TWiP 120: When they die they calcify

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Daniel Griffin The TWiP triumvirate solve the case of the Thai Woman with Facial Swelling, and explain how Th17 T cells protect against the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Become a patron of TWiP. Links for this episode: Th17 cells protect against Trypanosoma cruzi (PLoS Path) Plasticity of helper CD4+ cells (Science) Image credit Letters read on TWiP 120 This episode is sponsored by CuriosityStream, a subscription streaming service that offers over 1,400 documentaries and non­fiction series from the world's best filmmakers. Get unlimited access starting at just $2.99 a month, and for our audience, the first two months are completely free if you sign up at curiositystream.com/microbe and use the promo code MICROBE. Case Study for TWiP 120 A 48 yo man from Mali comes to hospital ER in Washington Heights in NY with profuse watery diarrhea. Born in Mali, came to US at 18, working in US as long haul truck driver for 30 y, frequently visits Mali, recently to attend his father's funeral. Got symptoms one week after return (was there for 3 weeks). 3 liters diarrhea/day. No past med/surg history, not seen doctor in long time. No allergies. Unknown what father died of, Mother in Mali is ok. No medications. Some alcohol, marijuana use. Does report that has exposure to professional female sex workers, no condoms. Temp of 39 C, bp down 80/40, heart over 110, rapid breathing high 20s, cachectic. Wasted. Fungating lesion perianally. Undergoes HIV testing, clade B. T cells Send your case diagnosis, questions and comments to [email protected]