CLUBBING WITH TOXOPLASMA GONDII
Scientists have known about the parasite
Toxoplasma gondii for quite a while, and it's been running wild in our bodies for ages. Between 30 and 60 percent of the global population is infected! For the longest time, we thought the microscopic creature was only a risk to pregnant or immunodeficient individuals, but studies in recent years have stirred a number of concerns on
Toxoplasma's possible psychiatric effects.
Nevertheless, here's some good news: The parasites might just be flipping the sexy switch in the female brain. A 2006 Australian study found that
Toxoplasma-infected women typically had more sex appeal to the opposite sex. Compared to uninfected control groups, they were friendlier, more outgoing and more promiscuous.
Of course, the
Toxoplasma really just want you to behave recklessly enough to be eaten by a lion, as only feline hosts allow them to continue their lifecycle. And hey, if it takes you dancing all night with the dude sporting the Navy uniform and, well, maybe a little bow-chicka-wow-wow before you make it to the hungry lion, then that's just what has to happen!
Is the "sexy parasite" right for you? Find out more:
