Podcasts about Parasitism

TWiP solves the case of the man in the Malaysian city of Kucheng who presents with left arm swelling, and presents a new case for you to decipher. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Letters read on TWiP 257 New Case We are still in Kuching, Malaysia in the northern part of the Island of Borneo. This is the Sarawak portion of Malaysia. A man in his late 30s is admitted to the hospital in December with daily fevers that last for several hours and shaking chills. He had previously been healthy with no medical problems. He lives in the city and works in an office, however, in the few weeks prior to getting admitted he was visiting the jungle. Apparently not too far outside of Kuching, one can go up into the jungle and see Orangutans. He had gone into the jungle but this was 2 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. Since then he reports no unusual exposures. He lives with his wife and children and they are all healthy. A few days prior to admission he noted fever, chills, and a headache. He is a little nauseated but no vomiting. On exam he has a fast heart rate and appears ill. His respiratory rate is increased and he is not febrile on admission but later does have fever.  No enlargement of the liver or spleen on exam. Otherwise unremarkable. His labs are notable for low white blood cells, anemia, and a platelet count of less than 50k per microL. His coagulation studies are abnormal, serum creatinine is elevated, and there is elevation of his serum aminotransferases. Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP explains a study that carries out selection of Plasmodium falciparum in the presence of inhibitors to identify determinants of drug resistance, and a paleoparasitological analysis of a 5th–16th c. CE latrine. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Naegleria fowleri acquired at splash pad (MMWR) Determinants of P. falciparum drug resistance (Science) Paleoparasitological analysis of 5th–16th c. CE latrine (Parasitol) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Michelle Labrunda joins TWiP to solve the case of the Georgian in Guinea with fever and dry cough, and describe a new case for you to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Michelle Labrunda Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Letters read on TWiP 255 New Case A man who is on eculizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets complement protein C5 which serves as a terminal complement inhibitor, comes in with left arm swelling. He lives in a city in the north part of the island of Borneo. He is being managed by a doctor in the Malaysian City of Kuching. Now the doctor caring for this man is married to an Infectious Disease expert and she raises concerns that this might be due to a parasitic disease. She is told by the husband that the disease of which she is thinking is not present in the region. She is not swayed and admits him for nightly blood smears which are negative. She then does a rapid immunochromatographic dipstick test that is positive. He lives in a community outside the city and they go to that village and find others with limb swelling issues who are also positive on antigen testing. He is treated with an antibiotic, not antiparasitic for 4 weeks and the arm improves.  Hint: this is not Wuchereria Bancrofti. Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP explains a study which finds that tissue spaces are reservoirs of antigenic diversity for Trypanosoma brucei, then remembers our departed colleague Dickson Despommier. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Click arrow to play Download TWiP #254 (88 MB .mp3, 61 minutes) Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Tissue spaces are reservoirs of antigenic diversity for T. brucei (Nature) Understanding trypanosome antigenic variation (Emerg Top Life Sci) Tissue resident T. brucei (PLoS Path) Hero – Dickson Despommier Despommier Photo Art Parasitology Course (YouTube) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees TWiP explains a study which finds that tissue spaces are reservoirs of antigenic diversity for Trypanosoma brucei, then remembers our departed colleague Dickson Despommier. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Tissue spaces are reservoirs of antigenic diversity for T. brucei (Nature) Understanding trypanosome antigenic variation (Emerg Top Life Sci) Tissue resident T. brucei (PLoS Path) Hero – Dickson Despommier Despommier Photo Art Parasitology Course (YouTube) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the man with somnolence and something extra-erythrocytic, and presents a new puzzle for you to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Letters read on TWiP 253 New Case 26-year-old female with no past medical history.  