Could a parasite in cat feces cure Alzheimer’s? Here’s what scientists say

In a unique study conducted jointly by the University of Glasgow and Tel Aviv University, it has been discovered that a parasite found in cat feces can be used to effectively treat neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The mutated version of the parasite, called Toxoplasma gondi, appears to target the protein needed for treatment to the brain. Neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Rett Syndrome are linked to some type of protein malfunction. It is extremely complex to target these diseases at their source.

Furthermore, it is quite challenging to deliver the drugs, including the target protein, correctly to the spots inside the neurons. Toxoplasma gondi is a parasite that has achieved the ability to even penetrate complex genetic substances like the placenta. The researchers were curious to know if this ability of the parasite could be used to transport drugs to the brain suffering from neurological conditions. This study is considered a milestone in the field of neurology. Meanwhile, the study was published in the Nature Microbiology Journal.