Editing Talk:231: Cat Proximity

recent studies have linked Toxoplasmosis to various mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and has been linked to suicidal behavior in humans. Studies have also shown that persons with latent Toxoplasma gondii infections have a higher rate of automotive accidents, though whether this is because of impaired motor function or if it's because of a heightened risk-reward center is uncertain. It seems to be a symbiotic organism for cats--it causes no symptoms in cats and is carried normally in their feces. however, rodents that become infected with T.gondii stop fearing the smell of cat urine, ultimately making it easier for the cat to catch and eat the rodent, improving the quality of life for both the cat and the protozoan. The thing is, literally, a mind control parasite. about a third of humans are infected with T.gondii (mostly from unwashed vegetables and undercooked meats rather than from contact with cat feces). I wonder to what extent this "cat proximity" observation may have to do with T.gondii having evolved to make humans like cats and want to comfort them and feed them.