Parasite found in CAT POO 'could play key role in fight against killer ovarian cancer'

A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, found in the pet faeces, could be the next weapon used on tumours.Cat poo could play an unexpected role in the fight to cure ovarian cancer, a study has found.

A parasite found in the pet faeces could be the next weapon used on tumours.

Called Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite is found in cat poo and contaminated meat and an estimated third of Britons will be infected by toxoplasmosis at some point in their life, but most people won't notice it.

It is only a risk to the unborn children of pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system.

Now US scientists have found the specific proteins secreted by the parasite that cause the immune system in mice to attack established ovarian tumours.

The process works by exploiting the parasite's need not to kill off its host while ensuring its own survival.

One promising strategy in the fight against cancer is to use the body's own immune system to remove tumour cells.