Microbe Mail
Microbe Mail is a medical podcast that addresses everyday issues in diagnostic tests, antimicrobial therapy, and management of infections, with a focus on low and middle income settings. It simplifies complex concepts in a conversational format, targeting busy practitioners and students. Topics covered include microbiology, infectious diseases, and infection control. The show also offers a newsletter for updates on new episodes and encourages contact via email.
Episodes
4th anniversary special episode: Busting Misinformation Myths
Microbe Mail is yet another year wiser! 🎉 It’s our 4th anniversary episode, and this year we chose to bust some of the wilder health myths online. Join us as we celebrate by trying to separate fact from fiction, exploring why these myths persist and what harm they can cause.Myth 1: "Measles infection is not as serious as they all say it is"Myth 2: "Doctors never tell you about this- the antibiotic
ICAN Congress: Part 2
In this special edition, we take you inside the Infection Control African Network Congress 2025, held in beautiful Cape Town from 29 June to 2 July. Vin was on the ground capturing the energy, innovation, and passion driving infection prevention and control (IPC) across Africa and beyond. From cutting edge updates in infection control programs to inspiring discussions on IPC education, this episod
ICAN Congress: Part 1
In this special edition, we take you inside the Infection Control African Network Congress 2025, held in beautiful Cape Town from 29 June to 2 July. Vin was on the ground capturing the energy, innovation, and passion driving infection prevention and control (IPC) across Africa and beyond. From cutting edge updates in infection control programs to inspiring discussions on IPC education, this episod
Cracking the code
In this episode, we review how genomics is being used to fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). From outbreak tracking to detecting resistance genes, genomic tools are transforming how we understand, diagnose, and manage infectious threats. About our Guest: Professor Sabiha Essack is a seasoned researcher and a former Wellcome Trust Research Fellow who completed research towards her PhD in
Outbreak response
In this episode, we dive into the world of outbreak response with two incredible guests from South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Drawing from their wealth of experience on the front lines of investigating and containing infections of public health concern, they share insights into what it really takes to respond swiftly, strategically, and effectively when outbreaks strike
Managing menacing Malaria
In this episode, we take a comprehensive look at malaria management—from selecting the appropriate treatment for each Plasmodium species, to recognising and treating complications, and exploring prophylaxis. Whether you're refreshing your knowledge or managing cases on the front line, this episode is packed with practical insights from our expert, who is back for a 2nd feature episode, Professor L
From Bite to Brain: Revealing Rabies
This episode pits man’s best friend against one of man’s deadliest foes—rabies doesn’t play fetch nor does it leave many unscathed. Ruan speaks to one health champion and ID friend to many, Professor Lucille Blumberg, and they talk about the virus that turns loyal companions into lethal threats. How to diagnose it, how it's managed and most importantly how to prevent it.About our Guest: Professor
Malaria vaccines: The French episode
Dans un monde où une piqûre de moustique peut encore être mortelle, il est réconfortant de savoir que notre mentalité s'oriente désormais vers la prévention et l'élimination. Dans cet épisode, Miriam s'entretient avec le Dr Abdouramane Camara, un lauréat de la Bourse d'accélération de carrière en Afrique et pionnier en immunologie, au sujet des vaccins antipaludiques.À propos de notre invité: Le D
Malaria vaccines: The English episode
In a world where a mosquito bite can still be deadly, it is comforting to know that our mindset has shifted towards prevention and elimination. In this episode, Ruan speaks to a fellow recipient of the African Career Acceleration Fellowship, Dr Abdouramane Camara who is a pioneer in immunology, about malarial vaccines.About our Guest: Dr Abdouramane Camara is a postdoc research fellow at the West
Empowering AMS: The essential role of Clinical Pharmacists
Antimicrobial resistance has become one of healthcare's biggest challenges, and in the fight against AMR getting the right drug, the right dose, right indication and the right route is everything. In this episode, we’re exploring the critical role clinical pharmacists play in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Join Nonks, the latest microbe messenger to take the mic, as she talks to seasoned clinica
Don't hesitate, VACCINATE!
