Rats 'will not be afraid anymore' in cats

Rats were exposed to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is no longer afraid of cats.

Mice likely permanently will not be afraid of cats after exposure to the parasite mikroskopiks, according to the researchers.

Single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii has led to reduction in the fear of rats in cats.

The research team-which writes the results of the study in the journal Plos One-say parasitic infections can cause permanent changes in the rat brain.

Wendy Ingram and his team at the University of California, Berkeley, examines the reaction rat on cat urine.

Cats usually marking territory with urine and it helps Click themouse to avoid places that rodent predators.

Mice that were not exposed to Toxoplasma gondii shows this shy animal urine, but the rats exposed to keep it running freely.

Number of mice that were no longer infected with the parasite was also not afraid to clickthe cat .

"One remarkable thing. Having no longer infected with the parasite, the animal attitude completely changed," said Ingrham.

Contagious to humans

"One remarkable thing. Having no longer infected with the parasite, the animal attitude completely changed."

Wendy Ingram

"By experiencing parasite transmission alone can cause permanent changes. Influence will be huge in the treatment of infectious diseases," he added.

In mice, the infection usually occurs due to eating cat litter.

This parasite will enter the organs of mice, targeting the brain, forming cysts.

The infection can also be contagious to humans. In the UK, they are exposed to the parasite Toxoplasma approximately 350,000 people each year.

This parasite can cause pregnancy complications and adverse effects for those with a weak immune system.

Toxoplasma also associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

Joanne Webster from Imperial College London, said the results of the research could have important implications for humans, especially patients with schizophrenia.