PubHawk
Commun Biol November 2022 PMID 36424436

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore.

Connor J Meyer, Kira A Cassidy, Erin E Stahler, Ellen E Brandell, Colby B Anton, Daniel R Stahler, Douglas W Smith

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Mentions

258
Peak: 31 in Nov 2022
across 6 sources since Nov 2022

Extended reach

1,122,498
potential audience

Total likes

295

Video views

1,401

Mentions per month

Nov 2022 – Nov 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions clearly reflect interest in how parasitic infections like Toxoplasma gondii influence social behaviors, with posts highlighting that infected wolves are more likely to become pack leaders or disperse, demonstrating both curiosity and recognition of ecological impacts. The tone varies from scientific references to speculative questions, emphasizing the importance and potential implications of the research.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the findings, with some explicitly referencing the increased risk-taking behavior caused by parasitic infection, though some remain neutral or skeptical.

InterestHigh interest

Many posts show high curiosity, especially when discussing implications for wolf behavior and ecosystem effects, indicating strong engagement with the subject matter.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several posts delve into the details, citing specific results such as wolves being more likely to lead packs or disperse, reflecting a decent depth of discussion.

ImpactModerate impact

Posts suggest that these findings could influence understanding of animal behavior and ecological dynamics, indicating moderate perceived significance.

Abstract in brief

  • Parasitic infection with Toxoplasma gondii can increase risk-taking behavior in intermediate hosts like wolves, influencing their decisions such as dispersing and seeking leadership roles.
  • The study found that wolves in areas with high cougar density—definitive hosts of T. gondii—are more likely to be infected, suggesting a link between predator presence and parasite transmission.
  • These behavioral changes may create a feedback loop, increasing interactions between wolves and cougars, with broader impacts on wolf social dynamics, population health, and ecosystem processes.]
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Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Fermat's Library
@fermatslibrary · X

This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 121 likes · 22 shares · 785,212 followers View post →
Roland Baker
@RolandBakerIII · X

Nature: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore: In Yellowstone National Park, gray wolves (Canis lupus) infected with T. gondii are more likely to be pack leaders and increase their rage into cougar territory. https://t.co/QoqWpTCuHY

Nov 25, 2022 · 25 likes · 3 shares · 8,183 followers View post →
Reiner 
@erlesen · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowstone who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite, are much more likely to become leaders of their pack https://t.co/bbK9frQ0FH @_atanas_

Nov 25, 2022 · 11 likes · 10 shares · 7,864 followers View post →
Madeleine Noll
@madeleine_noll · X

Nov 28, 2022 · 4 likes · 184 followers View post →
Gerald Carter
@gerrygcarter · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/1TPGbggUSZ

Nov 24, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,830 followers View post →
B i y o t e k n o l o j i
@Biyoteknolojitr · X

Yellowstone Milli Parkı'nda yapılan yeni bir araştırma, Latince ismi Toxoplasma gondii olan tek hücreli bir parazitin bölgedeki bozkurtların davranışlarını etkilediğini ortaya koydu.

Dec 14, 2022 · 2 likes · 2,812 followers View post →

All mentions

Carlos E Alvarez
@CarlosEAlvare17 · X

@NeuroscienceNew Meyer, C.J., Cassidy, K.A., Stahler, E.E. et al. Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. Commun Biol 5, 1180 (2022). https://t.co/CRsHaFWhcY See news item on it in Nature 612, 202 (2022), doi: https://t.co/1bn3vhFSfZ 2/2

Jul 17, 2025 · 1 like · 1,109 followers View post →
Michael Haufe
@mlhaufe · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 175 followers View post →
emilio lindosa lucas
@411emilio · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 4,866 followers View post →
Carlos Zurita Redón
@c_zuritaredon · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 3,744 followers View post →
Victor Silva
@matemagico2357 · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 5,515 followers View post →
Dutch
@mariojoseh555 · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 1,862 followers View post →
Cosmos Coder
@WeTweetScience · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 142 followers View post →
Rafael Escalona
@rafescal · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 7,438 followers View post →
Philippe Thubé
@PhilippeDoNancy · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 1,152 followers View post →
Angelos Papadopoulos
@angelohrg · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 1,267 followers View post →
John Balger
@JB_WPD09 · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 151 followers View post →
Gabriel Dimitrov
@Gabophile · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 54 followers View post →
Communications Biology
@CommsBio · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore: https://t.co/Fd4S50O5DG A non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body exhibits potential adaptations for swimming https://t.co/Ue9mcFWJbc https://t.co/Wn3BpgwQwx

Jan 24, 2023 · 1 like · 11,260 followers View post →
Anna Lozyk Romeo ™
@amlozyk · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 4,559 followers View post →
Logan Mohtashami
@LoganMohtashami · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 43,824 followers View post →
Surbatovic Tina
@SurbatovicTina · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 3,121 followers View post →
ねるっち
@Neru_cchi · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 333 followers View post →
Navjoth Singh
@navjothhimself · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 133 followers View post →
Marita Celinda angeles yzaga( Python, mechanin le)
@IzagaAngeles · X

