Parasite spread by CATS 'may lead to schizophrenia in humans'

A common parasite spread by cats that is carried by two billion people may lead to schizophrenia, researchers fear.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which can spread to people through contact with cat litter trays and eating uncooked meat, is usually harmless.

But now, the largest study of its kind, has found having the parasite could raise the risk of developing schizophrenia by 50 per cent.

Unusual links between T. gondii and mind-altering behavior, such as risk-taking, depression and car accidents, already exist.

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