Live worm found in Australian woman’s brain in world first
Published 2 hours ago
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Invasion of the Brain: A Shocking Medical Discovery
In a shocking medical discovery, scientists in Australia have found an eight-centimeter worm alive in the brain of a 64-year-old woman, making it a world first. The string-like structure was discovered during surgery in Canberra last year when the woman was admitted to the hospital for a range of symptoms including stomach pain, cough, night sweats, forgetfulness, and depression. The cause of her condition, however, was only revealed during a biopsy in June 2022.
A First of its Kind: Unprecedented Medical Case
The presence of a live worm in the brain is a medical phenomenon that has never been documented before. The discovery has shocked the medical community and serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of diseases and infections that can be passed from animals to humans.
A Harrowing Operation: The Shocking Moment
The neurosurgeon who discovered the worm described the shocking moment when she felt something unusual while examining the brain during surgery. With a sense of disbelief, she used tweezers to pull out the worm, only to find that it was alive and moving outside of the brain. The entire operating theatre was stunned by the unexpected finding.
Zoonotic Infections: A Growing Concern
This case highlights the growing danger of zoonotic infections, which are infectious diseases that jump from animals to humans. In this specific instance, the roundworm (Ophidascaris robertsi) is commonly found in carpet pythons, non-venomous snakes that inhabit many parts of Australia. It is believed that the woman contracted the worm after coming into contact with contaminated native grass, Warrigal greens, which had been exposed to python faeces and parasite eggs.
Implications for Public Health
The Australian National University (ANU) team, who reported the case, emphasizes the need for increased infectious disease surveillance. Over the past 30 years, 30 new types of infections have emerged, three-quarters of which are zoonotic. As human populations continue to grow and encroach on animal habitats, the risk of diseases jumping from animals to humans becomes greater. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of proactive public health measures and robust infectious disease surveillance.
Conclusion: A Warning and a Wake-Up Call
This unprecedented medical case serves as a warning that the relationship between humans and animals must be carefully monitored, especially as urbanization and habitat encroachment continue to escalate. It is crucial for epidemiologists, governments, and healthcare systems to invest in comprehensive infectious disease surveillance and research to minimize the risks of zoonotic infections and prevent future health crises.
About the author:
is a current affairs commentator and journalist based in Australia.
<< photo by Tima Miroshnichenko >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
