Podcasts about clinical microbiology

In this third collaboration between SIDP's Breakpoints and ESCMID's Communicable podcasts, hosts Erin McCreary and Angela Huttner invite two veteran authors of guidelines and guidances, Pranita Tamma (Philadelphia, USA) and Benedikt Huttner (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland) [1-3]. Together, they deconstruct the complex landscape of developing and implementing guidelines into digestible components: they discuss why different organizations develop guidelines and what need they hope to fulfil, the framework including the GRADE methodology under which guidelines are written, and major barriers in the uptake of guidelines. The conversation also details the distinction between guideline and guidance as well as the art and science behind formulating recommendations or suggestions, with a few anecdotal cases sprinkled in from the panel. This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and Lacy Worden. It was peer reviewed for Breakpoints by Lacy Worden and for Communicable by Ljiljana Lukić of University Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Zagreb, Croatia.  References WHO handbook for guideline development, 2nd Edition The WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic book IDSA 2024 Guidance on the Treatment of Antimicrobial Resistant Gram-Negative InfectionsFurther readingESCMID AMR Guidelines, https://clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/retrieve/pii/S1198743X21006790 GRADE working group, https://www.gradeworkinggroup.org/GRADE Book, https://book.gradepro.org/ IDSA's intraabdominal guidelines, https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/intra-abdominal-infections/ ESCMID Manual for Clinical Practice Guidelines and Other Guidance Documents, https://www.escmid.org/guidelines-journals/guidelines/ International Consensus Guidelines for the Optimal Use of the Polymyxins https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/phar.2209 American Thoracic Society guidelines on community-acquired pneumonia, https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/rccm.202507-1692ST 

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent industry news and how collaborations are helping drive transformation in clinical diagnostics. Together, they explore:Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) delay (01:09): Dr. Morice shares what the latest delay of PAMA means for laboratories.FDA guidance on wearables (02:23): Learn about recent FDA guidance that allows more non‑invasive wearables to be classified as wellness devices. Collaboration as a driver of innovation (06:20): Discover why collaboration is critical to advancement in clinical diagnostics.Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesGroundbreaking collaborationsMary Jo Williamson offers four steps to maximize collaboration benefitsDr. Bill Morice shares how a platform for collaboration transforms diagnostics“Answers From the Lab” podcast: “Forging Collaborations That Deliver Better Outcomes”

Mould in the home is more than just an eyesore, it can be a serious health risk, especially for young children, older adults, and people with breathing problems. In damp or poorly ventilated houses, mould can grow quickly and quietly, often before you even notice it. In this brief, we'll look at simple, practical steps you can take to reduce moisture in your home and prevent mould from taking hold.Joining Sean was Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

Mould in the home is more than just an eyesore, it can be a serious health risk, especially for young children, older adults, and people with breathing problems. In damp or poorly ventilated houses, mould can grow quickly and quietly, often before you even notice it. In this brief, we'll look at simple, practical steps you can take to reduce moisture in your home and prevent mould from taking hold.Joining Sean was Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

In this episode of Communicable, Navaneeth Narayanan and Josh Nosanchuk invite Virginie Lemiale and Elie Azoulay (Paris, France) as well as fellow editor Emily McDonald (Montreal, Canada)—this time as guest—to discuss adjunctive steroid therapy for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-negative individuals. In 2025, Lemiale and Azoulay published results from their double-blind, randomised controlled trial investigating steroid treatment for severe Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PIC trial) in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine [1]. At first glance, one might dismiss the study's clinical impact due the ‘negative' result of  the primary outcome, mortality at 28 days, which just missed a statistically significant difference between groups. There was a clinical difference, however, and all other outcomes, including 90-day mortality, were significantly different between groups. Understanding how pivotal these results were to clinical practice, McDonald and colleagues sought to contextualise the results of the PIC trial through a Bayesian analysis in a follow-up publication [2]. While the discussion provides useful clinical commentary, it also helps both to demystify Bayesian analysis and to call attention to what might be lost with strict or overly concrete interpretations of traditional frequentist analyses. This episode was peer reviewed by Arjana Zerja from the Mother Theresa University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania.ReferencesLemiale V, et al. Adjunctive corticosteroids in non-AIDS patients with severe Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PIC): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2025;13(9):800-808. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(25)00125-0.Lee TC, Albuquerque AM, McDonald EG. Contextualizing the use of corticosteroids in severe Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia through a Bayesian lens. CMI Commun. 2025;2(4):105141. doi:10.1016/j.cmicom.2025.105141.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform and celebrate an exciting milestone for Dr. Pritt's “Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites” blog. Later in the episode, Dr. Pritt welcomes Angie Reese-Davis, Mayo Clinic Laboratories' director of operations, to explore how proactive monitoring, shipping workflows, teamwork, and ongoing process improvements all contribute to a resilient lab logistics system. PAMA reform update (00:34): Get the latest on PAMA delays and the new Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act.Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites (04:24): Go behind the scenes of the 800 parasite cases Dr. Pritt has featured on her long-running blog.Logistics at Mayo Clinic Laboratories (08:09): Learn how the team manages and tracks the 40,000 samples that arrive each day.Process improvement and resiliency (12:49): Discover how the logistics team continues to innovate and evolve to support clients more efficiently and effectively.Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.

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 letstalkmicro@outlook.com 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  

Now is a good time to go through your freezer to check for Pizza Pops. A recall from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has linked a number of the flavours to cases of E. coli across Canada, and those cases could rise. Dr. Joseph Blondeau, Head Of Clinical Microbiology at Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan and the Provincial Lead for Clinical Microbiology with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, joins Evan to explain how this happened and what to do if you suspect an E. coli infection.

The Nipah virus, which has once again made the news following an outbreak in India’s West Bengal. While the number of confirmed cases is still small, the outbreak has prompted countries in the region, including Singapore, to strengthen precautions. Singapore has introduced enhanced measures at Changi Airport and stepped up hospital surveillance to catch any potential cases early.But how does this outbreak compare to previous Nipah incidents, such as the 1999 outbreak in Singapore and Malaysia? What lessons can we draw from history, and what practical steps can we take to protect ourselves today? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Paul Tambyah, former president of the Asia-Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, to break down the facts, explain the risks, and share advice on staying safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity – and is not a future problem. Changes to the Earth's climate driven by emission of greenhouse gases have led to glaciers shrinking, plant and animal geographic ranges shifting and historical droughts, wildfires and rainfall. What does all of this have to do with the clinical laboratory?  Subscribe to Editors in Conversation on Apple Podcasts, Android, Spotify, or Email and never miss an episode. Guests: Dr. Joesph Wiencek, Director of Clinical Chemistry and Associate Professor at VUMC Andrea Prinzi, Ph.D., MPH, SM(ASCP), bioMérieux Links:  The foundation for the microbiology laboratory's essential role in diagnostic stewardship: an ASM Laboratory Practices Subcommittee report  Approaches to developing and implementing a molecular diagnostics stewardship program for infectious diseases: an ASM Laboratory Practices Subcommittee report  Guiding antimicrobial stewardship through thoughtful antimicrobial susceptibility testing and reporting strategies: an updated approach in 2023  This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and hosted by JCM Editor in Chief, Romney Humphries, Ph.D., D(ABMM).  Visit journals.asm.org/journal/jcm to read articles and/or submit a manuscript. Become an ASM member to receive up to 50% off publishing fees when you publish in JCM or any of the ASM journals. Sign up at asm.org/joinasm.