Patient is from Georgia in the US and is volunteering in Hérico, Guinea (town in the Lélouma Prefecture in the Labé Region of northern-central Guinea). She arrived in Guinea in December  2023.  She was taking doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis and says that she has not missed any doses On October  2024 she presented with fever and dry cough.  Lab work was done and follow up planned for the following day.  The patient slept poorly, was febrile to 104 and had ongoing cough.  The next day she went to the hospital and was evaluated in the ER for acute febrile illness of unclear etiology.   In the hospital, VS were 97.9F, BP 105/70, P 94 Oxy sat 98%, normal physical exam. She was started on Augmentin and Coartem. Pause here to think about the differential at this point and maybe some more history and what testing you might want WBC 14, Hb 13, HCT 40, PLT 285, Neut abs 8, Eos Abso0.80; BUN/creat  normal, AST normal; ALT 44, GGT 125 Stool parasite screen + for some sort of eggs, malaria smear negative, CXR with b/l infiltrates She was given a medication (vomited 30 min after dose received).  She then received a second dose of medication 5 hours after the first) and was discharged. The following day the patient returned to the ER, stating that she felt worse.  Her temperature had climbed to 104 overnight, and she developed watery diarrhea and nausea.  There were no additional episodes of vomiting.  She was given an additional dose of a medication, ibuprofen, and started on ceftriaxone 1 gm IV Q12 hrs.  During the day she continued to have low grade fevers and developed abdominal pain.  That night she was again febrile to 104 F.    She remained admitted for 5 days with ongoing symptoms of diarrhea, nighttime fevers and diffuse abdominal discomfort.  Three more malaria tests were negative (rapid test and slide review) Blood cultures collected – no growth She continued to have mild elevation of WBC and slight elevation of AST and ALT. The patient was transferred to a different hospital. They give her a different medication, and within 24 hours symptoms resolve.  What is the diagnosis and what happened here with management? Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP discusses a study of the safety and immunogenicity of a late liver-stage attenuated malaria parasite delivered by mosquito bite. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Live attenuated malaria vaccine (NEJM) Plasmodium metabolism during hepatic development (Cell) Heroes – Jimmy and Rosallyn Carter, and the Carter Center The Carter Center Guinea Worm Eradication Programme Guinea Worm data visualisations (Our World in Data) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the woman who went to Belize and notices a lesion on her face, and presents a new clinical case for you to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Letters read on TWiP 251 New Case Recent case, Arusha hospital, 1800 m, 28 yo comes in, has been visiting game parks. Developing fevers, malaise, bad headaches, body aches, somnolent. Blood smears negative, no malaria. Repeat blood smear, see something extra-erythrocytic. This gives them the diagnosis. HIV neg, no toxic habits, no history. Symptom onset about a week ago. Rest of family is ok.  Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP reviews a study showing that the gut microbiota is essential for suppression of colitis by Trichinella spiralis. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Gut bacteria and Trichinella suppression of colitis (PLoS NTD) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the middle-aged man with eosinophilia and a history of sexual activity with paid sex workers in Okinawa, and presents a new case for you to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Letters read on TWiP 249 New Case Woman in 30s or 40s goes to Belize and after returning notices a lesion on her face. She goes to see several physicians and despite a number of topical creams the ulcer on her face does not heal. She is then referred to our office where a certain parasitic infection is considered and we involve our friends at Columbia to help us with the diagnosis.. Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP reviews the observation that infection of Azlheimer's disease mice with Toxoplasma gondii reduces brain amyloid density globally and regionally. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Toxoplasma reduces amyloid in brain (J Inf Dis) Hero: Theodor Hiepe (Parasitol Res) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

