Recorded live at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, DC, this special episode marks the first live recording of Let's Talk Micro. Joining me are co-host Dr. Andrea Prinzi and guest Dr. Nathan Ledeboer for a discussion on the evolving role of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in clinical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance.

Can whole genome sequencing predict antimicrobial susceptibility? What are its current limitations? How close are we to incorporating WGS into routine clinical microbiology laboratories? Throughout the conversation, we explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing sequencing technologies, including bioinformatics, workflow, reimbursement, and the need for continued collaboration between microbiologists, infectious diseases specialists, pharmacists, and antimicrobial stewardship teams.

We also discuss how WGS may transform outbreak investigations, epidemiologic surveillance, and the future role of the clinical microbiologist as advanced diagnostics become increasingly integrated into patient care.

Whether you're a bench microbiologist, laboratory leader, infectious diseases professional, or student, this episode offers an exciting look at where clinical microbiology is headed and what whole genome sequencing can realistically tell us about antimicrobial resistance.

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En este episodio en español de Let's Talk Micro, Luis conversa nuevamente con el Dr. Germán Esparza sobre los cambios más relevantes incluidos en la edición 2026 del documento CLSI M100. Durante la conversación, revisan nuevas opciones terapéuticas como aztreonam-avibactam, actualizaciones en los puntos de corte para Acinetobacter y Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cambios en aminoglucósidos, consideraciones de control de calidad y los desafíos asociados con las pruebas de susceptibilidad para el complejo Burkholderia cepacia.

Además, discuten cómo los laboratorios pueden evaluar e implementar estos cambios de manera segura, la importancia de la colaboración con los programas de optimización de antimicrobianos y ofrecen un adelanto de la próxima edición del documento CLSI M45.

Temas discutidos:

• Aztreonam-avibactam y resistencia antimicrobiana

• Actualizaciones de puntos de corte y pruebas de susceptibilidad

• Control de calidad e implementación de cambios en el laboratorio

• Avances y perspectivas para CLSI M45

Acceda gratuitamente al CLSI M100: https://em100.edaptivedocs.net/Login.aspx

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ASM Microbe is the largest microbiology meeting in the United States, bringing together thousands of scientists, laboratorians, clinicians, and industry partners to discuss the latest advances in microbiology.

In this episode, Luis shares highlights from ASM Microbe 2026, including sessions on diagnostic challenges, antimicrobial resistance, rapid susceptibility testing, emerging therapeutics, laboratory automation, phage therapy, and whole-genome sequencing. Topics include a Brucella case that reinforces the importance of Gram stain interpretation, updates on resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and KPC-producing organisms, advances in rapid AST, and innovations showcased in the vendor hall.

Luis also discusses several posters that caught his attention, covering pharyngeal gonorrhea, direct-from-specimen susceptibility testing, phage testing, rapid resistance reporting for Mycobacterium abscessus, and CRISPR-based diagnostics for bloodstream infections.

Whether you attended ASM Microbe 2026 or couldn't make it this year, this episode provides a practical overview of some of the trends, technologies, and conversations shaping the future of clinical microbiology.

• Diagnostic challenges in clinical microbiology
• Rapid identification and susceptibility testing
• Antimicrobial resistance and emerging therapies
• ESKAPE pathogens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Laboratory automation and AI-assisted workflows
• Phage therapy and phage susceptibility testing
• Whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR diagnostics

Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:

• Website: letstalkmicro.com

• Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

• 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