Australian Neurosurgeon Discovers Live Parasitic Worm in Woman's Brain

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Source: NBC News
Australian Neurosurgeon Discovers Live Parasitic Worm in Woman's Brain
Photo: NBC News
TL;DR

Surgeons in Australia made a world-first discovery when they found a live parasitic worm, about 3 inches long, in a woman's brain during a biopsy. The 64-year-old patient had been experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, respiratory symptoms, forgetfulness, and depression. The worm, identified as Ophidascaris robertsi, is typically found in pythons and had never been seen in a human before. It is believed that the woman unknowingly consumed the worm's eggs through contaminated vegetation. Experts warn that with human encroachment on animal habitats, more cases of parasitic infections may occur in the future.

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