Presenting: More on Penicillin-Binding-Proteins than you realistically ever need to know! What is the difference between Gram positive and negative bacteria's cell walls? What is a Penicillin Binding Protein (PBP)? Why are they called PBPs? What do PBPs do? What makes MRSA resistant to (most) beta-lactams? These any many more questions answered! No…

One PK table to rule them all One table to find them One table to bring them all And in the darkness blind them… …with awesome antibiotic PK facts you can use to bedazzle your friends and enemies alike! Prep notes here. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for comple…

The last Pharmacokinetics episode had finally been …Excreted! This episode covers the ‘drug out’ bit of pharmacokinetics, including things such as: -What is clearance? -how to calculate half life and -doesn’t everything leave through the kidneys anyway? (That is sort of true, also shut up). Check out our prep notes (including for this episode) here…

It's the second Pharmacokinetics episode you never knew you wanted! Let’s talk about how antibiotics are distributed around the body once absorbed, using the examples of Amoxicillin and CallumShutUpicillin (listen to episode for clarification). What exactly is the volume of distribution? Want a handy reference for the plasma protein binding of vari…

It's the Pharmacokinetics episode you never knew you wanted! Callum didn't know either, but never mind that let's talk about how antibiotics are absorbed, and how we can use that to improve our use of them in clinical practice. Want ammunition for that oral switch? Got someone who's doubting oral antibiotics' effectiveness? Then this is the episode…

In this final episode of the Nobbling the Nonfermentors mini-series, Jame and Callum discuss the (mostly historical) pathogen Burkholderia mallei, causative agent of Glanders. We did it. We got to the end. Nonfermentors... Nobbled. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep note…

Post-publication, Callum and Jame give a little extra information on the SABATO trial in its final form compared to it's pre-publication state. Final article here: Efficacy and safety of an early oral switch in low-risk Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SABATO): an international, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, non-in…

JOURNAL CLUB, YO, IT’S A SABATO!!! Join Jame and Callum as we travel back in time to when we recorded this deep dive into the SABATO trial pre-print, now peer-reviewed and published in the Lancet ID! In the next episode we'll give a little update as to how the final article differs from the preprint (not much). We also talked about in our FIS Highl…

In this penultimate episode in the Nobbling the Nonfermentors mini-series, Jame and Callum discuss the regionally important neglected tropical disease Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. This episode was based disproportionately on the following article, and we extend our thanks to the authors for thoughfully publishing it so close to…

In this Episode, Callum reflect on his recent runaway success passing the FRCPath Part 2, passes on some tips and tricks for the exam, and then we talk about what 3 antibiotics we would take with us to a Desert Island (that has all pathogens and environments where you would find said pathogens, so not just a desert apparently). 'Prepping to Pass' e…

How do you think about antibiotics? This Christmas we give the best gift of all: no puns in an episode. Join Jame and Callum as they talk about a method for thinking about and explaining antibiotics. Here are the show notes for this episode: https://idiots.notion.site/69-Choosing-an-antimicrobial-4e7446a91ff6413aa14924a2ba905ffa Support the Show. Q…

Did you think the evidence base for Stenotrophomonas was bad? Well allow us to introduce you to Burkholderia cepacia complex! BCC is pretty niche but a key pathogen in people living with cystic fibrosis. We talk through the (very) limited treatment options and evidence base for this difficult bug. Prep notes for this episode here: https://idiots.no…

Callum and Jame wrap up their thoughts on the recent FIS conference. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have prep notes). If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a review on your preferred podcast app!…

Join Jame, Callum and Pals for a discussion on some highlights from FIS 2023: https://microbiologysociety.org/event/full-events-listing/federation-of-infection-societies-fis-conference.html Mentioned in episode: ESCMID brain abscess guidelines: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X23003993# ORAL study protocol: https://trialsj…

Join Jame, Callum and Pals for a discussion on some highlights from FIS 2023: https://microbiologysociety.org/event/full-events-listing/federation-of-infection-societies-fis-conference.html Mentioned in episode: UCHL HLH protocol and referral details: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/medical-specialties-1/hlh-service SNAP trial: ht…

In this episode Jame and Callum are joined by Louis, host of the let's talk micro podcast. Listen in for a discussion on what a Biomedical Scientist is and how to become one. We explore the key details that clinicians need to add to their specimen request details; and ponder how laboratory managers can make this easier for clinicians. How to reques…

Ready for some startling Steno statistics? In this big 1-parter, Callum & Jame go through Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, from start to finish. Unlike Pseudomonas & Acinetobacter, Steno is much less commonly seen outside of ITU & the immunocompromised; but when it shows up you have to know what you’re doing. Luckily for you, there’s basically only 2 …

