Surgeons Remove Parasitic Worm from Australian Woman’s Brain: Shocking Discovery at Canberra Hospital

2023-08-29 17:40:00

Surgeons Remove Parasitic Worm From Australian Woman’s Brain

Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious diseases physician at Canberra hospital, had a shock when a neurosurgeon colleague called him to report a remarkable discovery. A parasitic roundworm, measuring a staggering 8cm, had been extracted from a patient's brain and was alive and wriggling. This astonishing event led Senanayake and his team to embark on a journey to identify the roundworm species and determine the appropriate course of action.

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The patient, a 64-year-old woman from New South Wales, initially sought medical attention due to abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, fever, and night sweats. As her condition worsened, she experienced forgetfulness and depression, prompting a referral to Canberra hospital. MRI scans unveiled abnormalities that required surgery.

The discovery of a live, wriggling worm inside the patient's brain left the medical team astounded. Senanayake revealed, "No one was expecting to find that." The team quickly delved into textbooks and consulted external experts to unravel the mystery surrounding the roundworm species.

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Through the expertise of a CSIRO scientist, the roundworm was identified as Ophidascaris robertsi, a species typically found in pythons. This marked the first-ever case of such a parasite being found in humans globally.

Based on the patient's proximity to a lake inhabited by carpet pythons, the medical professionals surmised that the parasite had been shed through python feces onto the grass surrounding the area. Even without direct contact with the snakes, the patient regularly collected native grasses, including warrigal greens, for cooking purposes. It is hypothesized that she may have either transferred the roundworm eggs to her food or inadvertently ingested them while consuming the greens.

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Treating the patient involved addressing potential larvae invasion in other parts of her body, such as the liver. Given the lack of previous cases, caution was exercised to minimize any potential harmful effects resulting from inflammation as the larvae died off. The patient's resilience and bravery were praised by Senanayake, emphasizing the uniqueness of her situation.

The incident sheds light on the growing risks posed by diseases and infections transmitted from animals to humans. As habitats increasingly overlap and humans and animals coexist in closer proximity, the potential for zoonotic diseases escalates. Dr. Senanayake warns that in the past 30 years alone, approximately 30 new infections have emerged worldwide, with 75% of these being zoonotic.

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Although the Ophidascaris infection does not possess the ability to transmit between humans, it is likely that other cases will arise in the future across different countries where snakes and the parasite are present. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when interacting with animals and the environment.

Prof. Peter Collignon, an expert in infectious diseases, emphasizes the need for caution and preventative measures, such as thorough washing of foods, proper food preparation techniques, and utilizing protective clothing to minimize the risk of encountering zoonotic diseases.

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