In this episode, we're learning about avian brood parasitism with Eric Nunez, an Access Specialist at the Land Trust and all-around bird enthusiast. Listen up as we discuss this interesting and perhaps fowl reproductive strategy within some avian ecology. 

TWiP solves the case of the Manhattan man with pain on urination or ejaculation, and presents a new case for you to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Hero: Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran Letters read on TWiP 247 New Case A middle-aged male is referred to evaluation because of eosinophilia. This man is married, living here in the NY tristate area, and this was picked up on ‘routine blood work' by his primary care doctor. This man had been in the military, serving as a marine, with time spent in Okinawa, Japan. This individual does report sexual activity with paid sex workers while in Okinawa  but has been monogamous with his current wife for many years. A number of investigations are done with a test coming back showing serological evidence of a prior parasitic infection and he was treated with an antiparasitic medicine with resolution of the eosinophilia. The eosinophilia returned and he was referred to us. Blood work is now down showing evidence of a viral infection that might explain why the eosinophilia returned after treatment. Pt is HIV negative. This was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is on no medications and in general feels fine. Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP taps into Dickson's knowledge of Trichinella to discuss an outbreak in humans who consumed rare bear meat, and the impact of globalization and climate change on the epidemiology of the species. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Daniel Griffin Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Outbreak of human trichinellosis (CCDR) Impact of climate change on Trichinella (Food Waterborne Parasit) Letters read on TWiP 246 Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Founder of Floating Doctors Ben LaBrot joins TWiP to solve the case of the 1 year old in northeastern Panama with a fatal leg infection, followed by a discussion of the history and mission of Floating Doctors. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Ben LaBrot Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Floating Doctors Letters read on TWiP 245 New Case A man in his early 20s comes in reporting pain when he urinates or ejaculates. He reports that he is sexually active. He does confide that he has been in a relationship with a woman but he had a sexual encounter outside this relationship about 2 weeks ago when they were on a break and he did not wear protection. He feels like he needs to urinate more often and describes thin white discharge from the penis. He reports that he has no history of any sexually transmitted infections and had no medical issues prior to this. Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Lilach Sheiner joins TWiP to talk about her career and her work on engineering Toxoplasma gondii secretion systems for intracellular delivery of multiple large therapeutic proteins to neurons. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Christina Naula Guest: Lilach Sheiner Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Engineering T. gondii for protein secretion (Nat Micro) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the Woman with White Worms, and submits a new case involving a 1 year old in northeastern Panama with a fatal leg infection. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Enterobius, the pinworm (TWiP 19) Hero: Mary Pritchard New Case This case comes from Panama mid summer 2024. A provider for Floating Doctors working in the coastal region in northeastern Panama. This case involves a one year old, so the history is a bit difficult, but there may have initially been a scratch or some sort of break in the skin. Otherwise healthy but over a period of time this area expands and becomes a deep necrotic wound on the leg. Several other nearby wounds develop and become deep and infected. By the time this one year old is seen by the provider much of the leg appears eaten away. This is just the tip of the iceberg as a number of others develop similar wounds in the area. No prior medical history. Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP reviews a study showing that intestinal helminth infection impairs vaccine-induced T cell responses through an IL-10 pathway, which compromised protection against antigenically drifted SARS-CoV-2 variants. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Worms impair COVID vaccines (Sci Trans Med) Heligmosomoides image (Wiki Commons) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Sean Murphy joins TWiP to discuss his career and the work of his laboratory to assess the daily natural history of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections in adults and older children in Katakwi, Uganda. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier and Christina Naula Guest: Sean Murphy Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Daily natural history of Plasmodium infections (Lancet Microbe) Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the AIDS patient who developed fever and watery diarrhea after drinking NYC tap water, and present a new case for your sleuthing. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Daniel Griffin Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Cryptosporidium (TWiP 18) Letters read on TWiP 239 Become a patron of TWiP  New Case Man in his 70s originally from Mainland China, then Hong Kong who has been living in the US for decades is admitted to the hospital with fever for 6 days. He reports that he saw his primary care physician in Queens and was referred to the hospital after blood work revealed a sodium level of 123 and an increased monocyte count. Pt reports drenching sweats, lots of outdoor activity walking in local parks in Queens. He reports he does not feel particularly sick. PMH-HTN, BPH PSH-neg Social-retired, no wife, has one son, no pets, no exotic exposures or recent travel VS febrile to 39.5, tachycardia, meets sepsis criteria PE -unremarkable Labs, nl wbc, eos-0, elevated neutrophils and monocytes, Na-123, elevated AST, elevated ALT, low platelets, low Hct, CT Chest A/P unremarkable Send your guesses to twip@microbe.tv with TWiP 239 in the subject line Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Greeting's heathens and witches, Welcome to Pub Chat! These episodes are for us to have a more free-form way to discuss listener questions, shorter subjects, as well as magical happenings, musings, and of course, go off on tangents.In this week's Pub Chat we explore Dark Religious Parasitism. The idea that there is a malicious entity negatively affecting people and their relationship to their deities and practices. So grab yourself something to drink and join us for a strange conversation about a relatively novel interpretation of what is happening these days. Ohh, and fear not, there is much vamping and many side quests! Definition: The noticeable shift in an organized religion from its patron's doctrine to ones of hate utilizing misinformation and manipulation of teachings, selective following focusing solely on the out of context misinterpretations of select passages to reinforce hateful rhetoric, and/or the complete abandonment of key tenets if or when they oppose the new regimes focus of hate. These are additionally supported by otherness speech meant to segregate those who disagree or question the new regime, opportunistic practice where one applies the tenets of their faith to only a select group or at socially opportune times to hide or coverup hateful practices behind “goodness”, coded language to communicate and spread in group think, and outright lying publicly and to the self in order to not address or internalize the new regime of hate! The contagious spread of these parasitic creatures follow a spiraling path in both individual and group infection starting with small changes and spreading to ever greater hate. These creatures feed off not only the worship and faith energy of the newly infected followers but also of the spreading destruction of the original deities' tenets and teachings like an insect bite that liquifies its victim for easier consumption. ===== Social Links =====Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NerdJiveWebsite: https://www.nerdjive.com/Etsy Shop: https://norgroveenterprises.etsy.com Jon's Social:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NerdJiveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/NerdJiveTwitter: https://twitter.com/NerdJiveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NerdJive Julie's Social:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goddessjulessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goddessjules/Twitter: https://twitter.com/goddessjuless

