An Australian scientist provided details on Tuesday about a world-first discovery of an eight-centimeter-long parasitic worm found inside a woman's brain in Canberra, highlighting the risks of infectious organisms transferring to humans. This roundworm is commonly found in a specific type of snake and was discovered last year in the brain of a 64-year-old woman during surgery in the Australian capital after she complained of abdominal pain, memory loss, and depression.
A study on the case published yesterday in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases suggests that the woman may have contracted the worm while foraging for wild herbs that could have been contaminated with snake feces. Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake, one of the study's authors, told Reuters, "When you perform brain surgery and take a sample of something, you never expect to find a living organism." He mentioned that "despite scientists being aware of the presence of parasites in humans, a worm of this size has never been seen inside a human before," adding, "(It was) definitely something we will never forget."
The woman, who was praised by Senanayake as "very brave," has returned to her normal life after being discharged from the hospital but remains under the observation of doctors. Senanayake noted, "Because it was an unusual case on many levels, we are keeping her under close observation and continue to communicate with her."
