Let's Talk Micro

This week, Let's Talk Micro is pausing the Gram-negative cocci series to talk about one of the biggest microbiology meetings of the year: ASM Microbe 2026. Luis is joined by Dr. Bobbi Pritt and Dr. Robert Tibbetts to discuss what attendees can expect from this year's meeting in Washington, DC.
The conversation covers the new meeting structure, important trends in clinical microbiology, sessions and workshops geared toward medical laboratory scientists, networking opportunities, and tips for getting the most out of the conference experience. They also discuss hot topics such as AI-driven diagnostics, whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, phage therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and the future direction of clinical microbiology.
Whether you are attending ASM Microbe for the first time or returning as a seasoned attendee, this episode offers a practical preview of what's ahead and highlights opportunities especially relevant to the clinical microbiology laboratory community.
Topics discussed:
Changes to ASM Microbe 2026

Sessions and workshops for MLS professionals

AI and digital diagnostics

Whole genome sequencing and metagenomics

Antimicrobial resistance and AST

Phage therapy and microbiome-focused sessions

Networking and professional development

Tips for first-time attendees

ASM Resources
ASM Microbe 2026 information and registration: https://registration.experientevent.com/ShowASM261

Volunteer opportunities with ASM: https://asm.org/about-asm/volunteer-with-asm/volunteer-with-asm

MLS/MLT workshop information and registration: https://www.pathlms.com/asm/courses/185029

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Website: letstalkmicro.com

Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

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In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we continue our gram-negative cocci series with a closer look at Moraxella catarrhalis—better known at the bench as the hockey puck bug.
We break down what makes this organism unique, from its classic sliding colony morphology to how it behaves in different patient populations. Is it a colonizer or a pathogen? The answer depends on the clinical context. We walk through its role in pediatric infections like otitis media and sinusitis, its significance in adults—especially in COPD—and how to interpret its presence in respiratory cultures.
As always, we tie it back to the bench, discussing identification clues, culture considerations, and what it means when you see this organism on your plate.
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

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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.
 
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Website: letstalkmicro.com

Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]

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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 [email protected]

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

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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 [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