Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s disclosure that a doctor apparently found a dead worm in his brain has sparked questions about what brain parasites are, the damage they can cause and how, exactly, they get there. Brain parasites encompass far more than worms. There are “legions” of organisms that can affect the brain, said Scott Gardner, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who specializes in parasites. In addition to worms, common brain parasites include single-celled organisms such as Toxoplasma gondii and some amoeba. The damage varies depending on the type of parasite and where it ends up in the brain.

---

Persons: Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Scott Gardner, ”, Daniel Pastula Organizations: University of Nebraska, Lincoln, University of Colorado Medicine