Understanding the Effects of Toxoplasmosis on Host Behavior, Personality, and Cognition

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that affects about 20–80% of the global population. Chronic infection with toxoplasma, also called latent infection, has largely been considered to be asymptomatic with minimal to no clinical effects or sequelae. Though there is now clear evidence in animal models and mounting evidence in humans that latent toxoplasmosis can have various effects on behavior, personality, cognition, and even psychiatric conditions. In this chapter, we will explore the role latent toxoplasmosis plays in the behavior of animals and humans, and discuss the possible mechanisms for the observed effects.