In this episode of Communicable, Josh Davis (Newcastle, Australia) and Emily McDonald (Montreal, Canada), plus invited guest, Steven Tong (Melbourne, Australia)—all practicing physicians and clinical trialists—assemble to discuss some of their ‘top infectious diseases papers published in 2025'. Bassam Ghanem (Jeddah Lol, Saudi Arabia), whom one might know better as Antibiotic Steward on social media, was also invited to share his favourite publications of 2025.Six papers that were most consistently picked by the panel are presented, explaining why they were picked and how they have shifted paradigms or changed their practice. This episode complements the previous episode, which presented ‘top clinical microbiology papers in 2025', and was peer reviewed by Akshatha Ravindra of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.   ResourcesCLARITY initiative websitePapers presented (in order of presentation) Turner NA, et al. Dalbavancin for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia. JAMAMeya DB, et al. Trial of High-Dose Oral Rifampin in Adults with Tuberculous Meningitis. NEJMVodstrcil LA, et al. Male-Partner Treatment to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis. NEJMKreimer A, et al. Noninferiority of One HPV Vaccine Dose to Two Doses. NEJMGuglielmetti L, et al. Oral Regimens for Rifampin-Resistant, Fluoroquinolone-Susceptible Tuberculosis. NEJMRoss JDC et al, Oral gepotidacin for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea (EAGLE-1). Lancet  ‘One liners' (in order of presentation)Burdet C et al. Cloxacillin versus cefazolin for meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (CloCeBa). LancetLemiale V et al, Adjunctive corticosteroids in non-AIDS patients with severe Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PIC). Lancet Respir MedLuetkemeyer AF et al, Doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the USA. Lancet Inf DisEyting M, et al. A natural experiment on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia. NatureXie M, et al. The effect of shingles vaccination at different stages of the dementia disease course. CellPomirchy M, et al. Herpes Zoster Vaccination and Dementia Occurrence. JAMADurbin AP et al, Daily Mosnodenvir as Dengue Prophylaxis in a Controlled Human Infection Model. NEJMHook EW et al, One Dose versus Three Doses of Benzathine Penicillin G in Early Syphilis. NEJMOpdam MAA et al, Continuation versus temporary interruption of immunomodulatory agents during infections in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Clin Infect DisArundel C et al, Negative pressure wound therapy versus usual care in patients with surgical wound healing by secondary intention in the UK (SWHSI-2). LancetHonourable mentionsChaccour C, et al. Ivermectin to Control Malaria. NEJMLucinde RK, et al. A Pragmatic Trial of Glucocorticoids for Community-Acquired Pneumonia. NEJMMorel J, et al. Effect of a 1-month methotrexate delay on pneumococcal vaccine immunogenicity and disease control in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (VACIMRA). Lancet RheumatolHaukoos J, et al. Hepatitis C Screening in Emergency Departments. JAMAMajor Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC). Oral vs Intravenous Antibiotics for Fracture-Related Infections: The POvIV Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA SurgAnderson CS, et al. Influenza vaccination to improve outcomes for patients with acute heart failure (PANDA II). LancetSt Peter SD, et al. Appendicectomy versus antibiotics for acute uncomplicated appendicitis in children. LancetPan CQ, et al. Tenofovir and Hepatitis B Virus Transmission During Pregnancy. JAMAGohil SK, et al. Improving Empiric Antibiotic Selection for Patients Hospitalized With Abdominal Infection. JAMA SurgRelated podcast episodesCommunicable E44: Top clinical microbiology papers in 2025 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e5c26aeCommunicable E29: Bacterial vaginosis & male partners, https://share.transistor.fm/s/3de4f5c3 Communicable E28: Late-breaker trials at ESCMID Global: Should they change your practice? - part 2, https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f044e8c Communicable E20: Tuberculosis today https://share.transistor.fm/s/9858900e 

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss 2026 trends. Together, they explore:  JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (00:34): Dr. Morice shares his top observations and takeaways after attending this year's conference. Artificial intelligence (06:02): Anticipated benefits and risks of AI developments predicted in 2026.Reimbursement and regulation (13:43): Why reimbursement and regulation continue to be areas of significant interest in clinical diagnostics. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesTransforming laboratory medicine through AI: From promise to practice"Answers From the Lab" podcast: Breakthroughs and Trends That Defined Lab Medicine in 2025"Answers From the Lab" podcast: PAMA Update and Accelerating Research and Development With BioPharma Diagnostics

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 letstalkmicro@outlook.com 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  

How often do you change your socks? According to an expert, it is vital to do it every day in order to avoid ‘Cheesy Foot', ‘Onion Foot', ‘Goat Foot' and other unpleasantries.Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester…

How often do you change your socks? According to an expert, it is vital to do it every day in order to avoid ‘Cheesy Foot', ‘Onion Foot', ‘Goat Foot' and other unpleasantries.Joining Seán to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester…

In the first Communicable episode of 2026, Annie Joseph and Josh Nosanchuk invite Robin Patel (Rochester, USA) and Fidelma Fitzpatrick (Dublin, Ireland) to discuss some of their favourite clinical microbiology papers published in 2025. These six papers highlight everything from technological advances of genomics and molecular diagnostic testing to the importance of patient and public involvement in research as well as effective communication [1-6]. The panel also discusses whether or not any of these papers have changed their practice.This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer reviewed by Sinéad Kilgarriff of the National Virus Reference Laboratory University College, Dublin in Ireland. Robin's papersOyeniran SJ, et al. J Clin Microbiol 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00986-25 Xie O, et al. Lancet Microbe 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101182Lopopolo M et al., Science 2025. DOI: 10.1126/science.adu7144Fidelma's papersTurner NA, et al. JAMA 2025. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.12543  Paterson DL, et al. Lancet Infectious Diseases 2025. DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00469-4Langford BJ, et al. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology 2025. DOI: 10.1017/ash.2025.10210Related podcast episodesCommunicable episode 1: Late breaker trials at ESCMID Global 2024, https://share.transistor.fm/s/9c598f68ReferencesOyeniran SJ, et al. J Clin Microbiol 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00986-25 Xie O, et al. Lancet Microbe 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101182Turner NA, et al. JAMA 2025. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.12543  Paterson DL, et al. Lancet Infectious Diseases 2025. DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00469-4Lopopolo M et al., Science 2025. DOI: 10.1126/science.adu7144Langford BJ, et al. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology 2025. DOI: 10.1017/ash.2025.10210Further readingMohammed HT, et al. IJSEM 2025. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006986  Skally M, et al. BMJ Open 2025. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-103431Ong SWX and Tverring J. CMI Communications 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmicom.2025.105154Tverring J and Ong SWX. CMI Communications 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmicom.2025.105169 

