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In this week's episode, we continue our series on gram-negative cocci and take a closer look at two of the most important organisms: Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. On the Gram stain, they may look the same—but clinically, they represent very different scenarios. We walk through colonization, transmission, and key virulence factors, and connect them to the infections they cause—from meningitis and invasive disease to mucosal and disseminated gonococcal infections. We also bring it back to the bench, discussing specimen source, testing approaches like NAAT and culture, and how to think through these organisms in real-world laboratory settings.   Looking to stay up to date with the latest clinical microbiology resources? Check out Wiley's ClinMicroNow—bringing trusted ASM Press content into one powerful, searchable platform : 🔗 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781683670438?utm_source=extweb&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lets_talk_micro_podcast_ptnr&utm_content=mid-roll-ad&utm_term=clinmicronow   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode we continue our gram-negative cocci series by moving beyond the plate and into modern identification methods. From traditional systems like VITEK and RapID NH to MALDI-TOF and molecular testing, we explore how these organisms are identified in today's clinical microbiology lab. We also break down the role of NAATs and syndromic panels in detecting organisms like Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, especially in situations where culture may be delayed or negative. This episode focuses on how these tools fit into real-world workflows—highlighting their advantages, limitations, and how to interpret results at the bench. Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we continue our gram-negative cocci series by focusing on what to do after the Gram stain. You've identified gram-negative cocci—now what? We take a practical, bench-focused approach to working these organisms up, covering key culture media like blood agar, chocolate agar, and selective media such as Modified Thayer-Martin and Martin-Lewis. We also review collection and transport considerations, including JEMBEC and CO₂ requirements for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We then dive into commonly used tests, including ONPG for differentiating Neisseria lactamica and Neisseria meningitidis, the CTA test and its limitations, and the butyrate esterase test for identifying Moraxella catarrhalis. This episode is all about building confidence at the bench—connecting what you see to what you do next.   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we kick off a new series on gram-negative cocci by starting where it all begins—the Gram stain. Seeing gram-negative diplococci on a smear can feel intimidating, especially when you're on the bench and need to make the right call. In this episode, we focus on how to approach that moment with confidence. We walk through the key organisms you'll encounter, including Neisseria, Moraxella, and Veillonella, and discuss how morphology, specimen source, and clinical context all come together to guide your thinking. We also revisit a correction from a previous episode regarding carbohydrate utilization in Neisseria species. This episode is all about building a strong foundation—how to think before jumping to identification. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll dive into the media and tests used to identify these organisms in the lab. Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

The CLSI M100 gets updated every year—but what do those changes actually mean for the microbiology lab? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Dr. April Bobenchik to break down the latest updates in the CLSI M100 2026 (36th edition) and how they translate into real-world lab practice. They walk through important breakpoint changes, including aztreonam–avibactam and updates for Acinetobacter, along with new additions like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole breakpoints for beta-hemolytic streptococci. Another notable update this year is the updated anaerobic antibiogram and how it can be used to help guide decisions in the lab. The conversation also touches on antimicrobial tiers, why some breakpoints are temporarily removed, and practical ways labs can approach implementing new updates. If you work in clinical microbiology, this episode will help you stay current and confident with the latest M100 changes.   🔗 Resources Access CLSI M100 for free: https://em100.edaptivedocs.net/Login.aspx Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

Luis here with a quick update! We're taking a short break and will return the week of March 23rd. During this time, it's a great opportunity to explore the archive—Let's Talk Micro has over 200 episodes covering many topics in clinical microbiology. New episodes will be back soon. Thanks for listening and for being part of the Let's Talk Micro community. Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

