February 9, 2012

Parasites Make Butt Itch, Promote Culture

Ingrid Spilde, ScienceNordic


AP Photo

Over half the species on the planet live on or inside other organisms. Countless bacteria are active inside our bodies, sometimes keeping company with viruses, fungi, worms and other tiny organisms.

Many of these stowaways are useful or even vital for those who carry them. Others live relatively sedate lives, not making much difference one way or another. Then there are the hostile types, some of whom even viciously murder their hosts.

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TAGGED: parasites, culture, toxoplasmosis, infectious disease

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