A British woman lived with 38 parasites in her brain for 10 years.
British resident Lowri Denman was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis a few years after her trip to India — 38 parasitic cysts were found in her brain. This was reported on July 1 by BBC News.
It is noted that Denman spent two months in India in 2007. Four years after her return, she discovered a tapeworm, after which she had severe headaches and developed a seizure. An MRI scan revealed multiple cysts in the brain.
The disease develops when ingesting pork tapeworm eggs, the larvae of which migrate to various organs, including the brain. Neurocysticercosis is considered one of the most common causes of acquired epilepsy in endemic regions.
The patient's treatment turned out to be extremely difficult. Her case was discussed at an international consultation with the participation of leading infectious disease specialists from the UK and the USA. Doctors controlled for inflammatory brain edema, seizures, and severe neuropsychiatric complications, including hallucinations and paranoia.
A combination of anthelmintic drugs, high doses of steroids, and antipsychotics was used. The condition was stabilized, but the patient is forced to take medications for epilepsy for life.
In Canada, on June 30, a child died after contact with a bat. The boy woke up at night because the mouse was interfering with his breathing, brushed the animal off his face, and his father caught and released him into the street. The parents did not notice the bite marks and did not seek help. After 19 days, the boy began to have facial numbness and vomiting, and doctors did not immediately diagnose him, as the family denied contact with the animal. The infection affected the nervous system, and the child could not be saved.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