Michael Barrett joins TWiP to discuss progress in the elimination of human African trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Hosts: Daniel Griffin, Dickson Despommier and Christina Naula Guest: Michael Barrett Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Elimination of human African trypanosomiasis (PLoS NTD) Hero: David Livingstone Become a patron of TWiP  Send your guesses to twip@microbe.tv with TWiP 237 in the subject line Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Marilyn Fabbri joins TWiP to reveal the case of a patient who became very ill after he and a number of friends attended a large dinner where venison and boar were served. Hosts: Daniel Griffin, Dickson Despommier and Christina Naula Guest: Marilyn Fabbri Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Toxoplasma gondii (TWiP 12) Parasitic Diseases Lectures #15: Toxoplasmosis Letters read on TWiP 237 Become a patron of TWiP  New Case Man in his 60s with HIV/AIDS CD4 count less than 50, CD4% less than 5% and elevated viral load (VL) with report of prior CNS toxoplasmosis requiring a craniotomy, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), comes in with fever and very watery diarrhea x 4 days. He reports that he lives in Georgia but comes up to NY for his HIV care and stays in NYC. Send your guesses to twip@microbe.tv with TWiP 237 in the subject line Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Marion Avril of MalarVx, Inc. joins TWiP to discuss an accelerated prime-and-trap regimen using repRNA-based circumsporozoite vaccine. Hosts: Dickson Despommier and Christina Naula Guest: Marion Avril Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Please support our work at microbe.tv/contribute repRNA-based CSP malaria vaccine (NPJ vaccines) Hero: Mwelecele Ntuli Malecela Become a patron of TWiP  Send your guesses to twip@microbe.tv with TWiP 235 in the subject line Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of a man in his 50s reporting months of abdominal discomfort, who takes mebendazole and some time afterwards vomits a worm into the sink. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Please support our work at microbe.tv/contribute The giant intestinal worm, Ascaris lumbricoides (TWiP 21) Parasitic Diseases Lectures #24: Giant Intestinal Worm (YouTube) Letters read on TWiP 235 Hero: Ernst A. H. Friedheim Become a patron of TWiP  New Case: I first learned about this case from a colleague at work who tells me that their friend has just gotten really sick. The friend is described as having had multiple illnesses over time but that he has never been as sick as he recently got. He reports that the illness began as a diffuse myalgia with fever, there was some sore throat, noted swelling in the neck, and overwhelming fatigue. He tells some of his friends that he is feeling really terrible and it turns out that some of his friends also feel poorly. It turns out that about a week prior to the onset of his symptoms he and a number of friends attended a large dinner where venison and boar was served.  This individual is then seen in our office. Some testing is done. He feels really terrible and despite being reassured that he should get better without treatment he is given therapy. Send your guesses to twip@microbe.tv with TWiP 235 in the subject line Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv

TWiP discusses hookworm infection and the phase 1 clinical trial for a hookworm vaccine that could one day protect children from the hookworm anaemia, and reduce transmission of this infection. Hosts: Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Please support our work at microbe.tv/contribute Hookworm vaccines in school-aged children in Gabon (Lancet Inf Dis) Step forward towards hookworm vaccines (Lancet Inf Dis) Hookworm vaccine protects dogs (FASEB J) Hero: Muriel Robertson Letters read on TWiP 233 Become a patron of TWiP   Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the physician with no significant previous medical history who is currently doing their fellowship training develops diarrhea, and presents a new clinical case for our astute listeners to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Please support our work at microbe.tv/contribute Hero: Keith Vickerman Letters read on TWiP 233 Become a patron of TWiP New Case study: I was recently asked about this case while I was off visiting Denmark. A man in his 50s has been reporting months of abdominal discomfort and decides to go discuss this situation with a local pharmacist. He describes this discomfort, some nausea, and some bloating of the abdomen. The pharmacist recommends that he take mebendazole. He takes the mebendazole and some time afterwards he vomits a worm into the sink. The worm does not have any obvious segmentation and appears completely nonsegmented and is moving around. One end is very pointy and the other little less so.   Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP reviews the cellular lives of Wolbachia, a gram-negative bacteria that infects many arthropods and filarial nematodes with very different outcomes – parasitism or mutualism. Hosts: Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Please support our work at microbe.tv/contribute Cellular lives of Wolbachia (Nat Rev Micro) Hero: Patricia F. Walker Become a patron of TWiP Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

