It's the best pun Cal's ever done, and I don't say that lightly, son. Here's an episode on Capnocytophagia! Support the show Questions, comments, suggestions to [email protected] or on Bluesky @idiots-pod.bsky.social Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have prep notes). If you are enjoying the podcast plea…

TWiP solves the case about the man with abnormal brain MRI, and presents a new case for your solving about a man with some electrolyte issues related to his end-stage renal disease. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV D…

TWiP travels to Toronto, CA for the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene conference where they meet up with Martin Grobusch to discuss his career and his work. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Martin Grobusch Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join …

It’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week! And did you know AMR might kill us all? The British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy do, and they’ve partnered up with interested politicians to drive AMR up the political agenda. But how? Jame is joined by Dr Helen Callaby, Dr Nick Brown and Dr Danny Chambers MP to discuss the workings of the UK’s All …

Sporotrichosis Mycetoma Chromoblastomycosis ...Entomophthorales. Let's face it: you don't know anything about these diseases. That's OK: neither do Callum or Alyssa. That's why we've got a guest! Dr David Chandler is a Consultant Dermatologist, BSMM member and is a member of the Global Mycetoma Working Group. Listen on for everything you need to kn…

TWiP discusses a 41-year long human infection with Schistosoma mansoni, and CRISPR screens that reveal genes essential for Cryptosporidium survival in the host intestine. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord serv…

Nels and Vincent explain research attempting to explain why among humans, females around the world live on average 5 years longer than males, but the trend is reversed in many birds, amphibians, and insects. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the…

Alyssa and Callum talk all things dermatophytes and Tinea: Tinea capitis – scalp, hair Tinea corporis – trunk, limbs (ringworm) Tinea manuum/pedis - palms and soles (athlete’s foot) Tinea cruris - groin (jock itch) Tinea barbae - beard area and neck Tinea faciale - face Tinea unguium / onychomycosis - nails What does Anthropophilic mean and how do …

TWiP solves the case about the female who traveled to Brazil and upon returning home felt movements under her scalp on the back of her head, and present another case for your solving, a man with abnormal brain MRI. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Eyal Leshem Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RS…

Alyssa and Callum are joined by Dr Neil Stone to talk all things Rare, Invasive, and Mouldy. Specifically Fusarium spp., as well as Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans. Heard of these before? No? Well listen in to find out what they are, and why they matter Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/122-Moulds-Rare-inva…

Nels and Vincent discuss research which shows a shift from the rule that living organisms produce same-species offspring: an ant that produces individuals from two distinct species. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server …

Callum and Alyssa are joined by Dr Dora Corzo-Leon to discuss all things Mucorales and Mucormycosis. Listen in to hear about: Taxonomy (and why it is confusing) Pathogenesis Risk factors Clinical syndromes Diagnostics Treatment Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/121-Moulds-Mucorales-c2343d4588ea4dd19c54de538fd7fe22?pvs=74 …

TWiP explains research showing that treatment of baby wraps with an insect repellent, and oral dosing with ivermectin, are both effective measures to prevent malaria. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server T…

TWiP solves the case about the parasite check in summer camp, and presents a new case about a woman who traveled to Brazil and developed furuncles on the back of her head. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord ser…

Jame is joined by Chloe from BioMerieux to discuss clinical decision support systems and their application in Microbiology & Infectious Disease! What are they, how do they work, and what are the potential applications in antimicrobial stewardship? Listen on for details! Note: This episode was produced in collaboration with BioMérieux. An honorarium…

Callum and Jame are joined by Iain and Darius to talk through the clinical aspects of managing Aspergillosis with a particular focus on the most severe disease. Listen in to hear about current challenges around the management of both invasive and chronic Aspergillosus. Notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/118-Moulds-Aspergillus-c…

Vincent and Daniel discuss research showing that Toxoplasma gondii infection of the brain alters extracellular vesicle production and the communication between neurons and astrocytes. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Daniel Griffin Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server T.…

Alyssa and Callum talk through Aspergillus, the first of our Moulds series. After you hear the puns in this episode you'll be fumi(n)g at us. Tune in to hear about: Epidemiology Taxonomy Pathogenesis Lab identification On the next episode we'll be joined by some special guest to delve into the clinical aspects of the Aspergillosis. Notes for this e…

TWiP solves the case of the world travelers with poppy-seed size dots embedded in their skin, then present a new case about parasite check in summer camp. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Hero: Dr Laur…

Nels and Vincent discuss research on hidden evolutionary constraints that dictate the retention of coronavirus accessory gene, which was flagged by NIH as potentially dangerous gain-of-function research. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the Mic…

Take a break from those pesky fungi to learn about another pesky gram-negative! This week it's Pasteurella. Support the show Questions, comments, suggestions to [email protected] or on Bluesky @idiots-pod.bsky.social Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have prep notes). If you are enjoying the podcast plea…

In this episode Alyssa is joined by common host Callum to talk about some less common yeast pathogens: Malassezia spp., Rhodotorula ssp., Trichosporon spp. and Saccharomyces spp. Whilst we're calling these "less common" don't let that fool you - these fungi are everywhere! They are just less commonly causing severe disease in us humans! Show notes …