In Part 2 of our episodes on Acinetobacter we talk abouit resistance, and then do a deep dive into the evidence base for the management of CRAB: Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumanii-calcoaceticus complex. Do have a look at the prep notes for this episode if you want more information on Acinetobacter. Links to podcasts mentioned in this episo…

In this episode, Callum and Jame go over the second big family of nonfermentors, Acinetobacter. In part 1 we talk about the organisms themselves, risk factors, clinical syndromes and diagnostics before talking a little about treatment. In Part 2 (released next week) we’ll talk about Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumanii-calcoaceticus (CRAB), …

In part 2, we discuss the limited treatment options for pseudomonas infection, some wildcard options and the resistance mechanisms that make Pseudomonas such a tricky bugger to treat! Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not …

It was a long time coming, but it’s here. Jame and Callum set off on our mini-series, Nobbling the Nonfermentors, starting with an introduction to glucose-nonfermenting organisms before moving on to the biggie: Pseudomonas aeruginosa! Part 2 next week covers treatment of Pseudomonas, including a deep dive into Pseudomonas resistance mechanisms. Sta…

Jame and Callum were delighted to be invited as guests to the podcast Microbe Mail by host Vindana (Vin) Chibabhai. Check out the Microbe Mail podcast: https://microbemail.captivate.fm/ @microbemail We discuss how bactericidal and bacteriostatic are defined, what the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC…

Jame and Callum are together in person to talk about the importance of keeping your house in order. Being an infection specialist does not automatically make you an antimicrobial steward. We reflect on some challenges to being an antimicrobial steward when practising infection medicine The choosing wisely campaign mentioned by Jame: https://www.cho…

We were delighted to be joined by Dr Anastasia "Tash" Theodosiou to talk about breastfeeding, antibiotics and the risks of antibiotic harm to mum and baby. Tash is an infectious diseases/medical microbiology trainee, host of the HelloMicro blog and has volunteered as a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter. *Note the NICE guidelines have been updated and do…

2 years. It’s been a hell of a ride. Here’s to 2 more. Links from this episode: KASIC 1-page evidence-summary on aminopenicillins for resistant enterococcal UTIs: https://bit.ly/44CtNnq AUDIENCE SURVEY!!! Please do fill this out, it would mean a lot to us: https://forms.gle/aCq2djmfKPjA6tkMA. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to id…

This is the urine antibiotic drug penetrance you never knew you wanted. Jame might be prouder of this than his own children. Callum, as you will be able to tell, remains indifferent*. Figure out which antibiotics you can trust, and which you can't. Use the table in the prep notes and links to win arguments, justify treating 'resistant' organisms in…

Catheter-associated UTI: Callum’s nemesis. His white whale. His Sauron. His favourite rant. Want to know how favourite? Listen on! Useful links (see show notes for more) RICAT study Chlorhexidine meatal cleaning Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed epis…

Loyal Listeners! Free yourselves from this outdated language! Emancipate your hospitals from 'Escalation antibiotics'! In today's episode, Callum and Jame rant for 35 minutes about how we talk about changing therapy, and how talk of escalating antibiotics leads to desire for 'big gun' antibiotics. Apologies for Callum's audio quality on this episod…

The title says it all. We're going back to the lab for this discussion. Join Jame and Callum as they have an in depth discussion about the nature of urine culture. Prep notes for this episode available here. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed episodes…

Ever wondered what a clinical scientist is or how to become one? Are you a clinical scientist and looking to sit the FRCPath exams? Join Jame and Callum as they talk to Phillipa Burns and Vicki Fleming about their experiences in preparing for their FRCPath exams in microbiology. Here are some of the resources mentioned during this episode: Colour a…

Welcome to the party pal! The penicillin allergy assessment and delabelling party, that is. Callum takes Jame through the latest evidence base in antibiotic allergy in general, and beta lactam allergy assessment and management in particular. Links: PENFAST Score paper: Trubiano JA et al. Development and Validation of a Penicillin Allergy Clinical D…

Join Callum with guests Morgan Evans, Olivia Hawkes and Katy Hill for the final(?) part of the ECCMID 2023 highlights ECCMID sessions discussed: - Antimicrobial stewardship poster session - Ethical dilemmas with antimicrobial therapy - The value of diagnostic information for antimicrobial stewardship - Tick borne diseases and prevention Music: http…

Join Callum with guests Andrew Seaton, Marianna Avellar, Hannah Pymont, Eva Garmendia, Sanjay Patel and Dave Hettle live from ECCMID 2023. ECCMID sessions discussed: - Fairytales or reality, checking some eminence paradigms for treatment of severe infections - Neglected tropical skin diseases - Non-canonical approaches to treatment of infections - …