RT @fermatslibrary: This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 22 shares · 637 followers View post →
Fermat's Library
@fermatslibrary · X

This week's paper reveals that parasitic infection

Jan 24, 2023 · 121 likes · 22 shares · 785,212 followers View post →
Thorsten Schwerte
@tschwerte · X

Erkrankt ein Wolf an Toxoplasmose wird er aggressiver und wahrscheinlicher ein/eine Alpha-Wolf/Wölfin https://t.co/Hk7MXuyhum

Jan 20, 2023 · 47 followers View post →
カモミールゲーム垢▲
@iconoclasm1229 · X

RT @DJCyberfuku: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/lGiQr7mzPK

Dec 21, 2022 · 1 share · 395 followers View post →
DJCyberfuku☆彡
@DJCyberfuku · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/lGiQr7mzPK

Dec 21, 2022 · 1 share · 10,519 followers View post →
B i y o t e k n o l o j i
@Biyoteknolojitr · X

Yellowstone Milli Parkı'nda yapılan yeni bir araştırma, Latince ismi Toxoplasma gondii olan tek hücreli bir parazitin bölgedeki bozkurtların davranışlarını etkilediğini ortaya koydu.

Dec 14, 2022 · 2 likes · 2,812 followers View post →
ゆらぎINSIDE
@Polip_INSIDE · X

Connor J. Meyer, Kira A. Cassidy, Erin E. Stahler, Ellen E. Brandell, Colby B. Anton, Daniel R. Stahler & Douglas W. Smith. "Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore ", 2022.Communications Biology volume 5, Article number: 1180

Dec 11, 2022 · 1 followers View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@OrdoFibonacci · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/mGel8NYNfl

Dec 6, 2022 · 2,567 followers View post →
ryo694
@ryo694 · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/61WGS2CUgW

Dec 5, 2022 · 1,389 followers View post →
takoruka2
@takoruka2 · X

面白い記事です。toxoplasma感染がgray wolfの行動様式をrisk-takingに変容させている可能性がある。Homo sapiensの3割近くもtoxoplasmaに寄生されているのではとの結語は不気味。 科学記事には原著をきちんと記載すべきだと思います。 ↓ DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04122-0 https://t.co/SOIJ1h4PvK

Dec 3, 2022 · 145 followers View post →
内田
@uchida_kawasaki · X

寄生虫にマインドコントロールされたオオカミは群れのリーダーになりやすいことが判明 - カラパイア https://t.co/kQ7q5L8AEB via @karapaia Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/9FHu6b9BfV

Dec 3, 2022 · 1 like · 1,932 followers View post →
sandrafriedrich
@friedrich_san · X

Et si l'infection d'un #parasite pouvait changer le comportement des #animaux #loups ? Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host #carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/8ELPrf1Vok

Dec 3, 2022 · 1,070 followers View post →
まつこ
@ma31stm · X

これかな。→ Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/UcPXWjDAQ3 https://t.co/RrEg8d3lTh

Dec 3, 2022 · 2,250 followers View post →
mad
@madhatter8708 · X

元論文 → https://t.co/MYzmuGE4Dm / 他88件のコメント https://t.co/WuteujgCmi “オオカミを群れのリーダーにさせる寄生虫、研究で明らかに” (315 users) https://t.co/H8gYtPuavS

Dec 2, 2022 · 2 likes · 382 followers View post →
(x_v)/shintarot
@shintvv · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore Connor J. Meyer, Kira A. Cassidy, Erin E. Stahler, Ellen E. Brandell, Colby B. Anton, Daniel R. Stahler & Douglas W. Smith https://t.co/UplNLUFl1g

Dec 2, 2022 · 244 followers View post →
gfc1052
@gfc105252 · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore Parasite-infected wolves were 11 times more likely to disperse from their pack and more than 46 times more likely to become a pack leader than uninfected wolves https://t.co/84rRMImPPU

Dec 2, 2022 · 160 followers View post →
Carlos E Alvarez
@CarlosEAlvare17 · X

@VoyaWolfProject Are you by chance able to determine status for this wolf? Meyer et al. Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. Commun Biol 5, 1180 (2022). https://t.co/CRsHaFWhcY (written up here, https://t.co/1bn3vhFSfZ)

Dec 2, 2022 · 1,109 followers View post →
ホモ属ホモイグノランスゐぬゑ
@mozzie_LH · X

:(；ﾞﾟ'ωﾟ'):ｺﾜｲ 狼の生態で軽い気持ちで読んだら ヒトもトキソプラズマに感染しており 想像以上に寄生虫に支配されてる哺乳類…

Dec 2, 2022 · 35 followers View post →
Joan Sallés Alvira
@SellesJoan · X

3) CJ Meyer, KA Cassidy, EE Stahler, EE Brandell, CB Anton, DR Stahler, DW Smith. Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. Communications Biology, 5: 1180 (2022). https://t.co/6lT7TOeE6o

Nov 30, 2022 · 220 followers View post →
Qraal
@qraal · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology These findings demonstrate that parasites have important implications for intermediate hosts,[..], through behavioural impacts. https://t.co/e2UbDRTYby

