The common parasite Toxoplasma gondii is spread to people through undercooked pork and occasionally domestic cats.<br />Chronic T. gondii infections are linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia, lowered cognition, and behavioral changes like more risk-taking and aggression.<br />Now, scientists say the parasite might have more insidious health effects than previously suspected.<br />Gizmodo reports new research suggests a link between Toxoplasma gondii infection and an increased risk of gliomas, the most common form of brain cancer.<br />The US sees 24,000 new cases of brain cancer annually, while 11% of Americans over age six carry T. gondii--upwards of 30 million people.<br />So even if the connection is real, the chances of getting brain cancer as a result of chronic T. gondii infection are very low on an individual level.