Many people take great pride in their homes and go to considerable lengths to keep them clean and tidy. For some, that means maintaining spotless floors, and expecting guests to help keep them that way.So, is asking visitors to remove their shoes at the door a reasonable request, or does it risk making them feel uncomfortable?Joining Andrea to discuss is Presenter Claire Ronan, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, Dr Primrose Freestone and more.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss direct-to-consumer testing. Then, Dr. Pritt welcomes Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., a microbiologist and virologist and chief scientific officer of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, for a conversation about accelerating innovation without compromising quality or safety. Direct-to-consumer testing (00:38): Explore the rise of direct-to-consumer testing and the challenges that accompany it. Evolving expectations for innovation (05:38): Understand why patient and clinician expectations are rising and how that is reshaping diagnostics.Safeguarding advances (07:23): Learn the foundational principles that protect quality and safety amid rapid innovation.Strategies for accelerating innovation (10:33): Discover practical ways to responsibly deliver novel solutions more quickly.Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesFive ways to move faster without compromising trust in diagnostics"Answers From the Lab” podcast: Breakthroughs and Trends That Defined Lab Medicine in 2025360Dx: 2025 highlights and takeaways for the clinical lab industry

Calling out "Happy Christmas to all and to all a good-night,  Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss high path influenza in dairy herds in Wisconsin and Marburg virus in Ethiopia before Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, the slightly higher association of COVID-19 infection with death than following influenza infection, benefit of passive infant immunization with niresevimab, association of COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity protection against severe disease in vulnerable populations, where to find PEMGARDA, how to access and pay for Paxlovid, long COVID treatment center, effect of remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir on COVID-19 associated mortality, where to go for answers to your long COVID questions, and contacting your federal government representative to stop the assault on science and biomedical research. Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Dairy Herd in Wisconsin (USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Update: Genetic Sequencing Results for Wisconsin Dairy Herd Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Marburg Outbreak in Ethiopia: Current Situation (CDC: Marburg Virus Disease) Wastewater for measles (WasterWater Scan) Measles cases and outbreaks (CDC Rubeola) Tracking Measles Cases in the U.S. (Johns Hopkins) Measles vaccine recommendations from NYP (jpg) Weekly measles and rubella monitoring (Government of Canada) Measles (WHO) Get the FACTS about measles (NY State Department of Health) Measles(CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Measles vaccine (CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Presumptive evidence of measles immunity (CDC) Contraindications and precautions to measles vaccination (CDC) Adverse events associated with childhood vaccines: evidence bearing on causality (NLM) Measles Vaccination: Know the Facts (ISDA: Infectious Diseases Society of America) Deaths following vaccination: what does the evidence show (Vaccine) Influenza: Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) USrespiratory virus activity (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) Respiratory virus activity levels (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) Weekly surveillance report: clift notes (CDC FluView) In call with clinicians, CDC recommends flu vaccines widely(CIDRAP) Influenza Vaccine Composition for the 2025-2026 U.S. Influenza Season (FDA) Increased 30-day Mortality Risk in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Compared to Seasonal Influenza (International Journal of Infectious Diseases) RSV: Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) Respiratory Diseases (Yale School of Public Health) USrespiratory virus activity (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) RSV-Network (CDC Respiratory Syncytial virus Infection) Vaccines for Adults (CDC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)) Economic Analysis of Protein Subunit and mRNA RSV Vaccination in Adults aged 50-59 Years (CDC: ACIP) Nirsevimab vs RSVpreF Vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Related Hospitalization in Newborns (JAMA) RSV Immunization Frequently Asked Questions(American Academy of Pediatrics) Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) COVID-19 deaths (CDC) Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel (CDC: Respiratory Illnesses) COVID-19 national and regional trends (CDC) COVID-19 variant tracker (CDC) SARS-CoV-2 genomes galore (Nextstrain) Antigenic and Virological Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2, XFG, and NB.1.8.1 (bioRxiV) Association between COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and protection against infection and severe disease in clinically vulnerable patient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (Clinical Microbiology and Infection) Where to get pemgarda (Pemgarda) EUAfor the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 (INVIYD) Infusion center (Prime Fusions) CDC Quarantine guidelines (CDC) NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines (NIH) Drug interaction checker (University of Liverpool) Help your eligible patients access PAXLOVID with the PAXCESS Patient Support Program (Pfizer Pro) Understanding Coverage Options (PAXCESS) Infectious Disease Society guidelines for treatment and management (ID Society) The effect of remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir on mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the Omicron era: an emulated target trial (Clinical Microbiology and Infection) Molnupiravir safety and efficacy (JMV) Convalescent plasma recommendation for immunocompromised (ID Society) What to do when sick with a respiratory virus (CDC) Managing healthcare staffing shortages (CDC) Anticoagulationguidelines (hematology.org) Daniel Griffin's evidence based medical practices for long COVID (OFID) Long COVID hotline (Columbia : Columbia University Irving Medical Center) The answers: Long COVID Long-COVID research just got a big funding boost: will it find new treatments? (Nature) Reaching out to US house representative Letters read on TWiV 1282 Dr. Griffin's COVID treatment summary (pdf) Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees Send your questions for Dr. Griffin to daniel@microbe.tv Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.

