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

TWiP solves the case of the Hiker from Queens who Denies Bug Bites, and reveal two different malaria experimental vaccines that target different parts of the parasite life cycle.

Hosts: Vincent RacanielloDickson DespommierDaniel Griffin, and Christina Naula

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Case Study for TWiP 220

Sent by Michelle and Alexander from the First Vienna Parasitology Passion Club

A 36 year old male presents to the local ED with shortness of breath. Additional symptoms included a stinging pain in different parts of his extremities, fatigue, abdominal cramps and bowel irregularities. On exam he was resting comfortably and his vitals were normal, but the patient appears very distressed by his symptoms. His left eye showed signs of irritation, including redness and swelling. A detailed history reveals travel to the Caribbean about 4 years ago and several short trips to central and east Africa, all between 5 and 10 years ago. His initial labs were grossly unremarkable and a chest x-ray showed no abnormalities. The patient himself suspected a specific parasitic etiology of his symptoms, so we performed a number of serologies and stool examinations in search of  parasitic diseases. None of the tests revealed evidence of an ongoing infection. 

He is HIV negative and not sexually active at the moment. He has no pets and no other recent travel history. He eats a normal diet and has been out of work for two years.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this fantastic project! All the best, 

Michelle and Alexander from the First Vienna Parasitology Passion Club

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

Music by Ronald Jenkees

Direct download: TWiP220.mp3
Category:Science -- posted at: 4:19pm PDT

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