TWiP 183: When they dry they die

Dickson, Daniel and Vincent solve the case of the Female with Itchy Anus, and reveal the structure of a roundworm membrane protein involved in digestion of nutrients.

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Daniel Griffin

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Links for this episode

• Structure of roundworm digestive complex (PLoS Path)
• Hero: Dr. Anthony Fauci
• Fauci Pharmacy (TWiV 219)
• Letters read on TWiP 183

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Case Study for TWiP 183

70 yo male. Returns with wife from safari in S. Africa. Reports suffering from 2 weeks watery diarrhea. Severe water shortage in S. Africa, limited washing water, hand sanitizers to clean hands so problem with hand hygiene.  5 days after arrival he and wife have water diarrhea, 12 per day, nauseated, abdominal cramping. Ab no effect. Stool culture, ONP, negative. Healthy, no past med/surg, no allergies, nothing runs in family. Stool sent off for ONP acid fast stain, also GI PCR panel. Prompts treatment for 7 days trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, resolves.

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Music by Ronald Jenkees