Mind Parasite in Rodents Which Is Additionally Current in People, Might Allegedly Evolve Ensuing to Zombification [Study]

Many movies and TV shows have shown what a possible zombie outbreak might look like, and some people are even preparing for when that day would come. While it seems far-fetched, a zombie outbreak isn’t impossible as a parasite infects rodent brains, which is also found in humans.

This parasite is called Toxoplasmosa gondii and is also found in cat feces, which can spread to humans through raw meat and increase the risk of developing brain tumors.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Persian Microbiologist)
Toxoplasmosa gondii

Zombie outbreak possible due to a parasite

Once infected, the parasite can manipulate a rodent’s behavior, making it fearless in cats. Experts said T. gondii could trick the rodent into attacking a cat if it changed its behavior, Express reported.

In addition, a previous Science Times report said evidence showed a link between the parasite and neurological conditions in humans, such as Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also linked to schizophrenia and suicidal tendencies.

Previous studies have shown that the parasite knows the brain better than humans and can bring about the desired change in complex rodent behavior.

Experts believe that rodent behavior when infected with T. gondii is related to how it might affect humans. It is for this reason that scientists use rodents for drug testing and medical breakthroughs.

They said that around 50% of people worldwide have the dormant version of the parasite in their brain, but only in the form of harmless cysts.

It is already believed that half of people around the world have a dormant version of the parasite in the form of harmless cysts in the brain.

“Toxoplasma has done a phenomenal job of figuring out the mammalian brain and improving transmission over an intricate life cycle,” said Wendy Ingham.

However, other experts believe that the parasite will ultimately turn people into zombies in the future. Reading University Virology Professor Dr. Ben Neuman said that one day a virus like rabies could develop and take over humanity.

ALSO READ: New Study Associates Parasites with Various Neuropsychiatric and Behavioral Disorders

Zombies in the real world

According to Medical News Today, there are also creatures in nature that are considered real zombies. They are insects or viruses that can be revived or come back from the dead.

For example, the genus Ophiocordyceps is a terrifying fungus that attacks insects and kills them by growing inside them. They turn caterpillar ants into zombies when infected. They are then forced to climb elevated vegetation, where they stick and die, and the fungus grows to later spread its spores.

Another example is the Zatypota wasps, which lay eggs on the belly of A. eximius spiders. The wasp larva would feed on the spider when the eggs hatch and take control of its body. It turns it into a zombie-like spider that spins a cocoon-like spider web in which it grows as an adult wasp.

Finally, in 2014, scientists discovered a 30,000-year-old giant virus in the Siberian permafrost called Pithovirus sibericum. They believe it poses the same dangers as the one virus they found earlier in permafrost.

RELATED ARTICLE: Toxoplasma Parasite Can Change Behavior

For more news and information on parasites and Toxoplasma gondii, see the Science Times.