Toxoplasma Effect on Mice

Parasitical Effects of Toxoplasma on Mice

Scientists have known about a  protozoan parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, that can cause dire consequences if it is transmitted to humans. Examples of these negative effects are: pregnant women having to go through abortion and killing many patients. Toxoplasma may cause blindness and even death (depending on the severity) to the fetus of a human. Although these are negative effects, some scientists are starting to realize that this parasite has a more bizarre effect on mice. An infected mouse loses its fear of cats for a long period of time, which is about four months. 

Researchers are trying to identify how this parasite is affecting the behavior of the mice. The reason as to the enormous change in the behavior of the mice is that this parasite may have affected specific parts of their brain that helps them with learning and memory. Although their memory and learning skills are impaired, it has positive effects on the parasites. First of all, the cat can easily eat the mouse, since the mouse has a delayed reaction. Second of all, since the mouse is eaten by the cat, the parasite can easily reproduce in the cat, and the parasite can be transmitted to humans by the waste product of the cat. 

This is important because scientists now realize why and how the parasite, Toxoplasma, can be transmitted to humans. Scientists may also perform tests as to how the parasite is cleared from the body, but it still can change the rodent's behavior. It is a big deal because we can control the transmission of Toxoplasma so that there will be less spontaneous abortion in pregnant women or less patients losing their immunity. Also, it is important to be aware of this protozoan parasite because it can severely affect humans by creating cysts in their brain. These cysts can sometimes lead to unusual schizophrenia or thoughts of suicide or even death.

This is a microscopic view of the protozoan parasite whose scientific name is Toxoplasma gondii, which is known to cause the unusual behavior in mice. 
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