Vaccinations play an important role in both our individual and community health. They help to prevent serious and sometimes deadly diseases by strengthening our immune system. But in recent years this cost effective method of disease prevention has come under the spot light, drawing attention to some myths and misconceptions. In this episode, Dr Anne von Gottberg dives into the importance of vacci
Recapping Memorable Microbe Moments
This episode gives a nod to the show's history while also hinting at the variety of topics discussed. A Journey Through the Microscopic World – Highlights from some memorable episodesEpisodes featured in this recap:EP 49: No spleen, how mean! - Asplenia_ Antibiotic prophylaxisEP 59: What's all the buzz about_ Malaria diagnosticsEP 33: Would you rather, the antibiotics version_ Empiric therapy for
New kids on the block: A look at the novel agents to treat MDROs
In this episode Vin talks to experienced microbiologist Dr Jennifer Coetzee about an increasingly urgent issue: multidrug-resistant infections. With resistance to common antibiotics on the rise, the need for novel treatment agents has never been more pressing. Dr. Coetzee shares her insights on the latest treatments making headway in the fight against multidrug-resistant infections.About our Guest
Probing Infective endocarditis: Part 2
Who knew that the Duke's criteria could be further modified? In Part 2, Vin and Ruan continue discussing infective endocarditis with the help of skilled cardiologist, Dr Raaesah Bhorat, this time discussing treatment: empiric, targeted and surgical therapy.About our Guest: Dr Raeesa Bhorat is a cardiologist at Sunninghill hospital, working as an interventional fellow under Professor Hellig. She co
Probing Infective endocarditis: Part 1
Who knew that the Duke's criteria could be further modified? In this episode, Vin and Ruan explore this update to the criterion and other critical aspects of diagnosing and managing infective endocarditis with the help of skilled cardiologist, Dr Raeesa Bhorat.About our Guest: Dr Raaesah Bhorat is a cardiologist at Sunninghill hospital, working as an interventional fellow under Professor Hellig. S
Myco-moments: Interviews from the 4th AIDS-related Mycoses workshop
In July, Ruan braved the AIDS-related Mycoses workshop held in Cape Town as the lone Microbe messenger. He attended sessions where speakers discussed novel findings in the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and therapy for some of the deadliest fungal infections globally. In this episode he and Vin take through some of the brief discussions he had with some of the enlightening researchers. Meet o
"Prescription Ice cream" Book review and interview
This week, we sit down with author, Dr Alastair McAlpine, to discuss his compelling book. In this thought provoking reflection, he shares insights into the unique challenges faced by doctors working in the public sector in South Africa. From systematic shortcomings to personal struggles, he takes us back to what inspired it all.About our Guest: Dr Alastair McAlpine is a paediatric infectious
3rd anniversary special episode- Meet the messengers
Microbe mail turns 3 on the 14th of September, and we wanted to keep things light for this time of the year. In this special episode we flip the script, literally, and swop our usual expert interviews for some team banter as Esther grills the team over a bunsen burner. We promise it’s more fun than a Petri dish!WE'D LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISODE – Visit the Microbe Mail website to sign up fo
What's all the buzz about?
