Let's Talk Micro

Luis Plaza
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Clinical microbiology explained in simple terms, suitable for students and microbiologists alike. We discuss organisms, reactions, infectious diseases, and more. Hosted by Luis Plaza, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and microbiologist, who also shares his experiences in the field.

  1. 3 ਦਿਨ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ

    230: Same Gram Stain, Different Story: Neisseria meningitidis vs gonorrhoeae

    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 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

    25 ਮਿੰਟ

  2. 16 ਅਪ੍ਰੈ

    229: Gram-Negative Cocci: Beyond the Plate

    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 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

    26 ਮਿੰਟ

  3. 9 ਅਪ੍ਰੈ

    228: Gram-Negative Cocci: What to Do After the Gram Stain

    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 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

    28 ਮਿੰਟ

  4. 2 ਅਪ੍ਰੈ

    227: When Gram-Negative Cocci Show Up: How to Think at the Bench

    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 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

    20 ਮਿੰਟ

  5. 26 ਮਾਰਚ

    226: CLSI M100 2026 Updates

    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 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

    39 ਮਿੰਟ

  6. 10 ਮਾਰਚ

    Quick Update from Let's Talk Micro

    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 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

    1 ਮਿੰਟ

  7. 6 ਮਾਰਚ

    225: Too Many Bugs, One Culture: A CMPH Guide to Wound Cultures

    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 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

    57 ਮਿੰਟ

  8. 27 ਫ਼ਰ

    224: Micro Minutes: Sometimes Gram Stains Lie

    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 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

    14 ਮਿੰਟ
ਸਾਰੇ (238) ਦੇਖੋ

ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ

Clinical microbiology explained in simple terms, suitable for students and microbiologists alike. We discuss organisms, reactions, infectious diseases, and more. Hosted by Luis Plaza, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and microbiologist, who also shares his experiences in the field.

ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ

  • ਰਚਨਾਕਾਰ
    Luis Plaza
  • ਸਰਗਰਮ ਸਾਲ
    2021 - 2026
  • ਐਪੀਸੋਡ
    238
  • ਰੇਟਿੰਗ
    ਸਾਫ਼ ਕਰੋ
  • ਕਾਪੀਰਾਈਟ
    © Luis Plaza 2021-2025
  • ਸ਼ੋਅ ਦੀ ਵੈੱਬਸਾਈਟ
    Let's Talk Micro

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