Let's Talk Micro

Genomic epidemiology is reshaping how we detect, investigate, and control infectious disease outbreaks—but what does that actually look like from the bench to public health? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by genomic epidemiologist Krisandra Allen for a practical, case-based conversation on how pathogen sequencing data is generated, analyzed, and paired with epidemiologic information to answer questions traditional methods can't. They discuss foodborne and hepatitis A outbreaks, geographically dispersed clusters, and how sequencing is being integrated into routine public health workflows, while highlighting the essential role of clinical microbiology labs in specimen submission and data quality. A timely episode for microbiologists, public health professionals, and trainees curious about how their lab work feeds into real-world surveillance and outbreak response.

 
Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:
Website: letstalkmicro.com

Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

 
Support the podcast:
Venmo

Buy me a Ko-fi

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by faculty and collaborators from the University of Florida to discuss their new Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist (CLM) program — the first NAACLS-approved, microbiology-only certification pathway in the United States.
They share how the program was created to address the growing shortage of clinical microbiologists and provide a direct pathway for microbiology graduates and working professionals to enter the clinical laboratory.
The conversation covers:
Gaps in the current workforce and training pipeline

The hybrid model combining online coursework, hands-on bootcamp labs, and local clinical internships

Real-world training with clinical lab technology such as MALDI-TOF, PCR, and blood culture systems

 Preparation for the ASCP categorical microbiology certification exam

The strong nationwide interest in the program

The episode closes with a fun discussion on everyone's favorite microbes.
Whether you're a student, lab professional, or educator, this episode offers insight into the future of clinical microbiology training.
 
Additional resources:
ASCP Categorical Certification (Microbiology)
https://www.ascp.org/boc/explore-credentials/view-all-credentials/M

University of Florida Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist (CLM) Program
https://microbiologyonline.ifas.ufl.edu/programs/clinical-laboratory-microbiologist/

GIDEON (Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network)
https://www.gideononline.com/

Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:
Website: letstalkmicro.com

Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

Support the podcast:
Venmo

Buy me a Ko-fi

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


Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

 
Support the podcast:
Venmo

Buy me a Ko-fi

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

 
Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:
Website: letstalkmicro.com

Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

Support the podcast:
Venmo

Buy me a Ko-fi

PEA agar is often treated as "the gram-positive plate," but that shortcut can lead to real bench-level mistakes.
In this MicroMinutes episode, we break down what phenylethyl alcohol agar actually does, why growth on PEA does not automatically mean an organism is gram-positive, and how selective media can change colony appearance and behavior.
You'll hear about:
What PEA inhibits — and what it doesn't

Why Pseudomonas aeruginosa can grow quite well on PEA

How colony morphology and hemolysis may differ from blood agar

Why Lancefield grouping should never be performed directly from PEA



PEA is a powerful recovery tool — but only when you understand its limitations.
Short, focused, and straight from the bench, this is your Micro minutes.

 
Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:
Website: letstalkmicro.com

Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

 
Support the podcast:
Venmo



Buy me a Ko-fi