In a world of emerging and eradicated pathogens, how has Malaria remained such a successful infection? Since its earliest description as "bad air", this mosquito-driven hazard has remained lethal in some populations and regions. This episode addresses significant updates in its epidemiology, tips on diagnostics, some commentary on the vaccine and a lot more.About our Guest: Dr. Jaishree Raman is a
Findings from FIDSSA 2024: Part 2
Earlier this year, some of the Microbe messengers attended the 10th FIDSSA Congress held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Besides being presenters themselves, they met and interviewed medical researchers in various infectious disease related fields. This joint biennial congress hosted by the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa (FIDSSA) brings together healthcare profe
Highlights from FIDSSA 2024: Part 1
Earlier this year, some of the Microbe messengers attended the 10th FIDSSA Congress held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Besides being presenters themselves, they met and interviewed medical researchers in various infectious disease related fields. This joint biennial congress hosted by the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa (FIDSSA) brings together healthcare profe
Viral Respiratory Infections
It's that time of the year again, and most of us have already experience our fair share of the snuffles, so why not discuss it? In this episode Vin and Ruan speak to Associate Professor Diana Hardie about when respiratory infections go viral.... and not in a good way.About our Guest: Diana Hardie is a clinical virologist and head of the diagnostic virology laboratory at Groote Schuur Hospital. Her
Careers in Microbiology
Ever wondered what Microbiologists get up to in the laboratory? Is it all about waiting for organisms to grow, "doomsday prophecies" regarding antimicrobial resistance, and asking for a clinical correlation? The feild of Microbiology is vast, and Vin speaks to some well seasoned experts to get their take on a career in Microbiology.About our Guests: Crystal Viljoen, B.Tech Biomedical Technology: C
"Would you rather?" The Antibiotics version
We're back with another game of 'Would you rather?' Where we pose a scenario, and our guests give us their views. This episode really challenges the basis of some of the beliefs and practices regarding antimicrobials. Some of the questions are so tricky, who knows if there even is a correct answer. What we do know is... it depends.About our Guest: Prof. Andrew Whitelaw worked as a consultant
Appropriate use of β-lactam - β-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotics
The rampant emergence of antimicrobial resistance, particularly amongst Gram negative organisms, has called for both the discovery of novel agents but also for a review of therapeutics thought to have been long lost in this battle. Enter, the "BLBLIs or BLICs'. In this episode Vin and Ruan speak with the 1st author of the publication "Appropriate use of the new β-lactam - β-lactamase inhibitor co
HIV in South Africa: Part 2
Professor Francois Venter is back in Part 3 of our HIV series in which he continues to address South Africa's battles against HIV. Here he discusses his experience on how and when to initiate antiretroviral therapy, prophylaxis against opportunistic infection, routine monitoring and what the future of HIV management looks like in South Africa. About our Guest: Professor WD Francois Venter, MD, FCP
HIV in South Africa: Part 1
Part 2 of our HIV series addresses South Africa's battles against HIV as we get an account of the complexities of diagnosis, prophylaxis, and managing opportunistic infections from a celebrated HIV clinician, Professor Francois Venter.About our Guest: Professor WD Francois Venter, MD, FCP, PhD is Executive Director of Wits Ezintsha at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where he rec
HIV in the USA
Here we discuss how HIV is diagnosed and managed in the USA. About our Guest: Dr Ankita Kadakia, M.D. serves as the Deputy Public Health Officer for the County of San Diego. Prior to her current role she served as the Chief and Medical Director for the County’s Tuberculosis Control and Refugee Health Branch and is the President of the California Tuberculosis Controller’s Association. Dr
No spleen, how mean! - Asplenia
The spleen is a poorly understood organ that when functioning well, operates efficiently in the background, but what can happen when medical conditions or trauma result in an impairment in that function? In today's episode Vin talks to Professor Veronica Ueckermann about the spleen. They discuss its various functions including mopping up old or damaged red blood cells and its pivotal role in the i
Infections in people who inject drugs
Injection drug use is becoming increasingly common in Sub-Saharan Africa...and with it, the myriad of infectious complications. On this episode, Vin chats to Dr Evan Shoul about infections and some important considerations for managing patients who inject drugs. About our Guest: Dr Evan Shoul specialised as a consultant physician in Johannesburg and then completed his infectious diseases fellowshi