TWiP reviews research suggesting that schistosome infection affect behavior through the gut-brain axis, and Chuck Knirsch joins to reminisce about Dickson Despommier. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Guest: Chuck Knirsch Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the Micro…

Nels and Vincent review research on how neuropeptides influence the behavior of leafcutter ants, and regulate the different caste behaviors such as defenders, leaf foragers, brood care, and fungus farming. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the M…

Listen to this Pretty Comprehensive Pod on PCP. Alyssa and Callum cover: Epidemiology Taxonomy (PCP vs PJP?) Diagnosis Treatment Note this pod episode also includes some Positively Jolly Puns on PJP Notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/115-Yeasts-Pneumocystis-jirovecii-ac05a01902b8457688b40c07020f2c2c Support the show Questions, …

Alyssa and Callum continue to speak to Jeremy Day about Cryptococcus, focusing on the evidence base for management. To further encapsulate your learning, be sure to listen to part 1 last week! Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/113-114-Yeasts-Cryptococcus-14fd0e7ed6a2478cb5734f1e21f49029?source=copy_link Support the show Q…

In this episode we are uncovering the most cryptic of cocci, Cryptococcus! Alyssa and Callum are joined by Jeremy Day to learn all things neo(formans) about this important pathogenic yeast. In this episode we discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentations and diagnosis of Cryptococcus. To further encapsulate your learning, be sure to listen to pa…

TWiP solves the case of the pregnant woman from Tanzania with dehydration and 3 weeks of bloody stool, a situation that would confuse Ockam but not Dr. Hickam. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Hero: Da…

TWiP explains how circadian clocks of parasite and vector circadian mediate efficient malaria transmission. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Clocks mediate malaria transmission (Nat Micro) Hero: Dame B…

In this episode, Callum and Jame discuss the latest evidence base for endocarditis assessment & management, focusing on the ESC 2023 guidance. Echocardiography indications Surgery Antimicrobial treatments AST AND MORE …in part 1 because this is was 2-parter. Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/111-112-Endocarditis-2023-Upda…

Nels and Vincent discuss an ultra reduced archaeal genome, the closest cellular entity to date that approaches a viral strategy of existence. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Ultra-reduced archaeal genome (bioRxiv) …

In this episode, Callum and Jame discuss the latest evidence base for endocarditis assessment & management, focusing on the ESC 2023 guidance. Epidemiology! Prophylaxis! How to take a blood culture! A long and complicated comparison of the Duke-ISCVID and Duke-ESC criteria that doesn’t really matter because they’re both as good as each other! AND M…

TWiP solves the case of the man in the Malaysian city of Kucheng who presents with daily fevers and shaking chills, and serve a new clinical puzzle for you to solve. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Le…

The conclusion of the Candida trilogy focuses on the rise of the Lord of the Candida resistance mechanisms: C. auris. Alyssa and Callum are joined by returning guest Professor Tihana Bicanic to discuss the rise of C. auris. Here we highlight some resources for managing this difficult to treat Candida including the recent UKHSA updated guidelines. W…

Nels and Vincent review the properties of Mendel's pea genes through the lens of modern genetic analysis. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Insights into Mendel's pea genes (Nature) Timestamps by Jolene Science Picks…

Yes we've done a Candida episode, but what about SECOND Candida episode? This week in the second part of the Candida Trilogy Alyssa and Callum are joined by Professor Tihana Bicanic to discuss all things invasive Candidiasis. Listen in to hear about treatment and diagnosis of this important condition, as well as some areas of current research and t…

TWiP describes how a gut commensal protozoan influences respiratory disease outcomes by shaping pulmonary immunity, and body shape variation in lice that parasitize diving hosts. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Disc…

In this episode there will be puns where you yeast expect them... But more seriously, what does Candida albicans actually mean? What are yeasts anyway? How does this all relate to the Romans? These questions, and more, will be answered as Alyssa and Callum continue the Fungal series with this, the first in a 3-parter on all things Candida! In this …

What exciting times! Clinical trials into the management of SAB! SNAP publication on the horizon! But how do we interpret and apply the results of these trials to our patients? This week Jame and Callum are joined by Dr Clark Russell, Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases to discuss: The difficulty in interpreting current clinical trials in SAB.…

Nels and Vincent explain the ancestry and evolution of the extinct dire wolf. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Evolution and ancestry of dire wolf (bioRxiv) Timestamps by Jolene Science Picks Nels – Navigating to th…

TWiP solves the case of the man in the Malaysian city of Kucheng who presents with left arm swelling, and presents a new case for you to decipher. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Letters read on TWiP …

Callum and Alyssa are joined by Professor Malcolm Richardson to talk about all things fungal diagnostics. In this, part 1 of 2 on diagnostics we discuss the use of biomarkers such as beta-D-Glucan and galactomannan, as well as serology and molecular techniques. Notes for this episode can be found: here. Support the show Questions, comments, suggest…

Callum and Alyssa are joined by Professor Malcolm Richardson to talk about all things fungal diagnostics. In this, part 1 of 2 on diagnostics we discuss the use of microscopy, histopathology and culture in diagnosing fungal infections. Notes for this episode can be found: here. Support the show Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@g…