At the Indiana University School of Medicine, groundbreaking research is flipping the narrative on Toxoplasma gondii, a common brain parasite typically associated with serious health risks, particularly in HIV-positive patients. Researchers are now harnessing this once-feared foe as a potential ally in the fight against debilitating brain diseases, including dementia and Rett Syndrome, a rare disorder predominantly affecting young girls and leading to severe developmental challenges.
For decades, Toxoplasma gondii was largely overlooked until its association with toxoplasmosis emerged in the 1980s. This rare infection can wreak havoc on the brain, heart, and eyes of individuals with compromised immune systems. According to Professor Bill Sullivan, “Estimates suggest that this parasite resides in the bodies—and specifically the brains—of about one-third of the world’s population, which is a staggering figure.”
The parasite is most commonly contracted through contact with cat droppings or consumption of undercooked meat. While many people remain asymptomatic, those with weakened immune systems can experience drastic behavioral changes, including increased risk of schizophrenia.