Parasitic Worm Living in Woman’s Brain Found in Australia: First Time Worldwide
An 8cm long-live parasitic roundworm was found in the brain of an Australian woman. The woman was experiencing hallucinations and depression.
The woman was admitted to her local hospital in late January 2021. She had been suffering from abdominal pain and diarrhea, persistent dry cough, fever, and night sweats for three weeks.
By 2022, her symptoms included hallucinations and depression, leading to her transfer to Canberra Hospital. An MRI scan of her brain revealed abnormalities that required surgery.
“But the neurosurgeon certainly didn’t expect to find a live worm in there,” Canberra Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake told The Guardian.
“Neurosurgeons deal with brain infections regularly, but this was a one-time career. No one expected to find this,” he added.
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Recognized as a 3rd-stage larva of the nematode species Ophidascaris robertsi, this case is unique in medical history. The case was documented in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Normally, these parasitic roundworms live in the gastrointestinal system of carpet pythons native to New South Wales, Australia.
“Canberra is a small place, so we sent the live worms to the laboratory of a CSIR scientist who is very experienced in parasites,” Dr. Senanayake said.
“He just looked at it and said, ‘Oh my goodness, this is Ophidascaris robertsi.”
Researchers involved in her case have theorized that eggs from a python’s anus may be released into the grass. They hypothesize that the patient likely came into contact with native grasses, later transferred the eggs to food or kitchen utensils, or perhaps ingested them while eating the greens.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of brain worms?
Ans. Symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry cough, confusion, and night sweats.
Can brain worm be cured?
Ans. yes. Infections are usually treated with a combination of antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
