How a Common Brain Parasite Disrupts Neural Communication

A study by scientists at the University of California, Riverside reveals how the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can disrupt brain function, even when infecting only a small number of neurons. Published in PLoS Pathogens, the research shows that infected neurons release fewer extracellular vesicles (EVs), which impairs communication between neurons and glial cells, particularly astrocytes. This disruption can lead to imbalances in neurotransmitters like glutamate, potentially causing seizures, neural damage, or altered brain connectivity.

The parasite, which infects 10–30% of Americans, often lies dormant in the brain and is typically contracted through undercooked meat or exposure to cat feces. Current diagnostic tools detect exposure but not brain infection. The team’s findings suggest EVs could be used as biomarkers for infection, potentially leading to new treatments or vaccines. The research was conducted in mice and human cells, and future work will examine human blood samples to further explore the parasite’s role in brain disorders.