loader from loading.io

213: Micro Minutes: When Bacteria Break the Rules

Let's Talk Micro

Release Date: 11/14/2025

213: Micro Minutes: When Bacteria Break the Rules show art 213: Micro Minutes: When Bacteria Break the Rules

Let's Talk Micro

In this Micro Minutes episode, Luis breaks down classic microbiology traits that usually hold true, but not always.  From indole-negative E. coli to non-swarming Proteus and oxidase-negative Pseudomonas, this quick episode highlights real-world exceptions that can catch techs and students off guard. Learn how to spot: Indole-negative E. coli (98% rule + inactive biotypes) Lactose-fermenting look-alikes like Citrobacter freundii Proteus species that don’t swarm Pseudomonas species that test oxidase negative A fast, practical reminder that no single biochemical test should...

info_outline 212: Micro Minutes: Sometimes MacConkey Lies show art 212: Micro Minutes: Sometimes MacConkey Lies

Let's Talk Micro

Welcome to the very first Micro Minutes, a new quick-hit series from Let’s Talk Micro designed for students, techs, and anyone who wants fast, practical microbiology insights in under 10 minutes. In this episode, we tackle a common misconception that microbiologists can make at the bench when interpreting a single plate: MacConkey agar. Many assume: “If it doesn’t grow on MacConkey, it’s not a gram-negative rod.” “If it does grow on MacConkey, it must be a gram-negative rod.” Both are wrong — and today we break down why.   Stay connected with Let’s Talk Micro: Website:...

info_outline 211: At the Speed of AST: Diagnosing Resistance Faster show art 211: At the Speed of AST: Diagnosing Resistance Faster

Let's Talk Micro

In the third installment of our special series in partnership with bioMérieux,  Luis welcomes back Dr. Sonali Kalathiya, infectious diseases pharmacist and medical advisor at bioMérieux, to explore how innovation is accelerating antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Together they dive into FAST AST—a phenotypic susceptibility test that delivers actionable results directly from positive blood cultures in hours instead of days. They discuss how this technology works, how it complements molecular testing, and how it’s transforming patient care, antimicrobial stewardship, and...

info_outline 210: IDWeek 2025 Highlights: From Bench to Bedside show art 210: IDWeek 2025 Highlights: From Bench to Bedside

Let's Talk Micro

Just back from IDWeek 2025 in Atlanta, Luis shares the sessions and posters that defined this year’s meeting — from next-generation sequencing and diagnostic stewardship to AI in the microbiology lab and new antimicrobials on the horizon. Tune in for insights on: NGS test utilization and stewardship New β-lactamase inhibitors like nacubactam  AI’s growing role in clinical microbiology Tedizolid and the importance of optimizing existing agents 🎧 Whether you were in Atlanta or following from afar, this episode captures the energy and innovation of IDWeek — and what it...

info_outline 209: CLSI y resistencia antimicrobiana (In Spanish) show art 209: CLSI y resistencia antimicrobiana (In Spanish)

Let's Talk Micro

En este episodio en español de Let 's Talk Micro, el Dr. Germán Esparza Sánchez , microbiólogo clínico, miembro del CLSI y consultor de la OPS/OMS, comparte las actualizaciones más recientes del documento M100 y cómo impactan la práctica microbiológica. Desde la eliminación de puntos de corte para Burkholderia cepacia hasta los nuevos antibióticos como aztreonam-avibactam, durlobactam-sulbactam y cefiderocol, analizamos los retos de aplicar las guías del CLSI en los laboratorios latinoamericanos, las diferencias epidemiológicas regionales y la importancia de la educación continua...

info_outline 208: The Microbiome Center of Puerto Rico show art 208: The Microbiome Center of Puerto Rico

Let's Talk Micro

Puerto Rico is entering a new era in microbiome research. In this episode,  Luis speaks with Dr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino about the newly established Microbiome Center of Puerto Rico — a hub designed to strengthen research, collaboration, and training across the Caribbean. Dr. Godoy-Vitorino shares how the center is helping scientists access expertise in bioinformatics and data analysis, offering bilingual workshops, and expanding representation of Caribbean populations in global microbiome studies. She also discusses the center’s vision to connect with international partners, support...

info_outline 207: Micro Lab and Stewardship: Collaboration in Action (Pt.2) show art 207: Micro Lab and Stewardship: Collaboration in Action (Pt.2)

Let's Talk Micro

In this second half of our discussion with Dr. Erin McCreary and Dr. Hannah Creager, we dive deeper into how microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship teams collaborate to improve patient outcomes. They unpack how to prioritize breakpoint updates, the pros and cons of cascade reporting, and what nudges can do to guide better prescribing. Then we explore a powerful example of collaboration—the transition from MRSA agar to PCR across hospitals—and what it taught both teams about communication, resource sharing, and patient safety. Finally, Erin and Hannah reflect on lessons learned, first...

info_outline 206: Micro Lab and Stewardship: Collaboration in Action (Pt.1) show art 206: Micro Lab and Stewardship: Collaboration in Action (Pt.1)

Let's Talk Micro

Good communication isn’t optional—it’s essential for patient care. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Erin McCreary and Dr. Hannah Creager join Luis to talk about how microbiology labs and antimicrobial stewardship teams can collaborate more effectively. They share real-world examples from their system-wide work—aligning AST panels and breakpoints across multiple platforms, navigating reporting challenges like the clindamycin D-test and rifampin comments, and building consistent communication through monthly micro–stewardship meetings. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how...

info_outline 205: Complicated UTIs: The New IDSA Guidelines show art 205: Complicated UTIs: The New IDSA Guidelines

Let's Talk Micro

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released new guidelines for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. In this episode, we break down the key updates: Changes to the definition of complicated UTIs The role of newer antibiotic agents How and when to use antibiograms A four-step framework for guiding therapy When carbapenems are necessary—and when other options may be just as effective Shorter durations of therapy Join Dr. Barbara Trautner, Dr. Nicolas Cortés-Penfield, and Dr. Kalpana Gupta as they discuss what these guidelines mean for...

info_outline 204: In the Bloodstream: Diagnosing Infections Faster show art 204: In the Bloodstream: Diagnosing Infections Faster

Let's Talk Micro

Bloodstream infections can progress rapidly to sepsis—bringing high costs, high mortality, and lasting effects. In the second episode of this series in collaboration with bioMérieux, Luis speaks with Dr. Jeff Cies, Senior Medical Advisor at bioMérieux, about how molecular diagnostics are reshaping bloodstream infection diagnosis. They discuss: Limitations of traditional blood cultures How rapid molecular tests deliver results faster than ever The impact on outcomes, costs, and antimicrobial resistance The role of stewardship programs in maximizing results What the future...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this Micro Minutes episode, Luis breaks down classic microbiology traits that usually hold true, but not always.  From indole-negative E. coli to non-swarming Proteus and oxidase-negative Pseudomonas, this quick episode highlights real-world exceptions that can catch techs and students off guard.

Learn how to spot:

  • Indole-negative E. coli (98% rule + inactive biotypes)

  • Lactose-fermenting look-alikes like Citrobacter freundii

  • Proteus species that don’t swarm

  • Pseudomonas species that test oxidase negative

A fast, practical reminder that no single biochemical test should stand alone.

 

Stay connected with Let’s Talk Micro:

Support the podcast: