The initial case of a human being infected by a roundworm species primarily found in carpet pythons has been documented. Medical professionals from The Australian National University (ANU) and Canberra Hospital surgically removed an Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm from the cerebral matter of a 64-year-old woman in Australia. It is postulated that she contracted the parasitic organism after gathering and consuming Warrigal greens adjacent to a lake frequented by the python that had discharged the parasite.
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Increased Risks of Zoonotic Diseases and Emphasis on Food Safety
This unprecedented human case highlights the escalating risk of zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—and underscores the critical nature of adhering to stringent food safety protocols.
Detailed Examination of the Ophidascaris Roundworm
According to Associate Professor Sanjaya Senanayake, a leading infectious disease expert at ANU and co-author of the study, “This is the inaugural human case of Ophidascaris infection globally, and to our current understanding, the first to involve the brain in any mammal. Typically, the larvae reside in small mammals and marsupials, which are consumed by pythons, allowing the life cycle to complete in the snake.”
Ophidascaris robertsi commonly resides in the esophagus and stomach of carpet pythons and disperses its eggs through the host’s fecal matter. Humans infected with this roundworm are considered incidental hosts. These parasites are notably adaptive and can cause an array of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and fatigue.
Origin of Infection
The researchers state that the woman, a resident of southeastern New South Wales, likely acquired the parasite through handling or consumption of Warrigal greens she gathered near her residence, beside a lake where the python had eliminated the parasite.
The patient’s symptoms began manifesting in January 2021 with abdominal pain, diarrhea, followed by fever, cough, and shortness of breath. By 2022, cognitive and memory impairments were noted, leading to a brain MRI scan, which revealed the atypical lesion. Subsequent neurosurgery at Canberra Hospital led to the extraction of the parasite, which was identified through visual and molecular studies.
Potential Risks and Safety Guidelines
“This inaugural case highlights the peril of animal-to-human disease transmission, particularly as our habitats increasingly overlap,” said Associate Professor Senanayake. “Approximately 75% of newly emerging infections globally are zoonotic. This specific infection is not transmissible among humans, but its presence in other geographical locations implies potential future cases.”
Associate Professor Karina Kennedy, Director of Clinical Microbiology at Canberra Hospital and ANU Medical School, emphasized the necessity of proper hygiene, especially for those who forage or garden. She recommends thorough washing of hands and food products, as well as meticulous cleaning of kitchen surfaces and cutting boards.
Ongoing Monitoring and Research
The patient remains under the surveillance of infectious disease and neurology specialists. “The resilience and patience displayed by this woman are commendable,” noted Associate Professor Senanayake.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases and included contributions from a multidisciplinary team of scientists and medical professionals from ANU, Canberra Health Services, CSIRO, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney.
Reference: “Human Neural Larva Migrans Caused by Ophidascaris robertsi Ascarid” by Mehrab E Hossain, Karina J. Kennedy, Heather L. Wilson, David Spratt, Anson Koehler, Robin B. Gasser, Jan Šlapeta, Carolyn A. Hawkins, Hari Priya Bandi and Sanjaya N. Senanayake, 11 August 2023, Emerging Infectious Diseases.
DOI: 10.3201/eid2909.230351
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about human infection by Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm
What was the unique aspect of the parasitic roundworm case in Australia?
This case represents the first documented instance of a human being infected by the Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm, a species typically found in carpet pythons.
How was the parasitic roundworm discovered in the patient?
The roundworm was discovered during brain surgery performed at Canberra Hospital on a 64-year-old Australian woman. She had been experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and later cognitive issues that led to a brain MRI scan, which ultimately revealed the presence of the roundworm.
What symptoms did the infected individual experience?
The individual initially suffered from abdominal pain and diarrhea, followed by fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Later, she started experiencing memory issues and changes in thought processing, which led to further examination and the discovery of the roundworm.
Where is the Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm usually found?
The Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm is commonly found in carpet pythons. It usually resides in the esophagus and stomach of these pythons, shedding its eggs through the host’s fecal matter.
What are the implications of this case for public health?
The case has heightened concerns about the rising threat of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It also emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to food safety guidelines to avoid such infections.
What precautions are recommended for avoiding such parasitic infections?
Associate Professor Karina Kennedy suggests thorough hand washing after handling foraged or garden products. Additionally, food items should be thoroughly washed and kitchen surfaces and cutting boards should be cleaned meticulously after use.
How is the medical community responding to this unprecedented case?
The patient remains under the careful observation of a team of infectious disease and neurology specialists. The research has been published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, and contributions were made by a multidisciplinary team from ANU, Canberra Health Services, CSIRO, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney.
Are there other documented cases of this roundworm infecting mammals?
According to Associate Professor Sanjaya Senanayake, this is the first case to involve the brain of any mammalian species. The roundworm larvae are normally found in small mammals and marsupials that are consumed by carpet pythons.
What is the primary host for Ophidascaris robertsi?
The primary host for Ophidascaris robertsi is the carpet python, a large snake native to Australia, New Guinea, and some parts of Indonesia. Humans infected with this roundworm are considered to be accidental hosts.
Are there global implications for this case?
Yes, the roundworm and the carpet python are found in different parts of the world. Therefore, the potential for similar cases in other countries exists, especially given the increasing overlap of human and animal habitats.
More about human infection by Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal Article
- Australian National University Research Publications
- Canberra Hospital Medical Studies
- World Health Organization on Zoonotic Diseases
- Food Safety Guidelines
- Carpet Python Habitat and Behavior Studies
- Overview of Parasitic Roundworms in Mammals
- CSIRO Research Contributions
- University of Melbourne Medical Research
- University of Sydney Medical Research
