Alive and Squirming: Doctors Successfully Extract 3-Inch Parasitic Worm from …

A Live Worm Extracted from a Woman’s Brain during Surgery

When a 64-year-old Australian woman underwent brain surgery, the neurosurgeon, Dr. Hari Priya Bandi, made a shocking discovery: a live 8-centimeter (3-inch) long parasitic roundworm. This incident marks the world’s first recorded case of a live worm found inside a human brain. The finding led to a swift investigation to identify the parasite.

The Identification Process

After the live worm was extracted, it was sent to an animal parasitology expert at a nearby research agency. The expert quickly identified it as Ophidascaris robertsi, a roundworm typically found in pythons. Molecular tests confirmed this identification. According to Professor Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious disease expert and professor at the Australian National University, this is the first known case of a roundworm being found in the brain of a mammal.

The Likely Source of Infection

The patient lived near a lake area in New South Wales, populated by carpet pythons. While she did not have direct contact with the pythons, it is believed that she contracted the roundworm after consuming a native leafy vegetable called Warrigal greens. It is suspected that a carpet python spread the parasite through its feces, contaminating the greens, which the patient then touched or used for cooking.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The woman initially sought medical attention for abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, fever, and night sweats. As time went on, her symptoms progressed to forgetfulness and depression. An MRI scan revealed an abnormality in the right frontal lobe of her brain. The roundworm was discovered during the subsequent surgery.

The Dangers of Animal-to-Human Transmission

This case draws attention to the increasing risk of diseases and infections transmitted from animals to humans. As humans encroach further into animal habitats, the opportunities for interaction and transmission of infections rise. Professor Senanayake emphasizes that this case is not an isolated incident, as there have been approximately 30 new infections identified in the past three decades. Of these emerging infections, about 75% are zoonotic, meaning they originated in animals and crossed over to humans. This includes viruses like SARS, COVID-19, and Ebola.

The Future Implications

The Ophidascaris infection discovered in this case does not transmit between humans, making a pandemic unlikely. However, since the snake and parasite are found in other parts of the world, it is possible that similar cases will arise in different countries. This incident serves as a reminder for people who forage for food from the natural environment to take precautions. Washing hands after handling foraged products and thoroughly cleaning any foraged material used for cooking or salads is essential.

Distinguishing from Other Parasitic Infections

It is important to note that this case is distinct from recent reports of tapeworm larvae causing headaches and neurological symptoms. Neurocysticercosis, caused by the ingestion of eggs found in the feces of someone with an intestinal tapeworm, is a different condition entirely.

This incident sheds light on the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. As human activities continue to encroach upon wildlife habitats, we are reminded of the need for responsible behavior to minimize the risks of infection. Public health measures should focus on promoting awareness about potential sources of infection and the importance of proper hygiene practices.