Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity and Risky Behaviors in College-Age Adults
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasite that has infected more than 40 million people in the USA. House cats and other felids serve as definitive hosts and acquire Toxoplasma by consuming infected prey and intermediate hosts (e.g. rodents). Toxoplasma is known to manipulate prey neurophysiology to enhance its transmission. For example, infected rodents exhibit changes in testosterone, vasopressin, and dopamine. These neurophysiological changes elicit remarkable changes in host behavior: Toxoplasma-infected rodents are more likely to frequent open spaces and are less responsive to normally aversive stimuli (e.g. cat urine). The manipulation of intermediate host neurophysiology and behavior observed in rodents raises the possibility that Toxoplasma may similarly affect infected humans. Indeed, there is anecdotal and epidemiological evidence that infected humans may be more likely to engage in risky activities (e.g., starting their own business, enlisting in the military, dangerous driving) and experience increased rates of traffic accidents. This project explored the relationship between Toxoplasma infection and risky behaviors in college-age adults. The Risky, Impulsive, & Self-destructive behavior Questionnaire (RISQ) was used to assess the extent to which participants engaged in risky or self-destructive behaviors. Toxoplasma seropositivity was assessed using TOXOPLASMOSE ICT IgG-IgM rapid blood tests. Seropositivity rates were unusually low (2.7%) in the target population. Our results shed light on the interactions of seropositivity and demographics, and their potential correlation with risky behaviors relating to aggression, self-harm, gambling, impulsive spending/driving, impulsive eating, risky sex, illegal behavior, and alcohol and drug use.
Faculty Sponsors
Antonella Quimbayo, Dr. Christopher A. Blanar, Dr. Jonathan Banks, Dr. Omar Eldakar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity and Risky Behaviors in College-Age Adults
Alvin Sherman Library
Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasite that has infected more than 40 million people in the USA. House cats and other felids serve as definitive hosts and acquire Toxoplasma by consuming infected prey and intermediate hosts (e.g. rodents). Toxoplasma is known to manipulate prey neurophysiology to enhance its transmission. For example, infected rodents exhibit changes in testosterone, vasopressin, and dopamine. These neurophysiological changes elicit remarkable changes in host behavior: Toxoplasma-infected rodents are more likely to frequent open spaces and are less responsive to normally aversive stimuli (e.g. cat urine). The manipulation of intermediate host neurophysiology and behavior observed in rodents raises the possibility that Toxoplasma may similarly affect infected humans. Indeed, there is anecdotal and epidemiological evidence that infected humans may be more likely to engage in risky activities (e.g., starting their own business, enlisting in the military, dangerous driving) and experience increased rates of traffic accidents. This project explored the relationship between Toxoplasma infection and risky behaviors in college-age adults. The Risky, Impulsive, & Self-destructive behavior Questionnaire (RISQ) was used to assess the extent to which participants engaged in risky or self-destructive behaviors. Toxoplasma seropositivity was assessed using TOXOPLASMOSE ICT IgG-IgM rapid blood tests. Seropositivity rates were unusually low (2.7%) in the target population. Our results shed light on the interactions of seropositivity and demographics, and their potential correlation with risky behaviors relating to aggression, self-harm, gambling, impulsive spending/driving, impulsive eating, risky sex, illegal behavior, and alcohol and drug use.