Join Callum with Guests Robert Ball, Kelly Bicknell & Rob Read live from ECCMID 2023. ECCMID sessions discussed: Antibiotic stewardship for urinary tract infections: challenges and opportunities Viral Infection in immunosuppressed patients: what is new? Responsible publishing in CM/ID Secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and infectious dis…

Callum is reunited with Jame following their separation at ECCMID 2023. Callum shares some highlights including Archaea and their role in human health, Digitalisation within the microbiology lab and the ESCMID/IDSA interview Links to publications on Archaea: https://www.moissleichingerlab.com/projects/ https://twitter.com/chmoei?lang=en Digitalisat…

Jame rides solo today, going over the beta-lactamase inhibitors, old and new, how to think about them and when to use them in anger. New Show notes format! Available at https://idiots.notion.site/Beta-Lactamase-Inhibitors-f9999b6a4867470996a31c53e661b5ac NB: For now all old show notes are available in the usual Onedrive folder. Support the Show. Qu…

Jame and Callum are joined by the one and only Sara Dong of Febrile fame to look at the American Board of Internal Medicine's Infectious Disease Certification Exam. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have p…

Jame and Callum are joined by semi-recent FRCPath Microbiology part 1 exam passers Callum and Jame to discuss how best to prepare for this exam. This exam is sat by all infection trainees in the UK, as well as other health care professionals working in infection such as clinical scientists. Full revision resources notes available in the linked OneD…

Jame and Callum are joined by Vin from Microbe Mail to discuss the management of Difficult to Treat Resistance (DTR) Gram negative infections in South Africa. If you haven't already check out Microbe mail for a high quality infection podcast linking the lab and clinical management.... wait that sounds familiar! Vin is a associate Professor in Clini…

Jame and Callum are joined by recent FRCPath Microbiology part 2 exam passers Olly and Rob to discuss how best to prepare for the exam. This is the final exam required to qualify as a medical/clinical microbiologist in the UK. Full revision resources notes available in the linked OneDrive folder below (if you can't access it let us know!). Let us k…

It's time for journal club! Jame and Callum discuss community acquired pneumonia treatment and a paper from 2021 which examines shorter duration therapy for patients responding to therapy. Paper discussed: Dinh, Aurélien et al. “Discontinuing β-lactam treatment after 3 days for patients with community-acquired pneumonia in non-critical care wards (…

In this episode as requested on twitter (sort of), Callum & Jame compare and contrast Gram positive & negative bacteraemia. Happy new year! Please also see our older episode on bloodstream infection: www.buzzsprout.com/1782416/9162105-5-back-to-bacteraemia SABATO trial details here: https://twitter.com/sebpoule/status/1518496524552056833?s=46&t=Dre…

This Christmas, Jame shares a tale of woe: the rise and fall of Plazomicin, a hapless victim of antibiotic market forces. The conversation then proceeds/degenerates into a discussion of the economics of Antimicrobials in general, with a focus on the ‘Netflix’ model being piloted in the UK. WE’LL BE BACK NEXT YEAR SEE YOU THEN Support the Show. Ques…

Join Jame and Callum as they take a deep dive into urinalysis, a commonly (mis)used test for UTI (and other conditions). This test put you into murky waters when used clinically and we hope to give some information to avoid being a pisse prophet. Some sources referred to in this episode: NICE Clinical knowledge summary SMI 41: Investigation of urin…

Callum and Jame discuss the HACEK organisms (apart from Haemophilus which we discussed in episode 32). Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have prep notes). If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a rev…

An atypical episode about pneumonia. Callum and Jame discuss their pet peeves. Support the Show. Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on X/Threads @IDiots_pod Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have prep notes). If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a review on your preferred po…

Callum and Jame talk about everyone's favourite antibiotic class that covers Staph, Pseudomonas and Gram negatives, is predominantly renally excreted and isn't a quinolone, the aminoglycosides. We go over classification, mechanism of action, spectrum, resistance mechanisms, PK/PD, penetrance to various tissues, toxicity, and dosing. This is a compa…

Join Jame and Callum as they talk you through Haemophilus spp. Turns out that Haemophilus influenzae isn't the cause of Influenza. We answer some questions such as: What are X and V? Suggestions and comments to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or @IDiots_pod If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a review on your preferred podcast app! Feel like gi…

Join Jame and Callum as they discuss the two titans of diarrhoea, Salmonella and Shigella. Who knew Salmonella species were so complex? Jame explains something that will SHOCK you about Shigella (maybe). Suggestions and comments to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or @IDiots_pod If you are enjoying the podcast please leave a review on your preferred podc…

Yersinia. Not very important today, very very important in the past! Callum and Jame talk through the medically important Yersinia species, and how to treat them. Links: CDC page for treatment of plague: https://www.cdc.gov/plague/healthcare/clinicians.html UK HSA SMI 21: ID of Yersinia Species https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smi-id-21-i…