Invasive Candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis (IC)...or evasive candidiasis? This famous fungus somehow managed to cause a great deal of anxiety, especially when it comes to confirming the diagnosis. In this episode, we talk about risk factors for disease, diagnosis and treatment of IC. About our Guest: Dr Tari Papavarnavas completed his medical degree at University of Pretoria and trained in General Internal Medicine and
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Low to middle-income settings: trials, tribulations and triumphs
For World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2023, we are focusing on setting up antimicrobial stewardship in low and middle income settings with limited resources and a high burden of antimicrobial resistance. About our Guest: Prenika Jaglal is a Clinical Microbiologist having obtained an FC Path(Micro) and a Master’s degree at UKZN. She is currently based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Dep
Highlights from the PathRed Congress 2023 - Part 2
The Pathology Research and Development Congress (PathRed) is hosted by the National Health Laboratory Service every 2nd year. With a focus on Pathology disciplines, it is a fantastic meeting to learn about diagnostic advancements in Africa. Ruan and I attended the meeting and were able to snatch a few interviews with speakers and delegates. To learn more about PathRed, visit the congress website a
Highlights from the PathRed Congress 2023 - Part 1
The Pathology Research and Development Congress (PathRed) is hosted by the National Health Laboratory Service every 2nd year. With a focus on Pathology disciplines, it is a fantastic meeting to learn about diagnostic advancements in Africa. Ruan and I attended the meeting and were able to snatch a few interviews with speakers and delegates. To learn more about PathRed, visit the congress website a
Communicating antimicrobial therapy to patients – a conversation with ChatGPT
In this episode we have a discussion with ChatGPT focused on the communication of antimicrobial therapy to patients and unpack some of the potential pitfalls of large language model use in medicine.Our Guest: (Bio generated by ChatGPT)Our guest is ChatGPT, a machine learning model developed by OpenAI. As an AI, ChatGPT doesn't possess personal experiences or emotions but is designed to process and
2nd Anniversary special - Meningitis Q&A
About our Guest: Sipho Dlamini completed his medical degree, Internal Medicine training and specialist Infectious Disease training at the University of Cape Town and Colleges of Medicine South Africa. His research interests are in HIV and Tuberculosis, the use of vaccines in persons living with HIV infection and on immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions in persons living with HIV. Sipho’s
MythBusting - Bactericidal versus Bacteriostatic with the ID:IOTS podcast
Time to "idiot proof" the myth of bactericidal being better than bacteriostatic agents onthis collaborative episode with the ID_IOTS podcast.About our Guest: Jame and Callum are the hosts of the ID_IOTS podcast, an Infectious Disease podcast. You can find them through https://idiotspodcasting.buzzsprout.com/share wherever you get your podcasts and also on Twitter as @IDiots_pod References from th
To treat or not to treat - upper respiratory tract infections
Upper respiratory tract infections constitute one of the most common acute illnesses evaluated, particularly in the peadiatric outpatient setting. On this episode of Microbe Mial, VIn chats to Dr Nosisa Sipambo about all things upper respiratory - and when antibiotics are indicated...and more importanely, when they are not! About our Guest: Dr Nosisa Sipambo is a paediatric infectious diseases spe
Hey Micro- there's a yeast in my culture
Yeasts are commonly isolated in clinical specimens, but they are significant in some specimens and not significant in others. There are also a variety of identification methods which can be used in the laboratory. On this episode, Vin chats to a fellow Microbiology podcaster - Luis Plaza of "Let's Talk Micro" about yeasts in clinical cultures. About our Guest: Luis Plaza Hospital Corpsman in the U
Would you Rather - Mycology
Another fun game of "Would you Rather" but this time, we talk about some fantastic fungal options. Which would you rather choose...? About our Guest: Dr Lyle Murray is a Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a clinician scientist with a particular interest in the immunol
Cholera - Rapid Review
A multi- country outbreak of cholera was reported by the WHO in May 2023. Since the beginning of 2023, a total of 24 countries have reported cases. South Africa is among the countries affected by the outbreak.To aid HCWs in identifying, diagnosing and treating cholera, Microbe Mail has put together this bonus episode on th rapid review of cholera. About our Guest: Dr Amanda Khumalo is a clinical m
How to request a test with Tom Boyles
In this episode we discuss Dr Tom Boyles's new book: How to request a test: A clinician's guide to the interpretation and evaluation of medical tests(https://global.oup.com/academic/product/how-to-request-a-test-a-clinicians-guide-to-the-interpretation-and-evaluation-of-medical-tests-9780192866615?cc=us&lang=en&)Dr Tom Boyles – Short biography.Dr Boyles qualified in medicine Oxford Univers
Best Care Bundles
