Today's interesting fact has to do with parasites.

Parasites do more than infect their vectors, they can also change the infected individual's behaviour.

A vector is any person, animal or microorganism that that carries and transmits an infectious agent.

Most parasites have several vectors, mice and cats are two common vectors for Toxoplasmosis although it also infects many warm blooded animals, including humans.

When Toxoplasmosis infects mice, it changes the mouse behaviour from wanting to stay in corners and dark places, to going into the light and open places.

This allows Toxoplasmosis to reach their second vector, when the mouse is caught by their predetors, such as cats or foxes.

Animals can be infected by eating infected meat, by the accidental ingestion of fecal material of another animal that has recently been infected, or by transmission from mother to fetus.

Cats often get blamed for Humans infection, but we are more likely to get infected contact with raw meat or eating meats that are undercooked or because of fecal contamination of hands.

Up to one third of the world population is thought to be infected.

The initial infection can mimic a minor flu infection, but is more likely to go unnoticed.

Most people never have a problem with the infection, although it can be fatal, especially if passed from mother to fetus.

It has been noticed that Toxoplasmosis can change an infected human's behaviour, in that those who are infected, are more likely to take risks an get into driving accidents.