Influence chronic toxoplasmosis on some personality factors
Flegr, J., Hrdy, I.
Folia Parasitologica 1994; 41: 122-126
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Abstract. An effect of parasites on host behaviour was tested on the toxoplasma-human model. Three hundred and thirty-eight (338)
people were assessed with Cattell's personality questionnaire and then tested for Toxoplasma gondii infection with a delayed type hypersensitivity
test for Toxoplasma. A highly significant correlation between chronic toxoplasmosis and two personality factors (G- Low
Superego Strength and L- Protension) was found (p =0.0032 and 0.0020, respectively). A correlation of the intensity of the personality
factor-shifts with the duration of the infection (estimated from antibody titer) suggests that toxoplasmosis induces the shift in human personality, rather than the personality factors G and L influence an acquisition rate of Toxoplasma gondii infection.