I almost can't believe that we are wrapping up yet another year on the podcast this month, which has been going strong for 6 years now! And it has been another exciting year in the world of Clin Micro as well with improvements and new assays available for some of our bread and butter tests, but the year also brought about significant developments in the application of AI and digital imaging, use of NGS methods, and probably some cool AST stuff in there too among other things, with many of these advancements published in JCM. And so, as has become customary for the last 6 years, for this episode, we will be sharing some of our favorite papers or more intriguing manuscripts published in the Journal this year. And I have to say, this is probably one of the hardest episodes to prep for because picking just on paper to talk about is an incredible difficult task! But, we are up to the challenge and we'll share those with you over the next half hour or so, all the while wearing ridiculous holiday sweaters and/or holiday headgear, as is now tradition. So, if you are not watching, you may want to switch and find a video option for your viewing pleasure.  Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/taqcjqeQQBE Paper Links: Interlaboratory assays from the fungal PCR Initiative and the Modimucor Study Group to improve qPCR detection of Mucorales DNA in serum: one more step toward standardization | Journal of Clinical Microbiology https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.01525-24 Detection of protozoan and helminth parasites in concentrated wet mounts of stool using a deep convolutional neural network | Journal of Clinical Microbiology https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.01062-25 Prediction of antimicrobial susceptibility of pneumococci based on whole-genome sequencing data: a direct comparison of two genomic tools to conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing | Journal of Clinical Microbiology https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.01079-24      a. Bonus: Rapid detection of gram-negative antimicrobial resistance determinants directly from positive blood culture broths using a multiplex PCR system | Journal of Clinical Microbiology https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.00384-25 A novel single-tier serologic test to diagnose all stages of Lyme disease | Journal of Clinical Microbiology https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.00483-25 This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and hosted by JCM Editor in Chief, Romney Humphries, Ph.D., D(ABMM) and Elitza (Elli) Theel, Ph.D., D(ABMM).  Editors in conversation is supported by the American Society for Microbiology, which publishes JCM. Become an ASM member to receive up to 50% off publishing fees when you publish in JCM or any of the ASM journals.  Sign up at https://asm.org/joinasm. Visit https://journals.asm.org/journal/jcm to read articles and/or submit a manuscript. Get the audio only podcast at https://asm.org/eic.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, welcomes William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to explore recent news updates and key advancements shaping the industry in 2025.Staying healthy during the holidays (00:18): Discover how to protect yourself and others as a new influenza strain, holiday gatherings, and increased travel raise the risk of spreading viruses. 2025 breakthroughs and trends (04:31): Learn more about the technologies, regulations, and innovation influencing the future of clinical diagnostics. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.Resources"Answers From the Lab” podcast: Innovations Set to Shape the Industry in 2025Dr. Morice shares trends and predictions for 2025Mayo Clinic Minute: How to prepare for the influenza seasonMayo Clinic Minute: Wash your hands for better healthVaccines and viruses: Protecting health across generations

During the COVID-19 pandemic with lockdown mandates and social distancing, doctors, researchers, and the public were able to find refuge and community online; for the infectious disease community, it was on the social media platform Twitter, and more specifically under the widely used hashtag, #IDTwitter. Under new ownership from 2022, however, Twitter's name and brand changed to what we now know as X, and “the heyday of #IDTwitter is long since gone”. In this special episode of Communicable, Angela Huttner and Marc Bonten invite doctors and science communicators, Neil Stone (London, UK), Ilan Schwartz (Durham, USA), and Tara Smith (Kent, USA) to debate whether we should stay on X or leave it for alternatives.This episode is a follow-up from Stone and Schwartz's commentary [1] and Smith's response letter [2] addressing the same topic published in CMI Communications. The views expressed by the panelists are their own and do not represent the positions of their affiliated institutions or ESCMID. This episode was not peer reviewed.ResourcesYou can follow all participants of this episode on Bluesky: @drneilstone.bsky.social, @germhuntermd.bsky.social, @aetiology.bsky.social, @marcbonten.bsky.social, @angelahuttner.bsky.social, and Stone on X: @DrNeilStone.ReferencesStone NRH and Schwartz IS. Joining the X-odus: Contrasting perspectives on whether infection specialists should leave X (formerly Twitter). CMI Comms 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmicom.2025.105140Smith TC. Twitter remains a haven of harassment. CMI Comms 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmicom.2025.105144Further readingBiever, C. Bluesky's science takeover: 70% of Nature poll respondents use platform. Nature News 2025. PEW Research Center. How Do Americans View Childhood Vaccines, Vaccine Research and Policy? https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2025/11/18/how-do-americans-view-childhood-vaccines-vaccine-research-and-policy/   NBC News. X's new location labels unmask users. Insiders say the idea was rejected for years. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-musk/x-user-location-feature-country-elon-musk-new-rcna245620

Do you let your dog lick your face? For some, it's a simple way to bond with your pet, for others, it's completely disgusting, and out of the question!Joining Andrea to discuss is dog lover and Journalist Andrea Smith, Laoise Downes, Owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service and Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester.

Published Dec. 4, 2025In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform and the first reported death from alpha-gal syndrome. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Chris Garcia, M.D., Mayo Clinic Laboratories' chief digital innovation officer and medical director of BioPharma Diagnostics, to explore how biopharma diagnostics advance research and development. PAMA reform update (00:33): Get the latest on where reform to PAMA stands following the federal government's reopening.Alpha-gal syndrome case (03:22): Learn about the first known death from alpha-gal syndrome and diagnostic testing for this tick-bite-triggered red meat allergy.Biopharma's role in research and development (07:52): Discover how biopharma diagnostics fuel innovation and how digital tools are expanding its future impact.  Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesBioPharma Diagnostics: Connecting pharma and biotechTick-borne disease: An expanding geographic threat

