Study reveals having Cat as pet in childhood can lead to Schizophrenia later in life

A new study has revealed that cat ownership during childhood increases the risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia later in life. The main reason is the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that is present in cat feces.

Toxoplasma gondii can infect any warm-blooded animal, including humans. Although most people exposed to the parasite show no symptoms while people with weakened immune systems can be seriously affected.

The parasite causes an illness called toxoplasmosis, a condition giving rise to flu-like symptoms, blindness, miscarriage and abnormal fetal development.

“Toxo,” as it’s often called, is one of the most prevalent parasites. According to the estimated by the U.S Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 60 million people in the nation may be infected with T.gondii.

The parasite can only reproduce inside the bodies of cats and this works to their advantage because toxo helps them catch prey. When toxo infects rodents, scientists have learned their response to cats is altered and they lose their natural fear of felines.

Humans can get toxo by accidentally ingesting cat feces and this can happen when changing a cat’s litter box or ingesting contaminated soil (e.g., not washing hands after gardening or eating unwashed fruits or vegetables from a garden). - Read More at pulseheadlines

Study reveals having Cat as pet in childhood can lead to Schizophrenia later in life