S2E8 Love Bites: Microbes That Hijack Affection

What if attraction isn’t entirely yours? In this Outbreak After Dark episode, Heather, Kate, and Sam gather around the campfire to explore the parasites, fungi, and viruses that manipulate behavior in the name of survival. We’re talking: Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that dampens rodents’ fear of cats The lancet liver fluke, which turns ants into grazing bait Ophiocordyceps, the real-life “zombie ant” fungus Baculoviruses that liquefy caterpillars from the treetops Hairworms that drive crickets into water Limb-altering trematodes that make frogs easier prey Insect viruses that disrupt courtship songs and pheromones And the global rise of antifungal-resistant Candidozyma (Candida) auris Then we turn the lens toward humans. Do gut microbes influence mood and attraction? Are pheromones real? What happens to your microbiome when you kiss someone? (Answer: about 80 million bacteria exchange in ten seconds.) This episode blends behavioral ecology, evolutionary strategy, fungal cautionary tales, and just enough snack-fueled chaos to keep it campfire-worthy. Because love isn’t always sweet. Sometimes it’s optimized. 🔥 Recipes for Parasite Punch, Symbiosis Spritz, Zombie Ant Tapenade Toasts, and Courtship Clusters are available on infectiousdose.com.