Could a Cat Parasite Affect Human Behavior?

A scientist from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) believes that a common parasite found in cats could affect human behavior on a mass scale. According to Keven Lafferty, "The geographic variation in the latent prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii may explain a substantial proportion of human population differences we see in cultural aspects that relate to ego, money, material possessions, work and rules." To test his hypothesis, Lafferty used published data on cultural dimension and aggregate personality for countries where there were also published data on the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in women of childbearing age. Pregnant women are tested for antibodies because of the serious risk posed by toxoplasmosis to fetuses, which lack their own immune systems.