Let's Talk Micro

Luis Plaza
  • 0.0 (0)
  • LIFE SCIENCES

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. 10 MAR

    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 min

  2. 6 MAR

    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 min

  3. 28/08/2025

    201: Spotlight: Rethinking AST-Disk Diffusion on Early Growth

    Last week, we discussed early growth isolates for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and the importance of obtaining results sooner. This week, we revisit an earlier study that looked at early growth but using disk diffusion. In this episode, I was joined by Dr. Carey-Ann Burnham, Dr. Daniel Webber, and Meghan Wallace to discuss their work. Tune in to hear how this approach could help deliver AST results faster, the challenges of adopting early growth methods, and what it means for clinical microbiology labs. This episode was originally released in 2022 (Episode 39: "Talking disk diffusion performed on early growth").   Link to disk diffusion study: https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.03007-20   Check out the website: https://www.letstalkmicro.com/ Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro

    28 min
  4. 140: Talking AMR: Tetracyclines

    09/05/2024

    140: Talking AMR: Tetracyclines

    The next episode of the AMR series is here! Luis and Andrea are joined by Dr. Brandon Hill to talk about the Tetracyclines. What is the mechanism of action of this antimicrobial group? What drugs are part of it? Is there any intrinsic resistance? Tune in for another great episode where we "break down" antimicrobials. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro

    51 min
  5. 139: Bacillus: morphology and media

    02/05/2024

    139: Bacillus: morphology and media

    Originally released as episode 76, in this episode Luis continues going over Bacillus. Now that we know its groups and what diseases they are implicated on, it's time to talk about media and morphology. What do the colonies look like? What is MYP agar? PEMBA? Tune in to find out. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro

    26 min
  6. 138: Bacillus species

    25/04/2024

    138: Bacillus species

    Originally released as episode 75, in this episode Luis talks about Bacillus and related genera. What are the species that are part of this genus? Which species cause food poisoning? What about endophthalmitis? What are spores? Tune in to find out. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro

    26 min
  7. 137: Corynebacterium diphtheriae: media and more

    18/04/2024

    137: Corynebacterium diphtheriae: media and more

    In this episode Luis continues going over Corynebacterium. In the last episode he mentioned some media that is used to isolate Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Have you heard of cystine tellurite agar? How about Tinsdale agar? What type of testing is there for the diphtheria toxin?What test systems can identify C. diphtheriae? Tune in to learn more about this organism and how this media works. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro

    25 min
  8. 136: Corynebacterium

    11/04/2024

    136: Corynebacterium

    Back to the gram-positive rods! This week Luis goes back to gram-positive rods: Corynebacterium this time. The episode starts with an overview: gram stain, biochemicals, morphology, and species. What do you know about Corynebacterium diphtheriae? Does it always cause diphtheria? What is a pseudomembrane? Tune in and download this episode to learn about this genus that has some species commonly seen in the laboratory. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/letstalkmicro

    26 min
See All (233)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Luis Plaza
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Luis Plaza 2021-2025
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Micro

You Might Also Like