From cats to cortex: T. gondii and psychosis, depression, and anxiety - Takeaways - MDSpire

From cats to cortex: T. gondii and psychosis, depression, and anxiety

  • By

  • Gabriel Andrade

  • Abderrahim Benlahcene

  • Dalia Bedewy

  • May 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    T. gondii establishes lifelong latent infection in the brain, potentially influencing cognition, mood, and behavior.

  • 2

    Epidemiological data suggest small-to-moderate associations between T. gondii seropositivity and schizophrenia.

  • 3

    Evidence linking cat ownership to psychiatric disorders is inconsistent, with some studies showing elevated schizophrenia odds.

  • 4

    Proposed mechanisms for T. gondii's effects include neuroinflammation, immune dysregulation, and dopaminergic disruption.

  • 5

    Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between T. gondii, cat exposure, and mental health outcomes.

Original Source(s)

From cats to cortex: T. gondii and psychosis, depression, and anxiety

  • by Gabriel Andrade, Abderrahim Benlahcene, Dalia Bedewy

  • May 13, 2026

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