The crux of HIV care and prevention is quick and accurate diagnosis. Listen in to learn from Aniruddha (Anu) Hazra, MD, and Dr. Nancy S. Miller about the advantages and potential pitfalls of different HIV testing algorithms to find out which one is best suited for your practice.Presenters:Aniruddha (Anu) Hazra, MDAssociate Professor, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global HealthMedical Director, UCM Sexual Wellness ClinicDirector of STI Services, Chicago Center of HIV EliminationDepartment of MedicineUniversity of ChicagoChicago, IllinoisNancy S. Miller, MDMedical Director, Clinical Microbiology and Molecular DiagnosticsClinical Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineBoston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBoston, MassachusettsLink to full program:https://bit.ly/4nS7rYEGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or Spotify. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the last ten years, 'diagnostic stewardship' has emerged as a core principle of good clinical practice whose implementation impacts both the individual patient and public health at large. In this episode of Communicable, hosts Angela Huttner and Annie Joseph invite two experts in the field, Daniel Morgan (Maryland, USA) and Valerie Vaughn (Utah, USA), to discuss diagnostic stewardship in the context of infectious diseases, hospital medicine, and healthcare in general. Other topics covered include practical interventions for better testing practices and the role of artificial intelligence in the future of diagnostics. The episode highlights how thoughtful, intentional diagnostic practices can enhance clinician workflows and improve patient outcomes.This episode is a follow-up from Morgan's recently published commentary in CMI Communications on diagnostic testing, and the need for evaluating its clinical impact [1]. The episode was peer reviewed by Özlem Türkmen Recen of Çınarcık State Hospital, Yalova, Türkiye. ReferencesBaghdadi JD & Morgan DJ. Diagnostic tests should be assessed for clinical impact. CMI Comms 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmicom.2024.105010Further readingAdvani S and Vaughn VM. Quality Improvement Interventions and Implementation Strategies for Urine Culture Stewardship in the Acute Care Setting: Advances and Challenges. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s11908-021-00760-3 Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/hcp/core-elements/hospital.html Core Elements of Hospital Diagnostic Excellence (DxEx), https://www.cdc.gov/patient-safety/hcp/hospital-dx-excellence/index.htmlCosgrove SE & Srinivasan A. Antibiotic Stewardship: A Decade of Progress. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.06.003 Dik JH, et al. Integrated Stewardship Model Comprising Antimicrobial, Infection Prevention, and Diagnostic Stewardship (AID Stewardship). J Clin Microbiol 2017. DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01283-17Fabre V, et al. Principles of diagnostic stewardship: A practical guide from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Diagnostic Stewardship Task Force. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023. DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.5 Huttner A, et al. Re: ‘ESR and CRP: it's time to stop the zombie tests' by Spellberg et al. CMI 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.09.016 Morgan DJ, et al. Diagnostic Stewardship—Leveraging the Laboratory to Improve Antimicrobial Use. JAMA 2017. DOI:  10.1001/jama.2017.8531 Messacar K, et al. Implementation of rapid molecular infectious disease diagnostics: the role of diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship. J Clin Microbiol 2017. DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02264-16Messacar K, et al. Clinical and Financial Impact of a Diagnostic Stewardship Program for Children with Suspected Central Nervous System Infection. J Pediatr. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.02.002  Qian ET, et al. Cefepime vs Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Adults Hospitalized With Acute Infection: The ACORN Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.20583 Siontis KC et al. Diagnostic tests often fail to lead to changes in patient outcomes. J Clin Epidemiol 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.12.008Vaughn VM, et al. Antibiotic Stewardship Strategies and Their Association With Antibiotic Overuse After Hospital Discharge. Clin Infect Dis 2022. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac104Vaughn VM, et al. A Statewide Quality Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Treatment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria. JAMA Intern Med 2023. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.2749  

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent news about Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform. Then, Dr. Pritt welcomes Trish Simner, Ph.D., a clinical microbiologist at Mayo Clinic, for an in-depth conversation about metagenomics. PAMA reform update and new RESULTS Act (00:30): Hear about options under consideration for PAMA reform, including the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act.When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomics benefit patient care (06:04): Explore how CSF metagenomics work and when it is appropriate to use this advanced diagnostic tool in clinical practice.Advancement and innovation in metagenomics (18:15): Discover how recent and upcoming innovation is expanding metagenomic testing capabilities. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesAnswers From the Lab podcast: Developments for LDT Regulation and Laboratory Reimbursement: Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D.Metagenomics: Identifying elusive pathogenic microorganisms

Sepsis and bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common and cause millions of deaths each year, with a disproportionate burden in low-income and middle-income countries. Tune in to learn from Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD, FACP, FIDSA, how inadequate antibiotic coverage can be linked to increased mortality and length of stay and how unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics can drive antimicrobial resistance. Topics covered include:The worldwide burden of sepsis and BSIsThe ongoing threat of antimicrobial resistanceUS and global health disparities in sepsis, BSI, and antimicrobial resistanceBarriers toward optimizing antibiotic use in BSIsPresenter:Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD, FACP, FIDSAAssociate Professor, Infectious DiseaseAssociate Medical Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramVice Chair for Belonging and Community Engagement, Department of Internal MedicineCo-Director, Digital Innovation & Social Media Strategy, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmaha, NebraskaLink to full program and downloadable slides:https://bit.ly/4inoXCxGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics can drive antimicrobial resistance and cause adverse events, whereas inadequate antibiotic coverage is linked to increased mortality and length of stay for patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). Listen now to learn from Jose Alexander, MD, D(ABMM), CIC, FCCM, SM/MB(ASCP), how to use rapid genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing results to inform antibiotic selection for patients with gram-negative BSIs. Topics covered include:Typical patterns of intrinsic antibiotic susceptibility and resistance in EnterobacteralesMechanisms of resistance in gram-negative bacteriaGenotypic rapid diagnostic tests for BSIsResistance markers for earlier targeted therapyRapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test platforms for blood culturesPresenter:Jose Alexander, MD, D(ABMM), CIC, FCCM, SM/MB(ASCP)Medical and Public Health MicrobiologistMedical and Technical Director of MicrobiologyAdventHealthOrlando, FloridaLink to full program and downloadable slides:https://bit.ly/4inoXCxGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) significantly reduces time to actionable results and can improve antibiotic decision-making for patients with bloodstream infections. Listen in to learn from Michael P. Veve, PharmD, MPH, how to optimally integrate rapid phenotypic AST into clinical practice, including incorporation into your existing antimicrobial stewardship workflow. Topics covered include:Considerations for implementationDecision-making steps for implementationThe role of antimicrobial stewardship programs in AST workflowPresenter:Michael P. Veve, PharmD, MPHClinical Associate ProfessorDepartment of Pharmacy PracticeEugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesWayne State UniversityClinical Pharmacy Specialist, Infectious DiseaseHenry Ford HospitalDetroit, MichiganLink to full program and downloadable slides:https://bit.ly/4inoXCxGet access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the CCO Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) and we have prepared a special episode in light of that. In this week's Communicable, Navaneeth Narayanan and Thomas Tängdén host Aula Abbara (London, UK), Guido Granata (Rome, Italy) and Tuomas Aro (Helsinki, Finland) to discuss the phenomenon of AMR in conflict and crisis zones. They elaborate on how difficult conditions and austere environments amplify the spread of AMR, drawing on findings from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria and other regions. Other topics covered include adapting antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices as well as the need for genuine political will and international collaboration to end conflicts and their exacerbation on AMR.This episode follows the webinar “Beyond the frontlines” organised by ESCMID's AMR Action Subcommittee for WAAW 2025, featuring the same guests, and is available on ESCMID Media. This Communicable episode was peer reviewed by Arjana Zerja of Mother Theresa University Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania.  Related ESCMID and Communicable mediaESCMID Media, Part 1: Beyond the frontlines - tackling AMR in conflict and crisis zones, webinar Communicable episode 11: Nightmare series, part 2 – how to deal with carbapenemase producers Communicable episode 16: Climate change and infections – effects on clinical practice & sustainabilityResourcesTrainee Association of ESCIMD (TAE) Doctors without Borders (Médecins sans Frontières), Antibiogo, https://www.antibiogo.org/Doctors without Borders (Médecins sans Frontières), Mini-lab, https://fondation.msf.fr/en/projects/mini-lab Further ReadingAbbara A, et al. Unravelling the linkages between conflict and antimicrobial resistance. NPJ Antimicrob Resist. 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s44259-025-00099-yAbbara A, et al. A summary and appraisal of existing evidence of antimicrobial resistance in the Syrian conflict. Int J Infect Dis. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.06.010Abu-Shomar R, et al. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas isolated from water at primary health care centers in Gaza, Palestine: a cross-sectional study. IJID Reg. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100671Aldbis A, et al. The lived experience of patients with conflict associated injuries whose wounds are affected by antimicrobial resistant organisms: a qualitative study from northwest Syria. Confl Health. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00501-4Aro T, et al. War on antimicrobial resistance: high carriage rates of multidrug-resistant bacteria among war-injured Ukrainian refugees. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2025.07.010  Bazzi W, et al. Heavy Metal Toxicity in Armed Conflicts Potentiates AMR in A. baumannii by Selecting for Antibiotic and Heavy Metal Co-resistance Mechanisms. Front Microbiol. 2020. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00068 Dewachi O. War Biology and Antimicrobial Resistance: The Case of Gaza, AMR Insights, 2024.Granata G, et al. The impact of armed conflict on the development and global spread of antibiotic resistance: a systematic review. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.03.029 Huang XZ, et al. Molecular analysis of imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from US service members wounded in Iraq, 2003-2008. Epidemiol Infect. 2012. DOI: 10.1017/S0950268811002871Hujer KM, et al. Analysis of antibiotic resistance genes in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter sp. isolates from military and civilian patients treated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2006. DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00778-06Karah N, et al. Teleclinical Microbiology: An Innovative Approach to Providing Web-Enabled Diagnostic Laboratory Services in Syria. Am J Clin Pathol. 2022. DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab160Keen EF 3rd, et al. Evaluation of potential environmental contamination sources for the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria linked to wound infections in combat casualties. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2012. DOI: 10.1086/667382Murray CK, et al. Recovery of multidrug-resistant bacteria from combat personnel evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan at a single military treatment facility. Mil Med. 2009. DOI: 10.7205/milmed-d-03-8008Petersen K, et al. Diversity and clinical impact of Acinetobacter baumannii colonization and infection at a military medical center. J Clin Microbiol. 2011. DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00766-10Scott P, et al. An outbreak of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infection in the US military health care system associated with military operations in Iraq. Clin Infect Dis. 2007. DOI: 10.1086/518170Sensenig RA, et al. Longitudinal characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonizing and infecting combat casualties. Am J Infect Control. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2011.03.025World Health Organization. Fourth WHO Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration stresses that equitable access to and appropriate use of antibiotics for refugees and migrants is essential to tackling Antimicrobial Resistance, News, 2022.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, welcomes William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Together, they discuss recent news about virus activity and explore the value of collaboration in shaping innovative diagnostic strategies.   Testing for viruses appearing closer to home (00:45): Gain insights on using available testing to manage measles and detect chikungunya, which was recently transmitted in the U.S. for the first time in years. Collaborating for more coordinated care and innovation (06:04): Explore how strategic partnerships in diagnostics foster innovation and enable a more integrated approach to clinical decision-making.Building successful collaborations (12:16): Discover practical insights into establishing and maintaining collaborations that deliver meaningful value to all involved. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesAnswers From the Lab Podcast: How the Evolving Role of Diagnostics and Platforms Impact Healthcare: Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Bill Morice shares how a platform for collaboration transforms diagnosticsMary Jo Williamson offers four steps to maximize collaboration benefits