During this episode Team Uber Cube takes on the following community question: "Question for the community: What cards or archetypes would you define as Parasitic? Second question do you feel that this term fairly defines the nature or use case of a card. Lastly is this a term that you personally use in card discussion?" We discuss what the term means and how its application impacts the cube community. Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing, 5-star reviews, and as always happy cubing!Chill MTG's video on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oZIUu9YHnE&ab_channel=ChillMTG Uber Cube is hosting a Cube Event April 27th 2024! 64 Players, 8 Cubes, CUBE ALL DAY! . Tix are on sale now! https://the-gathering-place.mybigcommerce.com/events/ubercube-event-sign-up/Where: The Gathering Place: https://thegatheringplacegames.com/pageshttps://www.facebook.com/thegatheringplacegamesDetails on the Event:Join the Discussion in the Uber Cube Discord:  https://discord.gg/ww4vmWGG66Anthony's Cubes: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5ea3405774a359107222d8fcMay's Cubes: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/615504600674da101effa506Show Noteshttps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1vZwn4xerGAImtId1E2YDPbd1VMc_G4X8Uber Cube is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ubercubemtgpodcast747Find us at Twitter @UberCubeMTGPodReach Us at UberCubeMTGPodCast@gmail.comFollow May @myagic1 on TwitterOr join or Discord: https://discord.gg/ww4vmWGG66 Inked Gaming Affiliate Uber Cube is now a Inked Gaming affliate. Support the show and find awesome supplies, playmats, etc.Uber Cube is a Alter Sleeves Affliate If you want to bling out your cubes with amazing perfect sleeved alters, then look no further!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

TWiP solves the case of the Woman With White Worms, and presents a new clinical case to decipher. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Please support our work at microbe.tv/contribute Hero: Ann Bishop Become a patron of TWiP New Case study: A physician with no significant PMH who is currently doing their fellowship training develops diarrhea. The diarrhea is significant enough that they are beginning to feel weak, lightheaded, and end up going to the local ER. The physician lives in NYC, works most of the time but did just get back from a week-long vacation in Florida with their long-term partner where they got a chance to swim in the pool and get some sun. They returned feeling well and then noted the onset of the diarrhea. The diarrhea was watery, with some abdominal cramping but no noted blood or actual fever. The stool did not have a strong smell and no floating stools were reported. The physician was given IVF and returned home feeling better but now gets a call that there is a parasite on the stool testing and is recommended to take a medicine they have never heard of 3x per day for 3 days.  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Maria Adelaida Gomez joins TWiP to discuss her career and the work of her laboratory on understanding the healing process during cutaneous leishmaniasis. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Maria Adelaida Gomez Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode CIDEIM Healing in cutaneous leishmaniasis (J Immunol) Become a patron of TWiP Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Eyal joins TWiP to solve the case of the Female Traveler with Intermittent Fever and Ring Enhancements in the Liver. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Eyal Leshem Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 229 Woman in her 40s is referred to me to be seen in the office from one of my colleagues. She reports that she has been having recurrent issues with worms exiting her anus and vagina since 2018. She reports that she lives with her husband and 4 children and they have never reported any issues. She reports that initially she took something over the counter and things resolved. She then a couple years later has this problem again and this time discussed the problem with her housekeeper from El Salvador who gave her an antiparasitic tablet from her home country. This problem has now recurred and she was referred to a GI doctor who she explains laughed at her and suggested she see a psychiatrist. She come in now very upset and tearful. She relates that she has this itching that wakes her up at night and was able to take pictures of something she found on the anus. She has photos as well as a video of a thin white 1 cm motile thing with on end coming to a point.  She reports a normal nonrestrictive diet. She reports no travel outside the US or even outside the local area. No PMH, no PSH, family history of different cancers. She does not work outside the home. She reports no pets. She has an unremarkable exam and labs only notable for low vitamin D.  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP discusses a tapeworm that causes extreme lifespan extension in infected ant workers, and a candidate antibody drug for prevention of malaria. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Extreme lifespan extension in tapeworm-infected ant workers (Roy Soc Open Sci) Candidate antibody drug for prevention of malaria Ceilidh goes viral (YouTube) Become a patron of TWiP Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Jim Small joins TWiP to solve the case of the 41 year old Man with sudden GI distress and itchy hives, followed by a discussion of parasites and childhood stunting. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Jim Small Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Parasites and childhood stunting (Trends Parasitol) Letters read on TWiP 227 Become a patron of TWiP Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP reviews some parasite stories of 2023, including progress in the control of malaria and polio, and review a connection between parasites and childhood stunting. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Second malaria vaccine (Nature) Malaria report 2023 (WHO) Malaria and climate change (WHO) Parasites and childhood stunting (Trends Parasitol) Sea creature spotted off Japan identified (Science) Become a patron of TWiP Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Lee Gottesdiener joins TWiP to help solve the case of the 46 Year Old Man with Ongoing Upper Extremity Swelling, and review plant‑based production of a protective vaccine antigen against the bovine parasitic nematode Ostertagia ostertagi. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Vaccine against cow parasite (Vert Farm Daily) Protective vaccine against bovine parasitic nematode Ostertagia ostertagi Hero: Dr. Katy Ewer Letters read on TWiP 225 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 225 41-year-old male mechanical engineer, former Army Ranger trainee, moved from Denver, CO to Chattanooga, TN. He was in his usual state of vigorous health, hiking, doing Spartan races, working on his semi-rural property,  and commuting to his place of work daily when about three months previous to his diagnosis, he began having episodes of sudden GI distress with diarrhea, followed by itchy hives in axilla and groin. He treated these episodes with Benadryl and got relief. At 10 PM one evening, he had another such episode, again took Benadryl, but began to experience gradual onset but relentlessly increasing shortness of breath and wheezing. He was taken at high speed to the Emergency Room by his wife. He reported that relaxation with a repetitive, meditative prayer seemed to control the symptoms but said it was like his throat was closing. Past history includes variable exercise and cold-induced asthma treated with an inhaler as a child, with only rare episodes in adulthood related to high exposure to allergens like cat dander. Family history is not contributory. Diet was omnivorous. They had one dog, a labradoodle named Raphael, which they chose because he was “hypoallergenic.” In the Emergency Department, he was treated with bronchodilators, intramuscular epinephrine, and antihistamines, and the symptoms abated. The experienced ED physician ordered a diagnostic test, having seen other similar cases in the region. A lifestyle intervention was successful.

