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Scientists in China now have hard evidence that eating raw centipedes is a very bad idea.
This could be self-evident in most parts of the world. But centipedes are an established medicine in traditional medicine in China.
As an ancient nostrum for epilepsy, stroke, cancer, tetanus or rheumatoid arthritis, two-inch arthropods are believed to be eaten dried, powdered or after being soaked in water. Alcohol – not believed.
But a study published Monday in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene describes two hospitalized patients – a mother and son – who ended up with pulmonary worms in their brains after eating wild centipedes that the son had bought from a farmer. market.
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Lungworms of rats, named because they were first found in 1934 in the pulmonary arteries of A rat from Norway in Guangzhou, China. threatening life. But usually, they only infect people who eat snails or raw slugs.
The patients, a 78-year-old woman and her 46-year-old son, were admitted to Zhujiang Hospital in Guangzhou in 2012 with headaches and stiffness, signs of meningitis.
"It took us time to understand what they were suffering from," said Dr. Lingli Lu, a hospital neurologist and co-author of the study.
After eliminating bacterial and viral causes, she says, the treatment team focused on common parasites like cysticercosis, caused by pork tapeworms, or toxoplasmosis, which originates from cat feces.
Eventually, she says, a specialist in meningitis suggested a test for pulmonary worms.
The previously healthy man had listened to someone who had told him that rough centipedes would prevent colds in the winter.
Both patients recovered after treatment with a parasite and corticosteroids.
To confirm their suspicions, the researchers bought 20 live centipedes at the market that the son had attended. and found seven of them teeming with lungworm larvae.
Asked why anyone would sell live centipedes – which have a venomous bite – Dr. Lu explained that some traditionalists boil them in tea or keep them in wine
" In my opinion, it would be rude to tell the client, "Do not eat them raw," she said. "He would say that the customer is stupid."
Donald G. McNeil Jr. is a science journalist covering the epidemics and diseases of the world's poor. He joined the Times in 1976 and reported in 60 countries.
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