Here are four things to know:
1. Cancer cells developing in tapeworms might create cancer-like tumors in people with weak immune systems.
2. This is the first instance a person became ill from cancerous cells originating from a parasite.
3. The study addresses the concern that human cancer may be misdiagnosed. In less developed countries, this tapeworm is common.
4. The results reveal new understanding about “conditions under which cells may become cancerous,” said Peter D. Olson, PhD, Natural History Museum in London.
“We were amazed when we found this new type of disease — tapeworms growing inside a person essentially getting cancer that spreads to the person, causing tumors,” said Atis Muehlenbachs, MD, PhD, staff pathologist, CDC Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, and lead author of study.
More articles on quality & infection control:
New Mexico sees decrease is many healthcare-associated infections: 5 observations
Personalized medicine at it’s best — Predicting drug side effects on individualized basis
Perioperative surgical home enhances quality, lowers costs — 5 things to know
