They find in China a dangerous parasite in people who ate raw millipedes

Researchers from Southern Medical University and Zhujiang Hospital in Guangzhou have explained that it is the first time that the "rat rat" is detected in centipedes, so named because of his preference for the pulmonary arteries of this animal. 19659002] Chinese researchers found a " dangerous parasite " that could cause infections such as meningitis in two patients who had consumed centipede raw, a practice badociated with Traditional Chinese Medicine .

As reported by the Xinhua State News Agency today, the discovery was made by researchers at Southern Medical University and Zhujiang Hospital in Guangzhou who explained that it is the first time that the "rat ", so-called because of his preference for the pulmonary arteries of this animal, is detected in centipedes.

As minor infections by this parasite, the scientists explained, they can resolve by themselves, but this can enter the brain and spinal cord which can lead to meningitis and in rare cases, paralysis. "We generally do not hear about people eating raw millipedes, but apparently both of these patients thought they would be good for their health ," said Lu Lingli, L & R. One of the authors of the report. The dried or crushed centipede has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases such as whooping cough tetanus and cardiovascular diseases and are generally marketed in dry form or powder, which does not transmit the parasite.

In addition, the extracts made with centipedes are valued for their potential ra cancer fight and serves as a powerful painkiller . However, raw wild centipedes are rarely consumed to treat diseases.

As Lu explained, the two patients, a 78-year-old woman and her 46-year-old son, came from a rural area where they believed. consumption of raw millipedes is beneficial for health.

Researchers purchased 20 centipedes from the agricultural market where patients had purchased their centipedes and detected the immature or larval form of the parasite in seven of them. Both the mother and the child have been cured after pest and steroid treatment.