[PDF][PDF] Neuroinflammation-associated aspecific manipulation of mouse predator fear by Toxoplasma gondii

M Boillat, PM Hammoudi, SK Dogga, S Pages… - Cell reports, 2020 - cell.com
Cell reports, 2020cell.com
In rodents, the decrease of felid aversion induced by Toxoplasma gondii, a phenomenon
termed fatal attraction, is interpreted as an adaptive manipulation by the neurotropic
protozoan parasite. With the aim of understanding how the parasite induces such specific
behavioral modifications, we performed a multiparametric analysis of T. gondii-induced
changes on host behavior, physiology, and brain transcriptome as well as parasite cyst load
and distribution. Using a set of complementary behavioral tests, we provide strong evidence …
Summary
In rodents, the decrease of felid aversion induced by Toxoplasma gondii, a phenomenon termed fatal attraction, is interpreted as an adaptive manipulation by the neurotropic protozoan parasite. With the aim of understanding how the parasite induces such specific behavioral modifications, we performed a multiparametric analysis of T. gondii-induced changes on host behavior, physiology, and brain transcriptome as well as parasite cyst load and distribution. Using a set of complementary behavioral tests, we provide strong evidence that T. gondii lowers general anxiety in infected mice, increases explorative behaviors, and surprisingly alters predator aversion without selectivity toward felids. Furthermore, we show a positive correlation between the severity of the behavioral alterations and the cyst load, which indirectly reflects the level of inflammation during brain colonization. Taken together, these findings refute the myth of a selective loss of cat fear in T. gondii-infected mice and point toward widespread immune-related alterations of behaviors.
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