Chuck Knirsch returns to TWiP to discuss the Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap published by WHO, which sets global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate or eradicate 20 diseases and disease groups. Chuck Knirsch returns to TWiP to discuss the Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap published by WHO, which sets global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate or eradicate 20 diseases and disease groups. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Chuck Knirsch Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap (WHO) World malaria report 2023 (WHO) Become a patron of TWiP Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv

76 Minutes PG-13 Paul Fahrenheidt is a podcaster, writer, and founding member of the Old Glory Club. Paul joins Pete to read the second half of the Cultual Parasitism chapter of Francis Parker Yockey's Imperium. A Country Squire's Notebook Old Glory Club YouTube Channel Old Glory Club Substack Paul's Substack Paul on Twitter Get Autonomy 19 Skills PDF Download Support Pete on His Website Pete's Patreon Pete's Substack Pete's Subscribestar Pete's Venmo Pete on Facebook Pete on Twitter

TWiP solves the case of the Haitian female with AIDS and voluminous diarrhea, and review the pathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and treatment of malaria and Chagas disease. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Click arrow to play Download TWiP #223 (63 MB .mp3, 88 minutes) Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Malaria (Lancet) Chagas disease (AJTMH) Hero: Joe Cook Letters read on TWiP 223 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 223 46 yo man with minimal pmh, elevated cholesterol, ongoing right upper extremity swelling, 5-10 years intermittently. Goose egg swelling on hand, foot. Lasts for hours, every few months. Go to ER, right upper extremity. Lives in NYS suburbs, Is vet and epidemiologist. Has done extensive travel, Liberia, Ghana, DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, 2 week duration. Doing work, fair amount of animal contact with bats, rodents, birds. PE unremarkable except for swelling of right arm. Blood work unremarkable. 2.5 yr later notice prickling irritation under right eyelid, think they see undulation under skin.  Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

76 Minutes Strong Language Paul Fahrenheidt is a podcaster, writer, and founding member of the Old Glory Club. Paul joins Pete to read the first half of the Cultual Parasitism chapter of Francis Parker Yockey's Imperium. A Country Squire's Notebook Old Glory Club YouTube Channel Old Glory Club Substack Paul's Substack Paul on Twitter Get Autonomy 19 Skills PDF Download Support Pete on His Website Pete's Patreon Pete's Substack Pete's Subscribestar Pete's Venmo Pete on Facebook Pete on Twitter

At the meeting of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygeine in Chicago, Natasha joins TWiP to solve the case of the Man with a Generalized Seizure and Infectious Forms in the Brain. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Natasha Spottiswoode Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Treatment of Balamuthia encephalitis with nitroxoline (Emerg Inf Dis) Letters read on TWiP 222 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 222 Haitian creole speaking, cachetic female in her 50s w/ hx HIV (noncompliant on medication), migrating from Haiti brought in by her daughter for dysphagia, cough x days, associated with NBNB vomiting, oral thrush extending to soft palate, concerning for oropharyngeal candidiasis. Weeks of nonresolving diarrhea. Admitted for failure to thrive and deconditioning, found to be Parainfluenza 3 positive), undergoing TB rule out. Diarrhea is voluminous, pt is dehydrated, there has been significant weight loss and lethargy over the last few weeks. MHx: HIV  Shx: Lives in haiti Remarried, Last sexual encounter 2 years ago. Denies illicit drug use. Drinks alcohol  Allergies: No Active Allergies Labs return with CD4 count in the 50s, elevated viral load. CD4 55/3% Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Michelle and Alexander join TWiP to solve their case of the 36 Year Old Male with shortness of breath, stinging pain in the extremities, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and bowel irregularities, and discuss host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guests: Michelle Naegeli and Alexander Grieb Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode cAMP-dependent invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi (PLoS NTDS) Letters read on TWiP 220 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 221 This is the case of a  man in his 50s, with no remarkable prior medical history, who received care at a hospital in northern California, USA, after experiencing a generalized seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a solitary left temporal lobe T2 hyperintensity with gadolinium rim enhancement and surrounding edema. After receiving treatment with dexamethasone and levetiracetam, he was transferred to an academic medical center. Examination by neurology consultants noted disorientation, inattention, moderate aphasia (difficulty communicating), and mild right hemiparesis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing revealed increased nucleated cells up to 80/UL (60% lymphocytes, 17% neutrophils, 23% monocytes), protein concentration 38 mg/dL, and glucose concentration 100 mg/dL.  They proceed to do a brain biopsy from the left temporal lobe lesion with cultures from the brain biopsy sample that did not grow bacteria, fungi, or mycobacteria. They performed metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on a CSF sample and sent brain biopsy samples for universal broad-range PCR amplicon sequencing (uPCR) for bacteria, fungi, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and nontuberculous mycobacteria. which is preliminarily reported as showing well-formed granulomata with acute inflammation. Rereview of neuropathology raised concern for certain round infectious forms that are about 50um in size with some surrounding clearing and a dark area within these forms. Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

