Join Callum and Jame, two infectious diseases doctors, as they discuss everything you need to know to diagnose and treat infections. Aimed at doctors and clinical staff working in the UK.
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Jame and Callum are joined by Christina Petridou. In this episode we give you an overview of ticks and the key infections they transmit..., but NOT Lyme disease. Some of the infections we DO cover include: Rickettsiosis (spotted fever group), relapsing fevers, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, TBE & CCHF. Not Lyme. THIS IS NOT A LYME DISEASE EPISODE. Show notes (including lots of summary tables and horrible tick pics) for this episode are here . Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026...
Flucytosine. A much maligned antifungal, consigned to adjuvant use in Cryptococcus... WELL THAT CHANGES... well not today because the resistance barrier is shockingly low, but at least in 20m time you'll know all you need to about 5-FC! Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026 here ! Support the show Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/IDIOTS_pod BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/idiotspod Prep notes for completed episodes can be found here (Not all episodes have prep not...
Lab containment levels 1-4 Safety cabinets 1-3 ACDP approved list of biological agents 2-4 Counterterrorism act schedule 5 pathogens Cat A and Cat B transport SAPO?! Confused? We're not surprised, but things will all become clear.... Once you listen to this masterclass from Dr Claire Gordon on all things biosafety and biosecurity from a UK lab perspective. Support the show Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/IDIOTS_pod BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/idiotspod Prep note...
What could be more Rare Imported or Pathogenic than the Viral Haemorrhagic fevers?! Callum is joined again by Drs Claire Gordon and Amy Bellfield to talk all things VHF and HCID from the clinical lab perspective. We're sure you'll all be Very Happy Fans by the end of this one... Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026 here ! Support the show Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/IDIOTS_pod BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/idiotspod Prep notes for completed episodes can be...
Terbinafine! Griseofulvin! 2 weird antifungals that the dermatologists use much more than us! But we here at the ID:IOTS Podcast love all our antifungal agents equally so here's an episode on literally everything you need to know about both these agents! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on Bluesky @...
Now this an episode, first of a triple About all the work of a lab called RIPL And we'd like to take minute now so sit right here And learn about all the horrible pathogens you now should fear Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026 here ! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on Bluesky @idiots-pod.bsk...
Part 2 of 2 on Echinocandins! Tihana Bicanic gives a masterclass on Rezafungin, its use now and in the future, and gives an update on the relevant clinical trials and studies you need to know to make you a Master Echinocandologist. Alyssa and Jame are here too, but very much in receive-only mode. Listen in and find out why! Notes for this episode are found here: https://idiots.notion.site/132-133-Echinocandins-2d76a1ea09d8811f800ad3a446c6726e Support the show We are currently seeking more detail...
Alyssa and Jame are joined by Tihana Bicanic, to discuss the second great antifungal drug class, Echinocandins. Part 1 of 2! (this episode we discuss the old stuff, next episode we discuss Rezafungin in more detail). Show note for this episode found here: https://idiots.notion.site/132-133-Echinocandins-2d76a1ea09d8811f800ad3a446c6726e (Note if you have any echo on the audio for this episode, try re-downloading the episode) Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please...
BIOCIDES ARE COMING FOR YOU. Find out what they are, what the benefits and harms they have, and what we can do to control their use in consumer products. This was a fascinating, wide-ranging discussion on the use of agents that can affect the human/animal microbiome and environmental microbes, and the problems with trying to regulate them (in the UK at least). Hope you enjoy it. Bios: Natalie Bennett has been a Green Party representative in the UK House of Lords for six years, after being leader...
Flustered by fluconazole? An ignoramus on itraconazole and isavuconazole? Puzzled by Posa? VEXED BY VORI? Never fear: You can be amazed at the Azoles, just learn how to use 'em right! That's what this episode's all about! Alyssa and Jame UNITE in the first of our episodes on antifungal drugs! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 Questions, comments, suggestions to idi...
AKA Penicillin Allergy 3: Delabel Hard With A Vengeance A departure from our semi-annual penicillin allergy episode: one on cephalosporin allergy! Jame and Callum are joined by Fionnuala Cox to discuss Cephalosporin allergy in general, and the CEPH-FAST risk assessment tool in particular. Ever wanted to know how to deal with cephalosporin allergy? Listen on! Paper here: Cox F, Vogrin S, Sullivan RP, Stone C, Koo G, Phillips E, et al. Development and validation of a cephalosporin allergy clinical...
Yo ho ho, for our listeners dearest We present an antibiotics tier list Ranking drugs from S to D In a manner oh so Christmassy So sit back relax and have a drink As we discourse in cladist think And if you rank a different way We'll forgive you this Christmas day. Proper episodes next year. See you in 2026! Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026 here ! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://for...
In which Callum and Jame discuss Brucellosis, named after a Scottish feminist, a disease hard to diagnose but easy to treat, as long as the treatment works which it may not. Listen on! Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026 here ! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com or on Bluesky @idiots-pod.bsky.social...
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 We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com 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...
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 Party Parliamentary Group on AMR, the BSAC parliamentary internship, how to get involved in pushing AMR up the political agenda, and more! Register fo...
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 know about chronic subcutaneous infections caused by moulds! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve th...
Alyssa and Callum delve into dermatophytes, a group of molds causing various skin, hair, and nail infections such as tinea capitis, tinea corporis, and onychomycosis. They cover transmission routes, risk factors, and the distinct clinical features of each type, highlighting the importance of laboratory diagnostics. The hosts also discuss current treatment options, including topical and oral therapies, along with their associated side effects and treatment complexities.
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-invasive-moulds-af70fc26e81043669c2bf3ef17c14b6c?pvs=74 Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podca...
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 Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/y...
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 received from them will be donated directly to charitable causes. Message from BioMérieux: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of i...
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-ce3ba58d045b47b18d9641b56559c6f5?pvs=74 Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving ...
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 episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/118-Moulds-Aspergillus-ce3ba58d045b47b18d9641b56559c6f5?pvs=74 Support the show We are currently seeking more ...
Take a break from those pesky fungi to learn about another pesky gram-negative! This week it's Pasteurella. Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 Questions, comments, suggestions to idiotspodcasting@gmail.com 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 for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/116-Yeasts-other-yeasts-30a33d6070c84243b3f42edac4a37ec9?pvs=74 Support the show We are currently se...
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 We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 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 We are currently seeking more detailed feedback, please help us improve the podcast by giving your feedback here: https://forms.gle/yXTxeYQt1UKnUFGp7 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 part 2 next week! Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/113-114-Yeasts-Cryptococcus-14fd0e7ed6a2478cb5734f1e21f49029?source=copy_...
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-Update-3594d55559314434a3b87d4c30ec41f3 Register for the BIA Spring Meeting 2026 here ! Support the show We are currently seeking more detailed feedba...
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 MORE …in part 2 because this is a 2-parter sorry SEE YOU NEXT TIME! Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/111-112-Endocardit...
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. We also discuss anti-fungal resistance mechanisms in Candida in general. Although this concludes the Candidal section, there are more yeasts yet to co...
