minoucat
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5175
posted
This is the first time that I know of that a zoonotically transmitted parasite has been strongly linked with a primarily neurological disorder.
I hope this kind of research will ultimately help validate and illuminate the neuro Lyme issue. Toxoplasmosis and Schizophrenia
Scientists have discovered how the toxoplasmosis parasite may trigger the development of schizophrenia and other bipolar disorders.
The team from the University of Leeds' Faculty of Biological Sciences has shown that the parasite may play a role in the development of these disorders by affecting the production of dopamine -- the chemical that relays messages in the brain controlling aspects of movement, cognition and behaviour.
Toxoplasmosis, which is transmitted via cat faeces (found on unwashed vegetables) and raw or undercooked infected meat, is relatively common, with 10-20% of the UK population and 22% of the US population estimated to carry the parasite as cysts.
Most people with the parasite are healthy, but for those who are immune-suppressed -- and particularly for pregnant women -- there are significant health risks that can occasionally be fatal.
Dr Glenn McConkey, lead researcher on the project, says: ``Toxoplasmosis changes some of the chemical messages in the brain, and these changes can have an enormous effect on behaviour. S
Studies have shown there is a direct statistical link between incidences of schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis infection and our study is the first step in discovering why there is this link.''
(more at the link above)
-------------------- ********************* RECIDITE, PLEBES! Gero rem imperialem! (Stand aside plebians! I am on imperial business.)
posted
Toxo is one thing. I have discovered there are other parasites like this, [apicomplexans] that infect humans {like me} and can reach many areas of the body, including glands. I am researching this thoroughly, and keeping some record of this on my blog: http://investigationmicobial.blogspot.com/ I am moving this parasite through different "shifts" and discovering a genetic diversity that is starting to look very strange.
-------------------- microw Posts: 129 | From Toronto, ON Canada | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I think the recommended treatment for chronic toxoplasmosis is pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, but that combo carries a significant risk of side effects. I think I read that the incidence of Stevens Johnson syndrome is something like 3% with that treatment. I guess since toxo is often fatal for some immunocompromised people the risks are worth it.
Posts: 263 | From Capital Region, NY, USA | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Hi Lymestop. Well..thank you very much. I thought I was the only one stacking up views! I am doing good, and moving really quickly with the research. I have a number of projects, and other people who I am working with. This is helping to increase my knowledge-base exponentially. There are many infections which "parasitize" the body, that never get the proper recognition it should have, in this age of information. I think there needs to be a better test for Lyme, and "infection determination" in general.
-------------------- microw Posts: 129 | From Toronto, ON Canada | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
Hi, Thank you so much for this. My mother had schizophrenia, so I always welcome new info.
Posts: 118 | From Here | Registered: Sep 2008
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