An unprecedented discovery has shocked the medical community as a live snake roundworm was extracted from the brain of a 64-year-old woman in south-eastern New South Wales. The remarkable finding came to light during a complex surgery at Canberra Hospital led by neurosurgeon Dr. Hari Priya Bandi. The patient had been experiencing a series of symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, and neurological issues, prompting the surgery. Dr. Bandi was shocked when she successfully removed an 8cm-long parasitic roundworm from the patient’s brain.
Seeking guidance on this unusual case, Dr. Bandi reached out to her colleagues, including infectious diseases physician Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake. Dr. Senanayake expressed his disbelief, stating that although neurosurgeons are accustomed to dealing with brain infections, this finding was exceptionally rare and unexpected.
The medical team at Canberra Hospital collaborated to determine the best course of action for the patient. Their extensive research failed to uncover a similar case, prompting them to consult a specialized CSIRO scientist familiar with parasites. The live worm was identified as the Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm, typically found in pythons. Remarkably, this marked the first instance of this parasite being found in humans.
Unraveling a Unique Infection
The patient’s potential mode of infection raised interesting theories. Despite no direct snake contact, the patient’s surroundings included a lake area inhabited by carpet pythons. The hypothesis was that the patient indirectly encountered the parasite through contaminated grasses used in cooking. This notion was supported by her habit of collecting native grasses, including warrigal greens, from around the lake.
Due to the uniqueness of the case, the medical team proceeded cautiously. The patient’s treatment involved addressing potential larvae presence in other body parts. However, due to limited knowledge about this condition, a comprehensive approach was taken to mitigate risks associated with inflammation triggered by dying larvae, especially in sensitive areas like the brain.
The patient’s courage was commended by Dr. Senanayake. While the patient continues her recovery under close observation, researchers are investigating the possibility of underlying medical conditions that could have facilitated the parasite’s intrusion.
This extraordinary case, documented in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, highlights the potential risks of zoonotic diseases—those that transfer from animals to humans. Dr. Senanayake underscored that this Ophidascaris infection is not transmitted between humans. However, he emphasized the need for increased vigilance as habitats intersect, leading to the emergence of novel infections.
