Individuals infected with certain parasite 24% more likely to develop schizophrenia

It has long been hypothesized that it’s unhealthy for pregnant women to change the cat litter, but now more then ever, pregnant women have a reason to hand over the pooper-scooper responsibilities. A recent study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry claims that individuals exposed to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which is carried by cats and farm animals, have a 24% greater risk of developing schizophrenia. The researchers that completed this study are planning further studies on whether treating the toxoplasma gondii infection can stop the progression of the schizophrenia.