TWiP 102: Nursing eosinophils

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Daniel Griffin The TWiPyzoites solve the case of the Uncommon Parasite, and discuss the role of eosinophils in promoting the growth of Trichinella in skeletal muscle.   Links for this episode: Eosinophils and IL-4 support nematode growth (PLoS Path) Balantidiasis (CDC) Letters read on TWiP 102  Case study for TWiP 102 This week's case involves a 24 yo housewife, from a village outside of Calcutta. Comes into a tertiary care hosp, 6 months coughing up blood, fever, no weight loss. Drinks rainwater, milks her cow. Dogs everywhere, no livestock except cows. Eats meat, well cooked. No extramarital encounters. Husband well. 4 children. Cistern for drinking water is covered.  No health issues. Reports salty, clear mucus. No blood in stool, no changes in stool. Exam: looks healthy, lungs clear. Lab tests: White count of 9000, 12% eosinophils (elevated). So she has eosinophilia. Chest X-ray and CT: lesion on left side in xray. CT: shows 4 cm cavity, with air pocket on left side, mid-lung. HIV negative. Dusty soil, birds. Send your diagnosis to [email protected] Send your questions and comments to [email protected]