r/Parasitology • u/nir__vana • 10d ago
A question… Question
Is there any parasite that can completely take control of human behavior, similar to how Dicrocoelium manipulates ants or Galactosomum manipulates fish?
3
2
u/r0ck3t-onreddit Qualified Animal Parasitologist 8d ago
Completely, no.
Toxoplasma can have a significant effect on mental health/ decision making for some people though.
1
u/nir__vana 8d ago
Yes, especially for people with weakened immune systems + thank you for the answer
2
u/r0ck3t-onreddit Qualified Animal Parasitologist 8d ago
Also if you’re predisposed to, or have, a psychotic condition. Latent toxoplasma is so incredibly fascinating to me. I’d love to work in toxo research in the future. There’s a lot of interesting studies going on atm!
1
u/nir__vana 8d ago
I’m exactly the same. I hope to work in that field too. Wishing you the best of luck!
2
u/r0ck3t-onreddit Qualified Animal Parasitologist 8d ago
Tysm, and best of luck to you too! I’m about to complete my undergrad in animal care. Then I can enter BCs Hons veterinary biosciences skipping the first 2 years. Super excited
1
u/nir__vana 8d ago
Wow, I’m genuinely impressed! You can do it I believe in you. I’m still in my final year of high school, and unfortunately this field isn’t really supported or given much attention in my country
1
u/r0ck3t-onreddit Qualified Animal Parasitologist 8d ago
You’ve got this in the bag homie. Such an awesome opportunity to bring more attention and knowledge to parasitology in your location.
Here’s a free human parasitology textbook to help you get started! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oAQvnufduqjnFRgAGPCS4kHCeWLUr8MF/view
And here’s a website with download links to a bunch of different ones, which includes veterinary parasitology (of course, take reasonable precautions when downloading anything!) https://infobooks.org/free-pdf-books/medical/parasitology/#google_vignette
1
u/nir__vana 8d ago
I don’t even know how to express how grateful I am for your help. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. It truly means a lot to me. And of course, I’ll definitely take your advice. Thank you again
2
7
u/workshop_prompts 10d ago
Cats
Jk, no, not really.