An Australian woman complained of health issues ranging from depression to forgetfulness over several months. Doctors eventually discovered a worm in her brain, typically found in pythons.
In a hospital in Canberra, Australia, doctors successfully removed a living worm from the brain of a 64-year-old woman. This worm is a parasite usually found in pythons. The performing neurosurgeon was utterly shocked upon seeing the wriggling worm. This is the first documented case globally of such a worm being found inside a human body.
This was revealed in a study published today, involving researchers from the Australian National University and the hospital in Canberra.
It’s likely the parasite was transmitted while collecting grasses
The affected woman lives in a region in the Australian state of New South Wales where pythons are indigenous. She regularly collects native wild plants and grasses there for culinary use.
Researchers suspect that a python might have laid parasite eggs in the grass through its feces. The patient likely got infected after coming into contact with the grass and transferring the worm’s eggs onto food or kitchen utensils. In early 2021, the 64-year-old woman reported persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea, followed by a dry cough and night sweats. A year later, she also began experiencing forgetfulness and depression.
Experts warn of transmission risks
She was subsequently admitted to a hospital. An MRI scan eventually revealed abnormalities in her brain. During the subsequent surgery, the worm was found. According to experts, this case highlights the growing danger of transmittable diseases from animals to humans as their habitats increasingly overlap.
Both the snake and the parasite are not exclusive to Australia, meaning similar cases could occur elsewhere.