Scientists from the University of Colorado (USA) and the University of La Coruña (Spain), as part of a research team, have discovered that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, common in cats, can cause emaciation and loss of muscle mass in older people. Research results published In Oxford Academic.
Researchers from the US and Spain took blood samples from 601 people over the age of 65 and found that two-thirds of them had signs of infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite spread by cats. This parasite causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that damages the nervous and lymphatic systems, eyes, and skeletal muscles.
Once infected with the parasite, people can tolerate it for a long time. Only one in ten people infected develop symptoms, which may include a flu-like illness and muscle aches. Toxoplasma gondii multiplies in the intestines of cats. This means owners are at high risk of infection when cleaning their pet’s litter box.
Scientists detected high concentrations of antibodies against the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in the blood of some study participants. Antibodies are molecules produced by the immune system that the body uses to fight pathogens and viruses. Scientists explained that their high concentration in the blood of cat owners may indicate a recent activation of the infection or multiple cases of manifestation.
Additionally, Toxoplasma gondii was found in the muscle tissue of some subjects. Researchers said this could lead to accelerated muscle loss. At the same time, the person gets tired quickly and feels weak and exhausted.
You can contract toxoplasmosis after coming into contact with a cat that lives both outdoors and indoors. You should wash your hands immediately after playing with an animal. You should also avoid consuming undercooked meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables because Toxoplasma gondii can enter the human body through food.
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