A 64-year-old Australian woman had a shocking surprise when she underwent brain surgery for a mysterious illness.
The neurosurgeon who operated on her found and extracted a live parasitic worm, about eight centimeters (3 inches) long, from her right frontal lobe.
The worm was identified as Ophidascaris robertsi, a species that normally infects pythons and has never been reported in humans before
The woman had been suffering from various symptoms for several months, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, fever, night sweats, forgetfulness, and depression.
She was referred to the Canberra Hospital, where an MRI scan revealed an abnormality in her brain that was initially suspected to be a tumor.
However, during the biopsy procedure, the surgeon discovered the worm still alive and wriggling between her forceps
The worm was quickly sent to a parasitology expert, who confirmed its identity and origin.
The researchers believed that the woman contracted the infection by eating wild greens that were contaminated with python feces containing the worm's eggs.
The eggs then hatched in her intestine and migrated to her brain through the bloodstream
Implications and treatment
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images
The case of the Australian woman is the first documented instance of Ophidascaris robertsi infection in humans, and also the first case of neurocysticercosis caused by a non-taeniid parasite.
Neurocysticercosis is a condition where cysts formed by tapeworm larvae invade the central nervous system, causing neurological symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, and cognitive impairment.
It is the most common parasitic infection of the brain worldwide, affecting about 50 million people, mostly in developing countries where sanitation is poor and pork consumption is high
The most common cause of neurocysticercosis is Taenia solium, a tapeworm that infects pigs and humans.
Humans can get infected by eating undercooked pork containing the larvae or by ingesting eggs from contaminated food or water.
The eggs then hatch in the intestine and travel to various organs, including the brain, where they form cysts.
The cysts can cause inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues, leading to neurological complications
The treatment of neurocysticercosis depends on the number, location, and stage of the cysts, as well as the severity of the symptoms.
The main options include antiparasitic drugs (such as albendazole or praziquantel), anti-inflammatory drugs (such as steroids), antiepileptic drugs (for seizures), and surgery (to remove cysts or relieve pressure).
However, these treatments may have side effects or complications, such as allergic reactions, worsening of symptoms, or infection.
Therefore, prevention is the best strategy to avoid neurocysticercosis, by improving hygiene, cooking pork thoroughly, and avoiding contact with pig feces
The Australian woman was treated with albendazole and steroids after the removal of the worm. She recovered well and was discharged from the hospital after two weeks.
She has not had any recurrence of symptoms or signs of infection since then.
The researchers have published their findings in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, hoping to raise awareness and understanding of this rare and remarkable case
Parasitic worm infections in humans are not uncommon, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where environmental conditions are favorable for their transmission and survival.
Some of the most common parasitic worms that can infect humans are roundworms (such as Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms (such as Ancylostoma duodenale), whipworms (such as Trichuris trichiura), tapeworms (such as Taenia saginata), and flukes (such as Schistosoma mansoni).
These worms can cause various diseases and symptoms, such as intestinal obstruction, anemia, malnutrition, liver damage, bladder cancer, and neurological disorders.
The prevention and control of parasitic worm infections in humans depend on several factors, such as the type of worm, the mode of transmission, the availability of diagnostic tools and treatments, and the socioeconomic status and cultural practices of the affected population.
Some of the general measures that can help prevent or reduce parasitic worm infections are:
Improving sanitation and hygiene, such as using latrines or toilets, washing hands with soap and water before eating and after defecating, disposing of human and animal feces properly, and keeping food and water sources clean.
Avoiding contact with contaminated soil or water, such as wearing shoes or boots when walking on potentially infected areas, boiling or filtering drinking water before consumption, and washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating.
Cooking meat thoroughly before eating, especially pork, beef, fish, and poultry that may contain worm larvae or eggs.
Seeking medical attention if symptoms occur, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, fever, coughing up blood, seizures, or mental changes.
Taking antiparasitic drugs as prescribed by a health professional if diagnosed with a worm infection.
Participating in mass drug administration programs if available in endemic areas.
Raising awareness and education about parasitic worm infections among communities at risk.
Parasitic worm infections in humans are a serious public health problem that can have significant impacts on individual well-being and social development.
By taking preventive measures and seeking timely treatment, people can protect themselves and their families from these potentially life-threatening diseases.
By raising awareness and education about parasitic worm infections among communities at risk, people can also contribute to reducing their prevalence and burden worldwide.
