Influence of chronic toxoplasmosis on some human personality factors

Folia Parasitol (Praha). 1994;41(2):122-6.

Abstract

An effect of parasites on host behaviour was tested on the toxoplasma-human model. Three hundred and thirty-eight (338) people were assessed with Cattell's personality questionnaire and then tested for Toxoplasma gondii infection with a delayed type hypersensitivity test for Toxoplasma. A highly significant correlation between chronic toxoplasmosis and two personality factors (G-Low Superego Strength and L-Protension) was found (p = 0.0032 and 0.0020, respectively). A correlation of the intensity of the personality factor-shifts with the duration of the infection (estimated from antibody titer) suggests that toxoplasmosis induces the shift in human personality, rather than the personality factors G and L influence an acquisition rate of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Cattell Personality Factor Questionnaire
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality*
  • Sex Factors
  • Toxoplasma / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / psychology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan