5: Berdoy et al 2000 Flashcards
1
Q
what does T.gondii manipulate?
A
intermediate rat behaviour to alter perception of cat predation risk, increasing their chance of being predated by cats
2
Q
what is T.gondii/what does it cause?
A
intracellular protozoan causing toxoplasmosis with an indirect life cycle
3
Q
how is T.gondii passed on?
A
- rats/birds eaten by cats
- T.gondii oocysts in cat feaces
- ingested by rodents/birds causing cysts to form on tissues
- cats eat infected prey/faeces
4
Q
what were the 4 conditions used?
A
cat odor, neutral odor, rabbit odor, rat odor
5
Q
what did the results show?
A
- uninfected rats avoid cat odor areas but the infected rats are attracted to it
- no difference for other scents
- infection subtly alters cognitive perception
- 22% UK humans infected
- 84% france humans infected
- could alter human brain function
