A girl from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh died in RML Hospital, Delhi. In the MRI scan, about 25 cysts were found in his brain. Doctors suspect that these cysts were caused by eating cabbage. It is believed that a parasite from the cabbage reached his brain, causing his death. This raises the question: Does cabbage really contain parasites that can reach the brain? Does medical science support this claim? Let us know from the doctors.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, Associate Professor of Biotechnology Department at AIIMS, New Delhi, says that the idea of parasites in cabbage is a myth. There is no scientific evidence that cabbage contains parasites that can reach the brain. However, any vegetable that grows in the ground can contain a parasite called Taenia solium. This parasite is so small that it is not visible to the naked eye. This parasite contaminates vegetables when an infected animal defecates or urinates on them. This parasite grows in the intestines of animals and then reaches the vegetables through their feces or urine.
This parasite causes cysticercosis
Dr. Ashok explains that when a person eats vegetables contaminated with this parasite, it goes into the stomach and lays eggs there. Cysticercosis occurs due to infection with the eggs of these parasites. After entering the body, these eggs hatch in the intestines and reach the body tissues, forming cysts. These cysts usually do not cause any symptoms unless they become very large in one area. However, in large numbers they cause symptoms, and when they spread throughout the body, they cause a disease called neurocysticercosis.
So why do people talk about cabbage parasites? Dr. Daljit Singh, Unit Head of Neurosurgery Department at Max Hospital, Delhi, says that cabbage does not contain worms, but it may contain parasites. These parasites can also be found in undercooked pork and other ground vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and bell peppers. Therefore, it is wrong to say that only cabbage contains a worm that can enter the brain.
All this happens because of parasites. However, most people do not know about the parasite, so they mistakenly believe that it is a worm that moves into the stomach, but it is not. It is a parasite that first enters the stomach. From there, it can penetrate the intestinal wall. After this, it reaches the brain or other organs through the blood. If it reaches the brain, it can be fatal.
Is there any treatment for this?
If these vegetables are washed thoroughly or their outer layers are removed, the parasites are eliminated, and the risk of them entering the stomach is reduced. Treatment is available, but if the infection reaches the brain, treatment becomes difficult. However, if the parasites are still in the stomach, medicine can be given to kill them, which can save the person’s life.
Keep these things in mind while eating green vegetables:
Always wash vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
Remove outer layers of vegetables.
Buy vegetables from clean places.
Wash your hands before eating.
