Mind-controlling Parasites!

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Hank introduces us to some freaky parasites that use mind control to hijack the brains of their hosts.

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It's important to note a few things about toxo and cats: first, not all cats have are infected with the parasite. Cats that stay in the house and only eat cooked meat have a much lesser risk of carrying the parasite. They also only shed it in their feces for a certain period of time after the infection and won't be infectious for all of their life. Second, for most people toxo isn't dangerous and many won't have any symptoms. That's usually the case for healthy people with a well functioning immune system, that can take good care of the parasite. Third: there are other ways one can be infected with the oocysts that don't require a cat, such as from soil or water that has been contaminated. Even some raw meat or unwashed fruits can be infectious. Wash your hands often, wash your fruits and vegetables well before consumption and you are good. And try not to eat raw meat.

The infection is however very dangerous for pregnant women (well, the infant due to their lack of immunity) and those with a compromised immune system (such as organ transplant receivers and people with AIDS).

Generally I dislike the emotion-driven dislike against cats and cat owners that stems from ignorance. Toxo is a serious thing, especially for risk groups, but some people let their stereotypes about "crazy cat ladies" go to their heads which isn't very beneficial in actually taking measures to prevent an infection or spread of the parasite. Plus, dogs can have just as many gross parasite to pass on to humans, such as the fox tapeworm. If it were just because of that, no one should ever be close to another animal or have a pet.

MysteriousAsteria

so if you get a cat you will get brainwashed to love cats even more?

simpox

Toxoplasmosis is also transmitted by birds like pigeons, so don't worry people, you can still get it even if you stay away from cats :D

Edumt

My parasitology professor played this in class~! I was so excited, I almost yelled "HANK!" when it began playing XD

eedirb

"But little does it know that that poo has a baby little worm larvae in it that's going to hijack its brain, turn it into a zombie, and drive it's body around like a go-cart." That is both slightly horrifying and hilarious. XD

theclockworkturtle

So crazy cat ladies are actually being mind controlled?

vatra

Amazing how much Hank has improved as a narrator these past few years.

Silhouex

I can not thank you enough for all of these videos. In biology im doing a work on epigenetics while im in english is about to hold a speech about parasites. Your videos help me so much. I THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES OVER

WilmerNilsson

Now you have to wonder whether it's you who loves your cat or the

LearnedAndVile

I'm surprised he didn't mention Cordyceps.

Falloutfan

My mom got toxoplasmosis. It was in her eye, so she can't so very well out of that eye and now has practically no depth perception. She does not drive well now. And we have three cats.

emilyblack

Wouldn't you just like to spoon a cat? lol

zionmoulder

Correlation does not imply causation!

There was a great report in the last few months on some public radio show (radio lab maybe?) that compared competing arguments for and against Toxo related symptoms. There was even one that suggested that the parasite interferes with our perception of speed!

GaroBlu