Best care bundles are a set of practices tied together which are proven to prevent heathcare associated infections. Listen Vin has a chat with Lesley Devenish, a seasoned IPC nurse practitioner and teacher about these bundles. About our Guest: My basic nursing training was completed through the Rand Afrikaans University (now U.J.)and post-grad courses through the University of South Africa. I star
"Would you rather?" - the virology version
Have you ever played the game "Would you rather?" - listen to this episode to hear a virological take on this fun game. And more importantly - is there even a correct answer at all? About our Guests: Marvin Hsiao: is an associate professor and consultant virologist at University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Complex of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). In addition to his virolog
One Health
One Health is a concept which described the health not only of humans, but also of the envionment and animals. Our Guest, Dr Yogandree Ramsamy tells us about its origins, who governs the principles and how it can be applied to antimicrobial resistance and everyday clinical practice. About our Guest: Dr Yogandree Ramsamy, a medical doctor with a specialization in medical microbiology (MBChB, MMedPa
"Would you rather?" - the bacterial version
Have you ever played the game "Would you Rather?" - listen to this episode to hear a microbial take on this fun game. And more importantly - is there even a correct answer at all? About our Guests: Dr Lauren Richards: I am a specialist physician with a sub-specialty in infectious diseases. I currently work at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg in the internal medicine and infectious diseases de
Bugs without Borders
Microbe Mail recorded a collaborative episode with the ID:IOTS podcast. Jame, Callum and I talk about the challenge of multidrug resistant Gram negative bacterial infections, particularly from the perspective of a low- middle income setting, with poor access to the newer antimicrobial agents. Callum is a medical microbiology and infectious diseases registrar working in Edinburgh, Scotland who has
HIV Post exposure prophylaxis
What is HIV post exposure prophylaxis , who should get it and how should it be given. Vin and Ruan discuss these and other relevant issues related to this topic.About our Guest: Dr Avania Bangalee qualified as a pathologist in virology in 2018 with distinction and was awarded the Coulter Medal for Pathology in the CMSA examination. She has experience working for large multinational and inter
Appropriate use of aminoglycosides
Using aminoglycosides to treat infections often causes major distress amongst clinicians. Here we talk about how they should be used appropriately, in the hopes that we may calm some of this anxiety.About our Guest: Dr Veshni Pillay-Fuentes Lorente obtained an MBChB degree at Walter Sisulu University in 2010. Thereafter, completed a 2-year internship at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. Worked as
Drug Bug Matching for microbes
Wondering what the microbial "match- made- in- heaven" is? This is the perfect drug - bug...or which antibiotic is best for which specific microbe. Listen to this episode to find out more. About our Guest: Michel completed his Undergraduate degree at UCT, and his FC Path(micro) in Dec 2021. He completed his MMed(micro) in July 2022. He is currently working as a consultant pathologist
Syphilis - Sense and Sensibility
Syphilis incidence is on the rise in South Africa and globally. How does one sensibly make a diagnose and manage a case of syphilis at the present time. I spoke to Dr Denasha Reddy about this. About our Guest: I am a South African consultant in internal medicine and infectious diseases and currently work at the largest tertiary hospital in the southern hemisphere, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic H
Book Review: Bacterial genetics and Genomics
It's great to find a helpful learning resource. Here, I chat to the author of the book "Bacterial Genetics and Genomics", Prof Lori Snyder about the book, who it will be useful for and why this resource is different from others. About our Guest: Prof. Lori A. S. Snyder is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry at Kingston University, where she is involved in educating
Episode Recap 2 of 2
Microbe Mail reached its first birthday milestone. We've created a recap of the year's episodes with some important snippets from each episode. Visit the Microbe Mail website to find all the episodes mentioned and to sign up for updates - updates on new episode releases and new storyboards E-mail: mail.microbe@gmail.comInstagram: Microbe_Mail Twitter: @microbemail Facebook: Microbe Mail
Episode Recap 1 of 2
Microbe Mail reached its first birthday milestone. We've created a recap of the year's episodes with some important snippets from each episode. Visit the Microbe Mail website to listen to each of the full episodes mentioned here and also to sign up to receive updates of episode and storyboard releases. E-mail: mail.microbe@gmail.comInstagram: Microbe_Mail Twitter: @microbemail Facebook: Mi
Myth Busting Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
