This Week in Parasitism
TWiP is a podcast about the tiny creatures that live in and on us.

Hosts: Vincent RacanielloDickson Despommier, and Daniel Griffin

The TWiP Masters solve the case of the Australian Wildlife Carer, and review evidence that nodding syndrome may be caused by an autoimmune reaction to the parasitic worm that causes river blindness.

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Case Study for TWiP 129

Young male in 30s, presents to ER with male partner, NY area, chief complaint over 1 month significant diarrhea, watery, non bloody. Abdominal cramping. Feels poorly, low energy, fever. Some vomiting, lost noticeable amount of weight, can’t stay hydrated. Past: AIDS positive, not on meds, last CD4 <50, viral load elevated and uncontrolled. Non contributory family history, no meds. Social history: had worked in office, can no longer; lives with male partner; occasional alcohol, no pets, no other significant exposures. Partner also AIDS, also not on therapy. Physical: febrile, 38.5C, 115 bp, 95/65, 18 resp, thin male, clearly uncomfortable. Oral thrush in buccal mucosa. No subungual saliva. Lungs clear, abdomen diffusely tender, increased bowel sounds. Labs: elevated creatinine, BUN, decreased sodium, elevated WBC count with significant eosinophilia. No pets or houseplants. 

Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv

Music by Ronald Jenkees

Direct download: TWiP129.mp3
Category:Science -- posted at: 2:00pm PDT

Hosts: Vincent RacanielloDickson Despommier, and Daniel Griffin

The TWiPerati solve the case of the Man Who Sat in Feces, and discuss a study on how Dickson's favorite parasite induces the formation of a collagen capsule.

Become a patron of TWiP.

Links for this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Blue Apron. Blue Apron is the #1 fresh ingredient and recipe delivery service in the country. See what’s on the menu this week and get your first 3 meals free with your first purchase - WITH FREE SHIPPING - by going to blueapron.com/twip.

Case Study for TWiP 128

Daniel doesn’t expect anyone to get this. From Australia, 80 yo retired teacher from Atherton, northheast Australia, presents to clinic with generalized weakness, concern of chronic lyme or Q fever. Seen by neurologist, concern about motor neuron disease. 18 months of illness, insidious onset of limb (arms and legs) weakness. No issues with speaking, swallowing or breathing; no weight loss; no fever, sweat, chill. History of osteoarthritis, joint replacements; myocarditis; vertigo; allergic to pen and dox. Father, rhematoid arthritis, brother colon cancer. On a number of medications. Does extensive travel, when not traveling, is a volunteer carer in Australia (abandoned wildlife), over the past three years. Lives with husband. Marsupials, hand feeds puggles and juvenile spiny anteaters, has pet cockatoo. No history of polio, HIV negative. Neuro exam: diffuse non tender muscle with no rash. Normal upper and lower limb tone, strength is symmetrically reduced proximally. Reflexes good at knees, normal sensation to all modalities. Normal cranial nerve exam. Test results: has eosinophilia, elevated muscle enzymes, EMG shows myopathic changes, nerve conduction normal. Stop statin therapy, no change. This is a rare parasite.

Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv

Music by Ronald Jenkees

Direct download: TWiP128.mp3
Category:Science -- posted at: 7:56am PDT

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