Other links on the 'net that I've found are reporting (without any citations) that the parasite can be detected with a blood test (according to wikipedia, not true) and that it cannot be treated (again, according to wikipedia, also not true).
I've seen articles about this parasite pop up over at least the last 5 years. If it was a truly serious problem I'm sure there'd be more information about it. It smells a bit like FUD though.
A search for Toxoplasmosis on G-scholar reveals that this parasite is in fact a problem for immune compromised patients and infants. Although I do not think WebMD is a reliable source, another comment here cites them to indicate that infections are usually cleared up by our immune system. This appears to be plausible, but because the parasite enters cells, and can hide in a latent phase, your immune system may be unable to clear the infection permanently. Because the parasite can halt the cell cycle, it may be able to hide indefinitely. I would not be concerned about a latent parasite, but its re-emergence may become a problem if your immune system becomes compromised.
A correction to your statement that, according to wikipedia, the disease cannot be tested by blood sample. Wikipedia, in fact, stats that it can be tested by blood or other tissue, but only if the parasite is active (non-latent).
Regarding its effect on behavior, the parasite seems to increase dopamine levels and possibly inhibit fear response. Since the increased dopamine is caused by an enzyme made by the parasite, this probably only occurs during a full scale infection. The inhibition of fear may occur while the parasite is inactive, if the parasite is able to enter cells in your amygdala. I do not see this inhibition of fear as long-lasting, except perhaps in extreme cases.
One disclaimer, I grew up with a few cats, so I may have been, or am currently, infected. I cannot rule out that this parasite is manipulating me to write this comment. Now I'm off to find some cat pee. Can't get enough of that smell, mmmmmmmm.....
WebMd [1] and some other places [2] talk about it like it's a bacteria that your immune system fights off then you are safe from for the rest of your life. They don't seem to talk about any long term effects, and focus on just the risk the acute symptoms can have.
Five years isn't all that much time as far as bio-med research is concerned. I would expect to start seeing definite results in maybe a few years.
As for detection and treatment, the subject being discussed in the Wiki article is the effect of initial infection. The parasite sticks around in a latent form after being "fought off" and is being hypothesized to have additional long-term effects.
Other links on the 'net that I've found are reporting (without any citations) that the parasite can be detected with a blood test (according to wikipedia, not true) and that it cannot be treated (again, according to wikipedia, also not true).
I've seen articles about this parasite pop up over at least the last 5 years. If it was a truly serious problem I'm sure there'd be more information about it. It smells a bit like FUD though.
Can anyone else elaborate on this further?