With the state of pregnancy and breastfeeding being such a fragile time, a number of myths have developed surrounding the state. On this episode, Adj Prof Shastra Bhoora and Dr Jarrod Zamparini help me bust some of these myths. About our Guests: Dr Bhoora is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist with a sub-speciality in critical care. She currently heads the obstetrics critical care unit at
Obstacles in Obstetric Infections
Pregnancy is a state that makes many clinicians nervous - with disease processes and medication which can harm both mom and baby. On this episode, I chat to Adj Prof Shastra Bhoora and Dr Jarrod Zamparini about some conundrums in diagnosing infections in pregnant women. About our Guests: Dr Bhoora is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist with a sub-speciality in critical care. She currently
Goldilocks and the course of antibiotics
Do you know the real reason antibiotics are prescribed for 7 days or 14 days at a time? And how much evidence is there for that duration. Listen as host Vindana Chibabhai talks to Dr Kim Pieton (Roberg), an infectious Diseases physician about the length of the antibiotic course as Goldilocks would want it...not too long, not too short, but just right! About our Guest: I am the proud mother of two
Spilling the Micro Lab Beans
There are some weird and wonderful things that the Microbiology laboratory technologist/technician sees behind the scenes in the infectious diseases diagnostics process. Here, host Vindana Chibabhai chats to Yola Tatoba, a technician at the Microbiology Laboratory based at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital about these weird and wonderful things. About our Guest: I am a Medical Techni
Walking the thin line - Catheter related bloodstream infections
Intravenous lines are an integral component of modern medical care. Can we imagine delivering care without it? However, they are not without harm. On this episode, host Dr Vindana Chibabhai talks to Dr Molebogeng Kolojane about catheter related bloodstream infections - what they are, risk factors, diagnosis, management...and of course, preventing them! About our Guest: Dr Molebogeng Kolojane is a
Decrypting Cryptococcus
Cryptococcus species causes close to a quater of a million cases of severe disease and > 180 000 deaths...universally fatal if untreated. In this episode of MM, host Dr Vindana Chibabhai, chats to Prof Nelesh Govender about recent changes and expected changes in the diagnosis and management of Cryptococcal disease. 2022 WHO Cryptococcal Disease Management Guidelines here ACTA Trial Ambi
Group A Streptococcus
A very successful pathogen - one that causes a spectrum of disease, from asymptomatic to life-threatening. On this episode we talk about Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), the various types of infections that it causes and how to manage them. About our Guest: Dr Yesholata Mahabeer is a principal pathologist currently basedat National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) KwaZulu Natal acad
Rapid Molecular DIagnostic tests - do's and dont's
Rapid molecular tests may assist in management of patients and assist in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, but they can be overused or misused. In order to optimise the test, there are a few do's and dont's when considering introducing these tests or requesting these tests. About our Guest: Dr Mohamed Said is a Clinical Microbiologist based at theNational Health Laboratory Services Tshwa
What's in an MIC?
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing comes in a number of different formats. On this episode, Microbe Mail host Dr Vindana Chibabhai speaks to Dr Warren Lowman about MICs - minimum inhibitory concentrations...how they are derived, why and when they are important to consider. YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISODE – HERE!About our Guest: I am a pathologist in microbiology passionate about bugs with a parti
Talking TB - MDR TB Management
Multidrug resistant tuberculosis is a public health crisis. In 2020, only 1 in 3 people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment. On this epsiode of Microbe Mail, Dr Sarah Stacey and I talk about treatment of MDR TB - why and how the regimens have changed, how to monitor patients on treatment and when to seek advice from an expert. South African Rifampicin Resistant TB Treatment Guidelines About
Talking TB - Detangling Diagnostics
1.4 million people died from TB-related illnesses in 2019. In this episode of Microbe Mail, we are talking about diagnostic tests for TB – the right test, for the right patient, from the right specimen type, with the right interpretation. South African TB Guidelines can be found hereYOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISODE - HERE!About our Guest: Dr Nina von Knorring is a Pathologist in Clinical Microbiology
Part 2: Decontamination, disinfection, sterilisation. Which one, when?
This is part 2 of a two- part series detailing decontamination, disinfection and sterilisation in the healthcare setting. YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISODE – HERE!About our Guest: Dr Teena Thomas is a clinical microbiologist. Her special interests are in infectious diseases, enhancinginfection prevention and control practices in the healthcare and community settings and improving diagnostic testing in
Part 1 - Decontamination, disinfection, sterilisation. Which one, when?
