> Toxoplasma is the most “successful” parasite in the world but known only to a few. In humans, it infects the brain, heart, lungs, and muscle tissue ... Toxoplasma is being associated with depression, cancer, diabetes, obesity, bipolar, schizophrenia, self-harm, dementia, aggression, reduced learning ability in children, subtle mind-control, and impaired curiosity. It has infected more than 30% of the global population ... The older you are the higher the probability of being infected. If you are 50 years old, the average probability of being infected with Toxoplasma is in the range of 50% — so it’s worth investing 15 minutes in getting to know it.
(2017) https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/lab-report/how-to-stop-lurkin...
> Undercooked meat can spread Toxoplasma bradyzoite cysts, and the parasite is often transmitted to humans through cat feces that contain another cyst form. That’s why public health authorities advise pregnant women not to change cat litter boxes, and advise anyone who eats meat to consume it only fully cooked. The key danger from toxoplasmosis is that it’s one of the few infections capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. That means it can get into the nervous system, including the retina, spinal cord and brain. It can also hide out in muscle tissue of both humans and animals.