In the USA, someone commits suicide every 14 minutes. Risk factors for people taking their own lives include a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (90 percent of all deaths) or a recent bereavement, but in many cases there can be little warning or obvious risk factors. Doctors are now reporting that one potential cause for such unexplained suicides may be a parasite, found in domestic house cats.
This parasite occurs when a Toxoplasma gondii infection is passed between a cat and a human, causing an intracellular parasite. Recent research shows that it may be that 10 to 20 percent of the human population carries this parasite. Many of these cases are symptomless, especially in humans who have a healthy immune system, but the parasite can be very dangerous in those who are immunocompromised, or have a weak immune system. In these cases, the parasites can cause cysts that create damage to your muscles, heart, and even to your brain.
Humans typically catch this parasite by having contact with cat faeces; eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated; eating fruits and vegetables without washing them; using chopping board or utensils that have become contaminated; or receiving blood or an organ that is infected, during a transfusion or transplant.
Some research now shows that, when this parasite becomes harmful, dangerous cysts can form in the brain, which inflame the brain and block the production of an important chemical called serotonin. This in turn can lead to a decline in wellbeing, depression, and, potentially, suicide. Researchers have found that humans who test positive for the Toxoplasma gondii infection are seven times more likely to attempt to end their lives.
For family wellness, all precautions should be taken, such as wearing gloves when emptying a cat litter tray, washing your hands after stroking a family pet and always washing fruit and vegetables
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