The common parasite Toxoplasma gondii is spread to people through undercooked pork and occasionally domestic cats.
Chronic T. gondii infections are linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia, lowered cognition, and behavioral changes like more risk-taking and aggression.
Now, scientists say the parasite might have more insidious health effects than previously suspected.
Gizmodo reports new research suggests a link between Toxoplasma gondii infection and an increased risk of gliomas, the most common form of brain cancer.
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.
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.