Once confined to the tropics, dengue is spreading via its vector, the Aedes mosquito, to more temperate regions, causing increases in global morbidity, mortality and cost. In 2019, the WHO recognised dengue as one of the top ten global health threats alongside climate change and antimicrobial resistance [1]. In this episode of Communicable, Annie Joseph and Nav Narayanan welcome two dengue experts, André Siqueira of the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative based in Geneva, Switzerland (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and Steven Lim of the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (Ipoh, Malaysia). Together, they discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation and management of dengue including comparisons to other arboviral infections like zika and chikungunya, and the heightened risk of disease for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and those with comorbidities. The conversation also highlights innovative vector-control strategies and candidate therapeutics currently under investigation. This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer reviewed by Loora Grünvald of the University of Tartu, Estonia. Resources:Drug for Neglected Diseases (DNDi), https://dndi.org/ Dengue Alliance, https://dndi.org/global-networks/dengue-alliance/ Qdenga vaccine information: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/763/qdenga-dengue-vaccine-guidanceDengavaxia vaccine information: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/hcp/vaccine/index.html References: World Health Organization, Ten threats to global health in 2019.Further reading: Treating a feverish planet: The Dengue Alliance, a video

According to a recent survey 1 in 3 people allow their dog to sleep in their bed.Many people say it's great company, it's great for the cuddles and, as our heating bills creep up, sharing the bed with a furry friend is certainly one way of staying warmer!But, is sharing a bed with your dog hygienic?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology with the University of Leicester and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, has been around for what seems like forever, causing major outbreaks throughout the millennia and continuing to spread at high rates, globally, into today. When it comes to diagnostic testing, some tests like RPR and VDRL have stood the test of time, having been implemented in the late 1930s and 1940s, and are now used in combination with contemporary methods like EIAs and chemiluminescent assays as the reference standard method to diagnosis syphilis cases. New approaches to screening and diagnosis are needed, however, to increase test access and ultimately case identification and treatment.  Guests: Dr. Kevin Clark Dr. Jody Berry Links:  Clinical development and performance of the First to Know Syphilis Self-Test for over-the-counter usage: a de novo rapid test for treponemal antibody This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and hosted by JCM Editor in Chief, Romney Humphries, Ph.D., D(ABMM).  Visit journals.asm.org/journal/jcm to read articles and/or submit a manuscript. Become an ASM member to receive up to 50% off publishing fees when you publish in JCM or any of the ASM journals. Sign up at asm.org/joinasm.  