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 Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (Lancet Inf Dis) mRNA vaccine against malaria (Nat Immunol) Letters read on TWiP 220 Become a patron of TWiP 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

TWiP solves the case of the 19 month old Female Having Issues, and discusses the finding that selection for insecticide resistance can promote Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles mosquitoes. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes promotes Plasmodium infection (PLoS Path) Letters read on TWiP 219 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 220 73 y/o M w/ no significant PMhs who is referred to ED for fever, lethargy and progressive weakness as for the past 2 weeks. Thursday of the prior week he went to his PCP and blood work was performed. CBC demonstrated RBC inclusions. Labs also demonstrated anemia,  thrombocytopenia, mildly elevated total bili and ALT.  He was started on PO azithromycin and atovaquone on Saturday, however, he has not noted much improvement. He was seen in our office Monday and reports intermittent fever to 102, continued chills . Additional symptoms include dark urine, chills, occasional diaphoresis. Normally patient rides his bike 15 miles a day and runs 3 miles per day but states now he barely has the energy to walk a few feet and is now in a wheelchair. He report that he regular goes for Runs in parks in Queens. He denies any bug bites, tick bites, rashes, blood transfusions in the past year. Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves two cases this week, the Man with Issues after COVID-19, and the Man with Left Arm Weakness, then describe how the malaria parasite evades mosquito immunity by glutaminyl cyclase–mediated posttranslational protein modification. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Malaria parasite evades mosquito immunity (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA) Letters read on TWiP 218 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 218 A fun twist for today. Did I mention recently I was spending time with Paul Calle at the Central Park and instead of Jeff Bezos showing up for Dinner Chevy Chase was there. Here we have the case of a 19 month old female who seems to be having some issues. Lots of increased respiratory effort even with minimal exertion. Some issue with loose stools and then followed by the onset of facial swelling.  No sig PMH or PSH, fairly confident there is not smoking or drinking of alcohol and certainly not HIV+. On exam the increased respiratory effort that is audible. Directed testing reveals canine coccidia and giardia in the stool. So what is going on? Should I be worried about my daughter who has had lots of exposure? Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the Man With Dog Exposure, and discuss rapid and spontaneous post-partum clearance of Plasmodium falciparum related to expulsion of the placenta. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Post-partum clearance of P. falciparum (J Inf Dis) Letters read on TWiP 217 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 217 We have two cases today! A man in his 60s who provides IT support for a bank and all done via zoom and remote work is referred to me. He reports having issues after COVID diagnosis Sept 5th, 2022. He had 4 vaccine doses and with diagnosis was treated with Paxlovid. Feel better than about week 3 wakes up with URI symptoms for about one week and by the 28th was improving. He had cold agglutinins detected. Referred to ophtho by his primary with some eye discomfort and noted to have elevated intra-ocular pressure elevation. Sleep and fatigue were a problem but slowly improving. Cognitive issues noted but improving.  He reports an issue a few years prior to this current problem where he developed fever, a sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck both in front and in the back. This resolved after about a week but was then followed by months of fatigue, sleep disturbances and not feeling well.  He reports no specific dietary preferences and reports no cat exposures. He saw several physicians and one did a number of blood tests.  A man in his late 30s presented to an ER at an outside hospital prior to ultimately being transferred to an academic center in NYC.. He reports onset of left arm weakness that prompted him to come to the ER. He reports on pointed questioning that he had COVID about one month prior and felt he had fully recovered. He did have a headache that preceded the onset of weakness. The OSH triggers their stroke protocol and perform a head CT which reveals a hypodense lesion on the right side of the brain not consistent with a stroke. A bit more history is obtained, some further testing is done,and based on this the patient is transferred on some sort of therapy. Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Eyal joins TWiP to solve the case of the case of the Feverish Patient from Israel, and reveals his training and experience with travel medicine in Israel. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Eyal Leshem Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Letters read on TWiP 216 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 216 This is a case from one of my colleagues in North West China. Many years ago when I was asked to teach at Kunming University I had a plan to climb in the beautiful Tianshan mountains and again a second time when I ended up distracted at the southern edge of the Gobi desert and instead spent time in a Tibetian monastery. Stories for another day. For today we have: A man right around age 30 who presented with right lower extremity weakness, numbness and issues with bowel and bladder function. When he was just a few years old he had reported dog exposure and had a lesion removed from his liver. No reported dog exposure since he was young. He is found to have a mass in the right upper buttock. His wbc is normal but ESR and CRP are elevated. He has a CT which reveals cystic lesions and significant destruction of L5 through the sacrum and coccyx. What could this be and what is recommended as next steps. Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