Since it feels like an overwhelming amount of terminology and complexity, many of us may have a mental block against the terms decontamination, disinfection and sterilisation. But which one is used when? In this 2 part series, we talk about exactly this!YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISODE – HERE!About our Guest: Dr Teena Thomas is a clinical microbiologist. Her special interests are in infectious disea
Don't be left OUT_Antimicrobial Stewardship considerations for Outpatients
Did you know that 80% of antibiotic used are actually prescribed outside of the hospital setting? But how does one improve outpatient antibiotic use? Listen to this interview with Dr Gary Reuenson to find out. Read the article mentioned in the Intro here – “Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis” by Christopher JL Murray et al YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISO
Myth Busting - Urinary Tract Infections
There are so many misconceptions about the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections! On this episode of Microbe Mail, host Vindana Chibabhai speaks to Dr Marianne Black – a Clinical Microbiologist about the 12 myths of UTIs. Marianne is based at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital NHLS Microbiology Laboratory. YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS EPISODE – HERE!!About our
Community acquired pneumonia tips and tricks
Lower respiratory tract infections are still the world’s most fatal communicable disease. Community acquired pneumonia specifically is one of the most common infections managed by clinicians in daily practice. On this episode of Microbe Mail, host Dr Vindana Chibabhai speaks to Pulmonologist, Dr Erica Shaddock about diagnosing and managing CAP. About our Guest: Erica Shaddock is a specialist Pulmo
Bonus Episode: 5 in 5 - MC&S
Microscopy, culture and susceptibility testing (MC&S) is the most commonly requested test of aMicrobiology Laboratory. Here, I give you 5 quick tips to remember when interpreting an MC&S report. Visit the Microbe Mail website to sign up for updates. Follow on social media to see our episode storyboards and more…E-mail: mail.microbe@gmail.com YouTube: Microbe Mail Instagram: Microbe_Mail&nb
Sorting through Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality but is often not diagnosed or managed appropriately. On this episode, the host of Microbe Mail, Dr Vindana Chibabhai, asks Dr Michelle Venter to answer important questions related to appropriate diagnosis and management of SAB. Here is a link to the SAASP Guidelines Visit the Microbe Mail website to sign up for updat
A is for Antimicrobial Stewardship
This is an important episode highlighting the concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR and how to use antimicrobial appropriately (through antimicrobial stewardship) to combat AMR. In this episode of Microbe Mail, host Dr Vindana Chibabhai (Vin) chats to Sonya Kolman, a clinical pharmacist based at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa about what makes antimicrobials
Source Searching 101
In this episode of Microbe Mail, host Vindana Chibabhai (Vin) chats to Prof Guy Richards about searching for the source of infection. Prof Richards shares his clever and easy to follow mnemonic with listeners as well as a step by step guide to searching for the source.Visit the Microbe Mail website to sign up for updates. Follow on social media to see our episode storyboards and more…E-mail: mail.
Is this culture a contaminant?
Do you sometimes look at a Microbiology report and wonder if the microbiologist made up the tongue-twister of a microbe name you’re reading on the report? In this episode, we unpack the differences between contaminants, commensals and colonisers in the common specimen types – urine, respiratory samples and blood cultures. Spotlight feature: mini microbe message Visit the Microbe Mail website to si
Everyday do's and don'ts in Infection Prevention and Control practice
In this episode of Microbe Mail, we go through everyday things that every healthcare practitioner should and shouldn’t do in infection prevention and control practices. Guest: Professor Adriano G Duse Adriano G Duse is the Professor and Head of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in the School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a
Blood culture Myth busting!
In this episode of Microbe Mail, we tackle 8 common myths related to blood culture collection, processing and interpretation. Guest: Dr Trusha Nana is a clinical microbiologist based at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has a keen interest in C.difficile infections, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship. Visit the Microbe Mail w
Bridging the gap
The interface between the clinician and the laboratory is critical in ensuring appropriate specimen collection, and appropriate processing. In this, our first episode of Microbe Mail, the host of Microbe Mail, Vindana Chibabhai, chats to a Microbiologist and an infectious diseases fellow about the laboratory cycle and how we can bridge the gap between the bench and the bedside in the diagnosis of
Presenting Microbe Mail!
Welcome to Microbe Mail - a medical podcast about Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Here, Vin gives an overview about this podcast and what you can expect to hear on Microbe Mail episodes. Website: Microbe Maile-mail: mail.microbe@gmail.com
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