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent news about drug-resistant infections. Later, Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., director of the Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Lab, Clinical Mass Spectrometry Lab, and Metals Lab, joins Dr. Pritt for the deep dive segment. Together, they explore how diagnostics are shaping the future of therapeutics.  New podcast format launch (00:25): Drs. Morice and Pritt introduce the exciting new format for “Answers From the Lab,” including the addition of in-depth expert segments.   Drug-resistant infections (02:05): Discover how clinical diagnostics play a critical role in combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Diagnostics' role in advancing precision medicine (13:28): Learn how diagnostics, specifically drug monitoring, are advancing personalized therapies and contributing to better outcomes. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources Therapeutics testing: A clear path to accurate answers Therapeutics testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories WHO warns of widespread resistance to common antibiotics worldwide Tests for infectious disease detection and identification  Connect with Us Is there a question or topic you'd like us to explore in a future episode? Email us at mayocliniclabs@mayo.edu. Learn more about our hosts and guests and connect with them on social media.  Bobbi Pritt, M.D.  Bio  |  LinkedIn Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D. Bio  |  LinkedIn Paul Jannetto, Ph.D. Bio  |  LinkedIn

In this episode of Communicable, Erin McCreary and Angela Huttner are joined by Barbara Trautner (St. Louis, USA) and Valéry Lavergne (Vancouver, Canada), the co-chairs and leading authors of the first IDSA guideline on complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), which was published a few months ago [1]. Together, they discuss the process of developing the guideline from its conception in 2018, the new definition of cUTI, their stepwise approach to clinical decision-making, and some case-by-case scenarios for common antibiotics. They also elaborate on how this guideline compares (and contrasts) to other existing UTI guidelines—including the previous IDSA guideline for UTI [2] —and the clinical need to supply frontline clinicians to identify and distinguish complicated cases from the uncomplicated ones. The episode closes with what essential clinical questions the guests hope to tackle next.  This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer reviewed by Maria Ana Flores of Santa Maria Local Health Unit, Lisbon, Portugal.Other resources:European Urologic Association guidelinesUpToDateFDA guidance on complicated UTI ReferencesTrautner BW, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline by Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): 2025 Guideline on Management and Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections Gupta, K, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis and Pyelonephritis in Women: 2010 Update by IDSA

Published October 16, 2025 In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent regulatory and policy developments. Together, they explore:FDA rescinds rule on LDTs (00:48): The FDA has officially withdrawn its rule that would allow oversight of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) as medical devices. The conversation explores what this decision means and what might come next for LDT regulation.PAMA reform update and new RESULTS Act (05:13): The newly introduced Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act aims to address reimbursement for laboratory tests.Getting engaged (12:37): Why it is important to understand new regulatory policies and help others understand their implications for the industry.ResourcesFind past “Answers From the Lab” podcasts on LDTs and PAMA

From sleeping with your pets in the bed, to having your shoes on the coffee table and generally leaving your phone on any surface in between: what causes the most household germs?Joining Jonathan to discuss is Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester.

The launch of ChatGPT three years ago brought the concept of artificial intelligence into the daily conversation. Today, it seems all industries, including lab medicine, are integrating AI with the promise of making our lives easier. How do we best navigate implementing this technology into clinical microbiology? How will it be regulated? … and, what is AI anyway? Watch this epsiode: https://youtu.be/2B_JJEFJv7I Guests: Dr. Susan Sharp Dr. Kendall Bryant Links:  Proceedings of the Clinical Microbiology Open 2024: artificial intelligence applications in clinical microbiology Diagnosis of Plasmodium infections using artificial intelligence techniques versus standard microscopy in a reference laboratory Development and evaluation of an artificial intelligence for bacterial growth monitoring in clinical bacteriology This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and hosted by JCM Editor in Chief, Romney Humphries, Ph.D., D(ABMM).  Visit journals.asm.org/journal/jcm to read articles and/or submit a manuscript. Become an ASM member to receive up to 50% off publishing fees when you publish in JCM or any of the ASM journals. Sign up at asm.org/joinasm.

Contrary to popular belief, peer review has only recently become an integral step in scientific publishing. Currently seen by many as a badge of honour ensuring valid, innovative and honest research, peer review seems in reality to be increasingly thankless, exploitative, and sometimes invisible. How did we get here? In this episode of Communicable, Annie Joseph and Angela Huttner are joined by two experts, Melinda Baldwin (University of Maryland, USA) and Serge Horbach (Radboud University, Netherlands), to unpack and examine the role of peer review, why it is still essential, and how it fits within the greater editorial process. The conversation covers the history of peer review, contemporary formats including open review and the use of artificial intelligence, and thoughtful discussion on how to fix and rethink peer review. This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and peer reviewed by Barbora Píšová from the Czech Republic.Related podcast episodes Communicable episode 13: The Wild West of publishing today—predatory journals and how to deal with them https://share.transistor.fm/s/e3abe9af ResourcesEASE, the European Association of Science Editors https://ease.org.uk/ Peer review week https://peerreviewweek.net/ Further readingCsiszar, A. The Scientific Journal: Authorship and the Politics of Knowledge in the Nineteenth Century. The University of Chicago Press, 2018. DOI: 10.7208/chicago/9780226553375.001.0001 Entradas, Sousa, Yan, et al. (2023) Public Deliberative Workshops – Findings. POIESIS project deliverable D2.2. https://poiesis-project.eu/deliverables/.Ross-Hellauer T and Horbach SPJM. Additional experiments required: A scoping review of recent evidence on key aspects of Open Peer Review, Research Evaluation, 2024. DOI: 10.1093/reseval/rvae004Horbach SPJM and Halffman W. The changing forms and expectation of peer review. Res Integr Peer Rev 2018. DOI: 10.1186/s41073-018-0051-5Danziger S, et al. Extraneous factors in judicial decisions. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2011. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1018033108Fyfe, A., Moxham, N., McDougall-Waters, J., & Røstvik, C. M. (2022). A History of Scientific Journals: Royal Society publishing, 1665-2015. London: UCL Press.“Misconduct in Science,” 9 February 1983, NN3-443-UD-12D-1 box 78, file “RES 12 Misconduct in Science, 1983-1987,” Papers of the NIH Director, National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, MD.Baldwin M. In Referees We Trust? How Peer Review Became a Mark of Scientific Legitimacy. MIT Press (Open Access). Work in Progress.

Published October 2, 2025 In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of the Infectious Diseases Serology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, discuss the latest developments in self-collection testing for women's health and beyond. Together, they explore:New podcast format launching (00:01): Dr. Pritt previews exciting changes coming to “Answers From the Lab.” Emerging self-collection tests (01:21): Explore the growing range of self-collection tests now available for use in both clinical settings and at home.Validation of self-collection tests (03:19): Learn how laboratorians validated recent self- and home-collection tests to ensure quality and accuracy. Benefits for patients and public health (06:56): Understand the benefits self-collection tests offer to patients and how the tests impact public health.Limitations and implementation considerations (08:23): Review key factors to consider when incorporating self-collection testing into clinical care.Future innovation (11:34): Insights into where self-collection testing may evolve in the years ahead.

