Comments | wtf_nature: Car Accidents caused by Parasites?

wonderwanders in wtf_nature

Car Accidents caused by Parasites?

Jul 16, 2008 23:41

This is just disturbing... apparently about half the people on the planet are infected with this parasite ,called Toxoplasma gondii.

It used to be considered almost harmless, as we humans are not the target species and our immune system prevents its spread. However, now research is showing that the parasite DOES affect us.....

It's been linked ( Read more... )

human, homo sapiens, parasite, repost, disease

Comments 59

duo_aurion July 18 2008, 14:35:43 UTC

If one gets the virus from having cats, then I'm screwed -_-

blueberryeyes17 July 18 2008, 16:10:41 UTC

me too! We have continuously had 7-9 cats since I was born.

soren_grey July 18 2008, 20:17:22 UTC

Same here... oh well!

uberaxl July 18 2008, 21:48:56 UTC

but apparently that makes all of us crazy cat ladies sexier and more outgoing ;)

Thread 5

Litterbox Disease! brown__eyes July 18 2008, 14:39:43 UTC

Toxoplasmosis, caused by T. gondii and also known as litterbox disease, is cause by a coccidian protozoa. It is found worldwide in more with than 60 million people in the United States potentially infected. Very few infected people have symptoms because an immunocompetent person's immune system usually prevents the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women, infants that were infected in utero, and immunocompromised people could develop serious health problems with toxoplasmosis. The definitive host of T. gondii is the domestic cat and other Felidae, in which the sexual cycle takes place in the pithelial cells of the intestines ( ... )

Re: Litterbox Disease! residualvisuals July 18 2008, 14:45:21 UTC

I was going to ask how common it is, but found this:

http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health/WHF.9904/0668.html

Re: Litterbox Disease! nerdyjollies July 18 2008, 19:06:23 UTC

haha I think I love you. This is the best response ever (says another vet nerd).

BTW, according to my epidemiologist prof, the study that says that toxo may cause schizophrenia etc. is full of blaring errors in scientific method. If that class taught me anything it was to take research reported by the media with a couple of tablespoons of salt.

Re: Litterbox Disease! vampyran July 19 2008, 01:08:39 UTC

I've got this: Ocular toxoplasmosis - I've only got 8% sight on my left eye... but I'd be completely blind if it hadn't been treated...

But I also got infected through my mom, who apparently got infected through an infection in a midge bite.

Thread 8

usekh July 18 2008, 15:10:01 UTC

I, for one, welcome our new parasite overlords!

winging_away July 18 2008, 19:22:29 UTC

As do I! Seems kinda cool, actually. >>

usekh July 18 2008, 19:23:29 UTC

I have to say that as a giant wuss who almost never does anything reckless I am pretty unlikely to be in infected man :P

winging_away July 18 2008, 19:26:27 UTC

Well, I do have two cats... >>

But as being relatively unattractive, I have to say I'm not infected, either. No 'sexy' here. (Damn, get me some o' those Toxoplaso gondiis things! D: )

smoofy July 18 2008, 15:20:44 UTC

"It's been linked to mental disorders like depression and schitzophrenia, women with the parasite are found "sexier" than those without (WTF?)"

Reminds me of the movie Shivers...

(The comment has been removed)

logansrogue July 19 2008, 18:12:18 UTC

*points to icon* Look her in the eyes and say that!!!