Nov 29, 2022 · 932 followers View post →
@argelaguilarvalles.bsky.social
@ArgelAV · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/BgOqawCJiy

Nov 29, 2022 · 1 like · 2,076 followers View post →
George Dawson
@dawso007 · X

Open Access: "...seropositive wolves were more likely to make high-risk decisions" Meyer, C.J., Cassidy, K.A., Stahler, E.E. et al. Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. Commun Biol 5, 1180 (2022). https://t.co/zMriToo08a

Nov 29, 2022 · 1 like · 7,826 followers View post →
June ONO
@Juno_naturasola · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/zgpFyXaDai

Nov 28, 2022 · 571 followers View post →
Madeleine Noll
@madeleine_noll · X

Nov 28, 2022 · 4 likes · 184 followers View post →
Ｎ村
@enumura · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/lFBKWOfv12

Nov 27, 2022 · 839 followers View post →
te
@Tamara7063 · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/wBg7HneDcz

Nov 26, 2022 · 2,902 followers View post →
Boris Linke
@1982blink · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore via https://t.co/mjKK6eXUNq https://t.co/V5lw6ibUdc

Nov 26, 2022 · 39 followers View post →
Dr. Mohamed Afify
@maaafify · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 26, 2022 · 10 shares · 366 followers View post →
Mike Clark
@mrc7cam · X

There’s lots of fascinating observations about how this parasite can affect the social behaviour of infected individuals including humans. Here’s a paper looking at wolves. “Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/yj3QhVROk1

Nov 26, 2022 · 584 followers View post →
Muzzpol
@Muzzpol · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 26, 2022 · 10 shares · 860 followers View post →
ももんがーZ
@amemomo_M · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 26, 2022 · 10 shares · 5,606 followers View post →
Atanas G. Atanasov
@_atanas_ · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 26, 2022 · 10 shares · 124,273 followers View post →
Science Communication
@ScienceCommuni2 · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 26, 2022 · 10 shares · 2,888 followers View post →
Digital Health and Patient Safety Platform
@DHPSP · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 25, 2022 · 10 shares · 6,769 followers View post →
International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce
@_INPST · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 25, 2022 · 10 shares · 10,285 followers View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@OrdoFibonacci · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology https://t.co/mGel8NYNfl

Nov 25, 2022 · 2,567 followers View post →
Reiner 
@erlesen · X

RT @erlesen: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowsto…

Nov 25, 2022 · 10 shares · 7,864 followers View post →
Valeria B. Salinas Ramos
@ValSalinasRamos · X

RT @gerrygcarter: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/1TPGbggUSZ

Nov 25, 2022 · 1 share · 109 followers View post →
Reiner 
@erlesen · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/Tr4NS69CRT Wolves in Yellowstone who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite, are much more likely to become leaders of their pack https://t.co/bbK9frQ0FH @_atanas_

Nov 25, 2022 · 11 likes · 10 shares · 7,864 followers View post →
Susan Chubb#FBPA⚫️#RejoinEU
@SusanChubb1 · X

RT @AndrewW66619812: The paper in "Nature Communications Biology" the above "Nature" article is based upon refers, & links to: “Parasitic…

Nov 25, 2022 · 1 share · 10,208 followers View post →
Andy_Weeble_Weaver
@AndrewW66619812 · X

The paper in "Nature Communications Biology" the above "Nature" article is based upon refers, & links to: “Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore” https://t.co/3Kf3H2ym9C

Nov 25, 2022 · 1 share · 4,345 followers View post →
Antonio J Vallecillo, PhD
@Vallecillo_AJ · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. https://t.co/jY48wf2oUx

Nov 25, 2022 · 529 followers View post →
Teheimar
@Teheimar · X

RT @RolandBakerIII: Nature: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore: In Yellowstone National Par…

Nov 25, 2022 · 3 shares · 1,308 followers View post →
orion77
@orion7710 · X

RT @RolandBakerIII: Nature: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore: In Yellowstone National Par…

Nov 25, 2022 · 3 shares · 1,507 followers View post →
T. S. Mendeloff
@TSMendeloff · X

RT @RolandBakerIII: Nature: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore: In Yellowstone National Par…

Nov 25, 2022 · 3 shares · 45 followers View post →
Roland Baker
@RolandBakerIII · X

Nature: Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore: In Yellowstone National Park, gray wolves (Canis lupus) infected with T. gondii are more likely to be pack leaders and increase their rage into cougar territory. https://t.co/QoqWpTCuHY

Nov 25, 2022 · 25 likes · 3 shares · 8,183 followers View post →
Gerald Carter
@gerrygcarter · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/1TPGbggUSZ

Nov 24, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,830 followers View post →
Biology News
@BiologyMews · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore | Communications Biology - https://t.co/6Yj7d9VA2N https://t.co/2v5bnjA037

Nov 24, 2022 · 4,886 followers View post →
InfoOtomotif
@otomotifkuinfo7 · X

Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore https://t.co/x3HwLeLJNY

Nov 24, 2022 · 14 followers View post →