A neurosurgeon investigating a woman’s mystery symptoms in an Australian hospital has plucked an 8-centimeter (3-inch) wriggling worm from the patient’s brain.
The creature was the larva of an Australian native roundworm not previously known to be a human parasite, named Ophidascaris robertsi. The worms are commonly found in carpet pythons.
The woman had been admitted to the hospital after experiencing forgetfulness and worsening depression over three months. Scans showed changes in her brain. “Suddenly, with her forceps, she’s picking up this thing that’s wriggling. She and everyone in that operating theater were absolutely stunned,” Senanayake added.
The woman lives near a carpet python habitat and forages for native vegetation called warrigal greens to cook.
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