TWiP solves the case of the case of the boy in Uganda with a mobile piece of spaghetti in the gallbladder, and reviews papers on female genital schistosomiasis in rural Madagascar, and a volatile sex attractant of tsetse flies. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode •Female genital schistosomiasis in rural Madagascar (PLoS NTD) •A volatile sex attractant of tsetse flies (Science) •Letters read on TWiP 215 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 215 This case was shared with my by a former student of the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene course I coordinate, Prof Eyal Leshem, who is the Director  of the Institute for Travel and Tropical Medicine at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv and Clinical Associate Professor at the School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Israel. This case is of a 24 year old male who presented to the emergency room at the end of February with a 4 day history of fever, starting three weeks after he returned from a long trip. He reports traveling in India during October of the past year. From November to early January, he stayed in Papua New Guinea, from where he traveled to Thailand, returning to Israel in early February. On admission he reports a daily fever up to 40 degrees C, which I think is 104 Fahrenheit. He also mentions an itchy rash and dry cough. We learn a bit more about this patient. In Thailand, he received a five-day course of doxycycline due to a febrile illness, which resolved after treatment. During his stay in Papua New Guinea he hiked in the jungle, was bitten by multiple insects and also report finding leeches attached to his lower legs. One insect bite on his hip took a while to heal. He also reports swimming in multiple rivers. While travelling, he did not have unprotected sexual encounters but he admits to eating street food and home made food regularly. He received pre-travel vaccines and when he was in Papua New Guinea took Atovaquone Proguanil prophylaxis daily, discontinuing therapy a week after he flew to Thailand. On physical exam he is alert and oriented, vitals normal, the examination is unremarkable except for three cropped vesicles on his penis, which the patients says are itchy. A healed insect bite on his lower hip is also noted. His white blood count and differential are normal without eosinophilia. His haemoglobin is 13 g/dl, which is borderline normal and his platelet count is lower than normal with a count of 100,000 per microlitre of blood. What is your diagnosis? What test or tests would you like to order to confirm your suspicion. We would like you to be as accurate as you can when identifying the parasite causing this man's symptoms. What are special considerations you need to think about for treatment? Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Kay Schaefer joins TWiP to solve the case of the German Male with Hematuria, and discusses Tropical Medicine Excursions, which provides patient-oriented training courses for healthcare professionals who wish to improve their clinical skills in tropical medicine and travelers' health in the endemic regions of Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Kay Schaefer Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join MicrobeTV Discord server TROPMEDEX Letters read on TWiP 214 Become a patron of TWiP Case Study for TWiP 214 Still in Uganda but now in a clinic in Entebbe. A boy, less than age 10, who grows up in very limited conditions, dirt floor home with other siblings presents with recurrent right upper abdominal pain, fevers, and first undergoes blood work that shows eosinophilia. He has an abdominal ultrasound performed which shows what looks like a mobile piece of spaghetti in the gallbladder with dilated ducts. He also has a stool examination performed. Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the relationship between parasites and hosts, where one species lives on or in another to the benefit of the parasite but at a cost to the host, potentially leading to disease or death of the host. Typical examples are mistletoe and trees, hookworms and vertebrates, cuckoos and other birds. In many cases the parasite species do so well in or on a particular host that they reproduce much faster and can adapt to changes more efficiently, and it is thought that almost half of all animal species have a parasitic stage in their lifetime. What techniques do hosts have to counter the parasites, and what impact do parasites have on the evolution of their hosts? With Steve Jones Emeritus Professor of Genetics at University College, London Wendy Gibson Professor of Protozoology at the University of Bristol and Kayla King Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford Producer: Simon Tillotson.