TWiP 134: Does toxoplasma make you sexy?

May 24, 2017

tape testDaniel and Vincent solve the case of the Haitian Girl Who Failed To Thrive, and visit two studies that address the question of whether infection with Toxoplasma gondii alters human behavior.

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Daniel Griffin


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Download TWiP #134 (48 MB .mp3, 79 minutes)
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Case Study for TWiP 134

Woman in 30s, coming in Colorado to be seen, reports foul smelling loose stools multiple times each day, cramping and nausea. Started a few weeks ago. No fever, summer, no unusual travel, skiing up in mountains, hiking, backpacking. Originally from NE, moved to Colorado one year before. Often drinks from streams. Treats water with iodine. On overnight trips pack food and cook on stoves. Sticky stools, trouble wiping clean. Yes, my stools do float. Color, not as dark. Well formed. No medical problems, no surgeries, no allergies. Takes no medications. Lives alone in private home. Drinks beer, no other toxic habits. None of her friends report similar problems. Sexually active, does not always use protection. Physical exam: unremarkable.

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

Music by Ronald Jenkees

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2 comments on “TWiP 134: Does toxoplasma make you sexy?

  1. Love you guys. And you must know about the current cost of albendazole and mebendazole…

  2. The internet says otherwise in various places, but veterinary medicine and other sources point out there are many kinda of pinworms. In your experience, how likely is it that these will survive in the “wrong” species?