Parasite Linked to Increased Entrepreneurship
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B has substantiated a link between Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite commonly found in cat feces, and common characteristics found in entrepreneurs. Toxoplasma infection typically presents with no symptoms other than those similar to the flu, but once infected, the parasite has been found to stay in the body, most specifically the brain. The infection results in sufferers experiencing a lack of fear and increased risk-taking behaviors, both traits commonly found in entrepreneurs, CNN reports.
Other researchers have also found links to schizophrenia, as well as increased dopamine and testosterone production in toxoplasma infection sufferers. Increased levels of these substances can lead to feelings of invincibility according to lead study researcher Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.
The study examined both business students and business professionals. Johnson found that business majors were 1.4 times more likely to test positive for Toxoplasma gondii than non-business students and were 1.7 times more likely to have a management or entrepreneurship focus. On a professional level, the researchers found professionals who tested positive for the parasite were 1.8 times more likely to have started their own business or company than others.
