Clinpath Pathology
Clinpath Pathology
S1E5: Ep 5 Typhoid Pathology | A Pathological Addiction to Catering | The Story of Typhoid Mary
S1E5: Ep 5 Typhoid Pathology | A Pathological Addiction to Catering | The Story of Typhoid Mary
S1E5: Ep 5 Typhoid Pathology | A Pathological Addiction to Catering | The Story of Typhoid Mary
Thursday 30th July 2020
Join Steve Davis and Dr. Travis Brown as they delve into the story of Typhoid Mary, the cook who unknowingly spread Typhoid fever.
31 minutes
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Thought-provoking
Raw
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Eye-opening
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Get the buttons here!Typhoid Mary: The Cook Who Unknowingly Spread Disease
We often what we call serotype it, so the outside of the capsule of the cell of the wall. If there's an outbreak and two outbreaks at the same time, if they don't match, you can tell that it's not from there because you've been able to type it.
Imagine a cook who unknowingly becomes the epicenter of multiple disease outbreaks. In this episode of 'This Pathological Life', host Steve Davis and pathologist Dr. Travis Brown unravel the captivating story of Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary. Set in the early 1900s, the tale begins with an outbreak of Typhoid fever in a wealthy family in Oyster Bay, New York—a disease usually linked to poverty and poor sanitation.
Investigators were baffled until they connected the dots back to Mary, a seemingly healthy cook who had worked for several families, spreading the disease wherever she went. Mary's story is both tragic and fascinating. She was identified as a healthy carrier of Salmonella typhi, meaning she showed no symptoms but could still transmit the disease. Despite being isolated for two years, Mary continued to work as a cook upon her release, leading to more outbreaks and her eventual re-isolation. Dr.
Brown sheds light on the role of gallstones in her ability to spread the bacteria and discusses modern treatment options. The episode dives deep into societal perceptions of chronic illness and the stigma attached to individuals like Mary, who unwittingly become carriers. As Dr. Brown notes, understanding the patterns of disease transmission can help prevent future outbreaks. Through engaging dialogue and historical context, Davis and Brown make complex medical topics accessible and intriguing.
Whether you're a history buff, a medical professional, or someone curious about the darker corners of medical history, this episode offers a rich narrative that blends science with human drama. Tune in to explore how one woman's story impacted public health policies and societal attitudes towards disease.