The Journal of Clinical Microbiology has a great tradition of publishing mini-reviews on topics that are important to the clinical microbiology community. Minireviews provide “up to the minute” updates on topics pertinent to clinical microbiologists and serve as fabulous training tools for medical professionals, trainees, and researchers across all disciplines. Dr. Humphries and Dr. Ledeboer discuss what makes a great mini-review, and their favorite mini-reviews published in JCM. Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/sXOrfTkoDGM This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and hosted by JCM Editor in Chief, Romney Humphries, Ph.D., D(ABMM). Editors in conversation is supported by the American Society for Microbiology, which publishes JCM. Become an ASM member to receive up to 50% off publishing fees when you publish in JCM or any of the ASM journals. Sign up at https://asm.org/joinasm. Visit https://journals.asm.org/journal/jcm to read articles and/or submit a manuscript. Subscribe to the podcast at https://asm.org/eic

Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

Do you wear shoes indoors? It might be time to stop, unless you enjoy carrying in bacteria from the less hygienic outside world…Dr Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology at Leicester University, joins Seán to discuss.

In this second-ever collaboration between SIDP's Breakpoints and ESCMID's Communicable podcasts, hosts Erin McCreary and Angela Huttner invite the two principal investigators and visionaries who spearheaded the Bacteraemia Antibiotic Length Actually Needed for Clinical Effectiveness (BALANCE) trial, Nick Daneman and Rob Fowler (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto), for a “deep dive into all things that went into this trial” (1). The BALANCE trial spanned over ten years investigating - as the acronym title suggests - whether a shorter treatment duration of seven days was non-inferior to the standard of care of fourteen days for bacteraemia. The conversation covers everything from the initial hallway discussions that sparked the trial to the trial itself that screened over 36,000 patients and enrolled +3,600, its key takeaways and its impact on clinical practice as well as what's next for Daneman and Fowler.This episode was edited by Kathryn Hostettler and Megan Klatt, and peer reviewed by Dr. Arjana Zerja of Mother Theresa University Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania.Related podcast episodesCommunicable episode 36: Finding BALANCE in antibiotic durations—the BALANCE trial https://share.transistor.fm/s/b680895eCommunicable episode 26: SNAP out of it—rethinking anti-staphylococcal penicillins for S. aureus bacteremia, the SNAP trial PSSA/MSSA results https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a3c3bb4Breakpoints episode covering IDWeek (December 2024) https://breakpoints-sidp.org/108-idweek-2024-recap-late-breaker-abstracts-and-stewardship-talks/ ReferencesBALANCE Investigators, et al.  Antibiotic Treatment for 7 versus 14 Days in Patients with Bloodstream Infections. N Engl J Med. 2025 March. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2404991Further reading Fowler VG. Eight days a week – BALANCING duration and efficacy. N Engl J Med. 2025 March. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMe2414037   Dulhunty JM, et al. Continuous vs Intermittent β-Lactam Antibiotic Infusions in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: The BLING III Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2024. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.9779  Yahav D, et al. Seven versus 14 days of antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated Gram-negative bactermia: A noninferiority randomized controlled trial. Clin Infect Dis 2018. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1054 Von Dach E, et al. Effect of C-reactive protein-guided antibiotic treatment duration, 7-day treatment, or 14-day treatment on 30-day clinical failure rate in patients with uncomplicated Gram-negative bacteremia, a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2020. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.6348 Ong SWX, et al. Identifying heterogeneity of treatment effect for antibiotic duration in bloodstream infection: an exploratory post-hoc analysis of the BALANCE randomised clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103195Wallach JD, et al. Evaluation of evidence of statistical support and corroboration of subgroup claims in randomized clinical trials. JAMA Intern Med 2017. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.20169125

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest threats to global public health, compromising all other advances in modern medicine. At the forefront of detecting AMR is the clinical laboratory.  However, walk into any clinical microbiology laboratory today and you will find this important task being accomplished using techniques that barely evolved from the methods proposed by Alexander Fleming, nearly 100 years ago.  Bacteria are exposed to antimicrobials, in an in vitro culture system, and growth inhibition is measured after overnight incubation. In the time of laboratory automation, molecular testing and artificial intelligence – are we ready for an antimicrobial susceptibility testing revolution? What are the technologies that might get us there? Guests: Dr. Daniel Rhodes Dr. Jacob Rattin Article Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.00674-25 This episode of Editors in Conversation is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and hosted by JCM Editor in Chief, Romney Humphries, Ph.D., D(ABMM) and Elitza (Elli) Theel, Ph.D., D(ABMM). JCM is available at jcm.asm.org. Visit journals.asm.org/journal/jcm to read articles and/or submit a manuscript. Become an ASM member to receive up to 50% off publishing fees when you publish in JCM or any of the ASM journals. Sign up at asm.org/joinasm.

Published September 11, 2025 In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss troublesome organisms making headlines. Together, they explore:Vibrio vulnificus (01:09): How people get this “flesh-eating” bacteria, how it affects patients, and a recent case that brought it into the spotlight.Staying safe (03:44): Discover when to seek medical attention and how knowledge can protect you as Vibrio vulnificus bacterium becomes more prevalent. New World screwworm (06:50): How this parasitic infection damages human tissue, how it was previously eradicated, and why it's making the news again. ABCs of protection (12:16): A simple reminder to avoid exposure, use bug spray, and wear protective clothing to shield against hazardous organisms.Laboratory as first line of defense (13:34): Laboratorians have a critical role in identification and monitoring broader trends when these types of cases arise. ResourcesA-Zs for prevention and exposure risks

Published August 28, 2025 In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., a microbiologist and virologist and chief scientific officer of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent developments in viral infections. Together, they explore:Shope papilloma virus in rabbits (01:05): Unusual growths raise concern, though the virus poses minimal risk to humans and has actually benefitted research for other papilloma viruses. Chikungunya virus (07:07): What it is, how it spreads, who is at risk, and best practices for testing. Back-to-school viral trends (12:19): Common viruses that circulate during the school season, tips for keeping kids safe, and guidance for physicians on when to test. The laboratorian's role (18:27): How laboratory professionals contribute to managing viral infections within hospital systems and the broader community.ResourcesForbes article: Is the ‘zombie rabbits' virus a threat to humans?Mosquito-borne disease testing overviewMosquito-borne testing algorithms and interpretationsSearch our test catalog for more on testing for viral infections

Published August 14, 2025 In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent news about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in healthcare. Together, they explore:Applications of AI tools in clinical diagnostics to identify dementia, cardiovascular conditions, and parasites.Ethical considerations, including global disparities in access to AI tools and environmental impacts.ResourcesUse of artificial intelligence and digital slide scanning for detection of intestinal protozoa in trichrome-stained stool specimensMayo Clinic's AI tool identifies 9 dementia types, including Alzheimer's, with one scanAI computing power is splitting the world into haves and have-nots - The New York Times