It would be a weird fact, but it’s true. A common parasite found in cats has been claimed to have an influence on humans, which in turn can urge them to commit suicide.

The findings of a recent study published in the August edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry revealed that those of who have contracted the parasite Toxoplasma gondii are at seven times increased risk of committing suicide. The parasite is more commonly found in cats, but it can be transmitted to humans.

Lena Brundin, Associate Professor of experimental psychiatry at Michigan State University, suggested that the findings of the study have tried to highlight the impact of the parasite, which causes inflammation that gives rise to the production of metabolites that causes severe harm to the brain.

Brundin said, “Research has found signs of inflammation in the brains of suicide victims and people battling depression. If one is positive for the parasite, you are seven times more likely to attempt suicide”.

The results of the study subjected that around 10 to 20% of the residents of United States are positive of the parasite. However, a majority of them will not commit suicide due to the infection.