has shown that between 10% to 30% of Americans may be infected.
The parasite infects neurons in the brain and prevents them from producing as many extracellular vesicles. These are key in exchanging information, and so when affected, they can cause various issues in cognitive function.
Parasite Causes Long-Term Brain Damage
It doesn’t take much of the parasite to have an adverse effect on the brain. “Even a handful of infected neurons can shift the brain’s neurochemical balance. This suggests that communication between neurons and supporting glial cells is not only critical, but also vulnerable to hijacking by parasites,” lead researcher Emma H. Wilson said.
The parasite can lie dormant in the brain for years and reactivate when the immune system becomes weakened or compromised. The effects can be serious, ranging from seizures to neural damage and altered brain connectivity.
The parasite prevents natural regulation in the brain. When the neurons are infected, regulation breaks down, resulting in much higher levels of glutamate. It’s the excess of this that will cause problems.
At present, it isn’t possible to find out if someone is currently infected with the dangerous parasite. It is only possible to find out if they have been in the past. At present, the research is looking into helping our bodies fight it naturally, utilizing defences we all already have.
But, in the meantime, there are ways Americans can minimize their chances of contracting the parasite. Proper food hygiene is essential, and ensuring that meat is cooked thoroughly. Also, eating the little treats left by cats in their litter boxes is no longer allowed. Is there no joy left in the world?