Over the past three turbulent decades, research has profoundly reshaped our understanding of chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection-traditionally regarded as harmless in immunocompetent individuals-unveiling its surprising impact on human health, performance, and behavior. This review emphasizes the effects of chronic Toxoplasma infection on physical and mental health, cognitive performance, and behavioral changes, highlighting key findings from studies investigating these domains, with a particular focus on both ultimate and proximate mechanisms underlying the observed effects. To this end, the primary focus will be on human studies; however, animal model studies will also be thoroughly considered when necessary and appropriate, to provide context and additional important information. Research demonstrates that chronic Toxoplasma infection may contribute to a broad spectrum of physical health issues. Ecological studies have revealed correlations between toxoplasmosis prevalence and increased morbidity and mortality from various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and certain cancers. Large-scale cross-sectional studies have further shown that infected individuals report a higher incidence of numerous health complaints and diagnosed diseases, suggesting a significant impact on overall physical well-being. In addition to physical health, lifelong Toxoplasma infection (subclinical toxoplasmosis) has been implicated in cognitive impairments and behavioral changes. Studies have reported associations between infection and poorer performance in areas such as reaction time, processing speed, working memory, and executive function. Many of these behavioral changes likely relate to worsened health and a shift towards a "fast life history strategy." These cognitive deficits can have significant implications for daily functioning and performance. Furthermore, the role of Toxoplasma infection in the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders has been extensively investigated. Meta-analyses, ecological studies, and large-scale observational studies have demonstrated associations between Toxoplasma infection and an increased risk of disorders such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the precise mechanisms underlying these associations remain under investigation, research suggests that neuroinflammation and alterations in neurotransmitter systems are likely to play a role. Far from being harmless, subclinical toxoplasmosis is increasingly recognized as a hidden factor influencing human health, behavior, and cognitive performance-with implications that extend well beyond the individual to public health at large. Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between Toxoplasma infection, host physiology, and the development of various physical, cognitive, behavioral, and mental health conditions.

• Klíčová slova
• OCD, RhD, Rhesus D antigen, autism, evolution, intelligence, manipulation hypothesis, mental health, parasite, schizophrenia, subclinical toxoplasmosis, testosterone,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) has been repeatedly correlated with behavioural and physiological changes in both humans and animals. While classically regarded as a parasite transmitted via ingestion or vertical (transplacental) transmission, accumulating evidence suggests that sexual transmission may also contribute to its epidemiology. This review explores the hypothesis that some behavioural effects of toxoplasmosis - especially those related to attraction, sexual activity, and mate choice - may have evolved to facilitate sexual transmission of the parasite. We summarise findings from animal models and human studies that show modified sexual preferences, altered sexual activity, enhanced attractiveness in infected individuals, and elevated prevalence of T. gondii in groups exhibiting high sexual activity or non-traditional sexual behaviour patterns. Particular attention is given to the role of testosterone, which may mediate both behavioural changes and reproductive consequences, such as shifts in offspring sex ratios and fertility outcomes. Direct detection of the parasite in semen and evidence of transmission through insemination in non-human species further support the plausibility of this route. The observed behavioural effects may also intersect with mechanisms previously thought to enhance predation risk, such as altered fear responses to felid odours. Taken together, these findings point to the possibility that sexual transmission, while likely secondary in humans, may have played a more substantial role in the evolutionary history and current ecology of T. gondii than previously appreciated. This perspective also provides an alternative interpretative framework for understanding the broad spectrum of phenotypic changes associated with latent toxoplasmosis. Further interdisciplinary research is required to clarify the relative contribution of sexual transmission to the parasite's life cycle and to assess its implications for public health and theory of host-parasite coevolution.

• Klíčová slova
• manipulation, parasite manipulation., review, sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted diseases, testosterone, toxoplasmosis,
• MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• sexuální chování MeSH
• Toxoplasma * fyziologie   MeSH
• toxoplazmóza * přenos   parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH