Are Parasites Controlling Your Brain?By Robert Lamb, HowStuffWorks.com
 HowStuffWorksMarching to the Beat of a Different Parasite
While the chances of humans winding up as cat food are slim in the modern age, Toxoplasma still make a go at controlling your brain. And risk-taking isn't the only alteration. Toxoplasma infection has been linked to a number of less goal-oriented characteristics, such as depression, gloominess and jealousy. Scientists have even found links between the parasite and schizophrenia.
Other members of the animal kingdom face similar mind control threats. For example, the lancet fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum forces its ant host to ascend the tops of grass blades to attract predators.
Throughout history, it has frequently been fashionable for humans to externalize unhealthy moods and tendencies, blaming demons and spirits for afflictions of the mind. Now, in an age of scientific illumination, it seems as if outside forces are at least partially to blame in some instances.
Who are you? And how much of "you" is the work of a parasite?
Delve further into the bizarre, frightening and fascinating world of parasites and parasitic infection:
Bizarre Human Brain Parasite Precisely Alters Fear The United States of Mind Schizophrenia Toxoplasma gondii and Schizophrenia Toxoplasmosis in Cats All in the Mind? Effects of Toxoplasma on Human Behavior Toxoplasma seropositivity and depression: a case report Toxoplasma — the brain parasite that influences human culture Parasite may increase your odds of an auto accident Blood groups |
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