Wound cultures are some of the most complex specimens encountered in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Unlike more straightforward cultures, wound specimens often contain multiple organisms, making it challenging to determine which microbes are clinically significant and which represent colonization. In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Dr. Christopher Doern and Dr. Alexandra Bryson to discuss the wound culture guidelines from the Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook (CMPH) and how they can help laboratorians navigate these challenging cultures. Together, they explore practical approaches to interpreting polymicrobial wound cultures, deciding which organisms to work up, and balancing thorough reporting with antimicrobial stewardship. The discussion also covers specimen collection challenges, the role of Gram stains in evaluating specimen quality, guidance on working up common wound pathogens, and strategies to streamline laboratory workflows. Whether you're a student, a new microbiology technologist, or an experienced laboratorian, this episode offers practical insights to help you confidently approach wound cultures and apply CMPH guidance at the bench.   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

The Gram stain is one of the most trusted tools in clinical microbiology—but it doesn't always tell the full story. In this Micro Minutes episode, we break down why Gram stains can sometimes be misleading and how factors like culture age, antibiotic exposure, decolorization, morphology, and arrangement can change what you see under the microscope. We also touch on classic troublemakers like Acinetobacter and tiny coccobacilli such as Pasteurella and Haemophilus, and how careful observation can keep you from jumping to the wrong conclusion. Short, focused, and straight from the bench—this episode is all about learning how to interpret Gram stains beyond just purple and pink.   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we step beyond the microbiology bench to talk laboratory medicine, advocacy, and storytelling with fellow medical laboratory scientists and podcasters Stephanie Whitehead and Aaron Odegard. We explore how their work on the SuperStat Podcast is helping amplify the voice of the laboratory through conversations on leadership, access, and visibility. The discussion also highlights Little Lab Learners: ABCs of Laboratory Medicine, a children's book created to introduce laboratory medicine early and inspire future lab professionals. Together, we talk about lab career paths, the impact of automation and the pandemic on lab visibility, and why advocacy doesn't look the same for everyone—but matters now more than ever. This episode is a reminder that the lab's story doesn't end at the bench—it's one we all help tell.   📘 Learn More About Little Lab Learners Little Lab Learners: ABCs of Laboratory Medicine is a children's book created to introduce laboratory medicine early and help kids see lab professionals as scientists, problem-solvers, and essential members of healthcare. Learn more about the book and the Little Lab Learners series here: 👉 https://labcares.org/Little_Lab_Learners/   🎙️ Check Out the SuperStat Podcast Listen to the SuperStat Podcast on Spotify: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5wYrCFh375KclnCFY8YyN2?si=b681fc3748df48e4   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8   Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Dr. Joel Mortensen to discuss a study examining intestinal parasites in pediatric patients in Guinea, West Africa. They dive into the real-world challenges of diagnosing parasitic infections in resource-limited settings, including reliance on stool microscopy, the use of rapid antigen tests, and how seasonal changes influence infection rates. Dr. Mortensen walks us through the study design, key findings, and what the data revealed about protozoal infections, as well as the role of microscopy in identifying helminths in this setting. This conversation highlights the critical role of clinical microbiology in global health, the importance of diagnostic context, and how laboratory data can directly inform patient care and public health strategies in underserved regions.   Check out Dr. Joel Mortensen's previous episodes If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out previous episodes featuring Dr. Mortensen, where we dive deeper into his work in Guinea, laboratory capacity building, and global health challenges in resource-limited settings: 🎙️ Episode 107: A Pediatric Hospital in Guinea – Pt. 1 https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/35868465 🎙️ Episode 108: A Pediatric Hospital in Guinea – Pt. 2 https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/35868460 These episodes provide important background on the hospital, training efforts, and the broader impact of this work. 🔗 Other Links Learn more about Sacre Coeur Hospital and the pediatric care and laboratory work being done in Guinea: 👉 https://www.hopeignited.org/sacre-coeur 📩 Want to get involved or learn more? If you're interested in learning more about this work, collaborating, or supporting efforts in Guinea, you can reach out directly to Dr. Joel Mortensen: 📧 [email protected] You can also contact me at [email protected], and I'm happy to help connect you. Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

