The ways in which parasites affect mental health are complex and multifaceted. One primary mechanism is through inflammation and immune system activation. When the body detects a parasitic infection, it mounts an immune response, releasing inflammatory molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain function. The immune system is the first to respond to the parasite infection.
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on immune cells detect parasite antigens (Proteins, DNA, Glycoproteins).
Macrophases, dendritic cells, and microglia release pro-inflammatory cytokines which signal the rest of the immune system, e.g., T-cells, B-cells, to activate and coordinate response.
Learn more fascinating information and the methods parasites can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Workshop dates Thursday 23rd October 2025 @ 3pm, Thursday 30 October @ 3 pm. Cost R950 1.5 hour zoom meetings.