Common parasite linked to increased risk of suicide and self-harm

A common parasite may significantly increase women’s risk of self-destructive behaviors, including suicide attempts and self harm, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

The parasite in question is known as Toxoplasma gondii, and infection with it is known as toxoplasmosis. The most common sources of human exposure are undercooked meat, unwashed vegetables and the feces of domestic cats. Although other animals can become infected with the parasite, only cats shed it in their feces.

T. gondii is most common in warm, humid climates, and chronic human infection rates in such regions (including Central and Southern Europe, Asia, Africa and South America) can reach 50 percent. Although toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic in adults, it can be dangerous to anyone with a compromised immune system.
In addition, the parasite can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus, with potentially severe results. Between the 10th and 24th weeks of pregnancy, toxoplasmosis can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, jaundice, abnormal head size, retinal abnormality, convulsions, brain calcification or mental retardation in the infant. After the 24th week, the fetus is well-developed enough that the risks from infection drop significantly.

An estimated one out of 1,000 to 8,000 children born in the United States tests positive for toxoplasmosis.