Genomic epidemiology is reshaping how we detect, investigate, and control infectious disease outbreaks—but what does that actually look like from the bench to public health? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by genomic epidemiologist Krisandra Allen for a practical, case-based conversation on how pathogen sequencing data is generated, analyzed, and paired with epidemiologic information to answer questions traditional methods can't. They discuss foodborne and hepatitis A outbreaks, geographically dispersed clusters, and how sequencing is being integrated into routine public health workflows, while highlighting the essential role of clinical microbiology labs in specimen submission and data quality. A timely episode for microbiologists, public health professionals, and trainees curious about how their lab work feeds into real-world surveillance and outbreak response.   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8   Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by faculty and collaborators from the University of Florida to discuss their new Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist (CLM) program — the first NAACLS-approved, microbiology-only certification pathway in the United States. They share how the program was created to address the growing shortage of clinical microbiologists and provide a direct pathway for microbiology graduates and working professionals to enter the clinical laboratory. The conversation covers: Gaps in the current workforce and training pipeline The hybrid model combining online coursework, hands-on bootcamp labs, and local clinical internships Real-world training with clinical lab technology such as MALDI-TOF, PCR, and blood culture systems  Preparation for the ASCP categorical microbiology certification exam The strong nationwide interest in the program The episode closes with a fun discussion on everyone's favorite microbes. Whether you're a student, lab professional, or educator, this episode offers insight into the future of clinical microbiology training.   Additional resources: ASCP Categorical Certification (Microbiology) https://www.ascp.org/boc/explore-credentials/view-all-credentials/M University of Florida Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist (CLM) Program https://microbiologyonline.ifas.ufl.edu/programs/clinical-laboratory-microbiologist/ GIDEON (Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network) https://www.gideononline.com/ Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

Tick-borne diseases continue to expand across North America, but diagnosing them in the clinical laboratory remains complex—especially when timing between symptom onset and testing isn't considered. In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Kyle Rodino, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Assistant Director of Microbiology, for a lab-focused discussion on tick-borne disease diagnostics. They cover major bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of tick-borne disease, and walk through how molecular testing, serology, and microscopy are used at different stages of illness. The conversation highlights why test selection and timing matter, common diagnostic challenges—particularly with Babesia and Lyme disease testing—and how laboratories can support better diagnostic decision-making. A practical episode for microbiologists, laboratorians, and clinicians navigating real-world testing challenges in the lab.   Additional resources: Update on North American tick-borne diseases and how to diagnose them https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00807-23   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8   Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we break down metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and how it's changing the way we diagnose complex infectious diseases. I'm joined by Steve Miller, MD, PhD—Chief Medical Officer at Delve Bio—to discuss how unbiased metagenomics moved from research labs into real-world clinical practice. We cover what metagenomics is, how it differs from targeted PCR and sequencing, and where it adds the most value—especially in meningitis and encephalitis, immunocompromised patients, and cases where routine testing comes back negative. Dr. Miller shares insights from years of clinical experience, including how mNGS can improve diagnostic yield, shorten time to diagnosis, guide targeted therapy, and reduce unnecessary testing and hospital stays. We also touch on challenges like cost, result interpretation, diagnostic stewardship, and where metagenomics is headed next—including its role in public health and emerging infections.    Links & Resources Clinical metagenomics for meningitis and encephalitis (Nature Medicine) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03275-1    Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi  

PEA agar is often treated as "the gram-positive plate," but that shortcut can lead to real bench-level mistakes. In this MicroMinutes episode, we break down what phenylethyl alcohol agar actually does, why growth on PEA does not automatically mean an organism is gram-positive, and how selective media can change colony appearance and behavior. You'll hear about: What PEA inhibits — and what it doesn't Why Pseudomonas aeruginosa can grow quite well on PEA How colony morphology and hemolysis may differ from blood agar Why Lancefield grouping should never be performed directly from PEA PEA is a powerful recovery tool — but only when you understand its limitations. Short, focused, and straight from the bench, this is your Micro minutes.   Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8   Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi