ID:IOTS - Infectious Disease Insight Of Two Specialists
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. Episode notes here: https://t.ly/8DyqW Queries, comments, suggestions to [email protected]
149. Tyme for Lyme part 1: History, Epidemiology, Clinical Syndromes
We want you to know that it's no crime
That you don't know that much about Lyme
It's fastidious, and hard to grow
There will be many things that you do not know
So listen on, with a bowl of porridge
Or similar breakfast, and scoff up some knowledge
To not listen to part 2 would be a crime
Upgrade your practice: it's Tyme for Lyme.
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148. Rat Bite Fever: Streptobacillus & Spirillum
Rat bite fever: Neve seen it, probably never will, here's a podcast episode on it anyway.
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147. Guarding against Gardnerella
Healthy genitals: a good idea? Come listen to our episode on Gardnerella and find out!
Fellas this includes you, don't skip.
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146. PD target attainment
In which Jame waxes lyrical about pharmacodynamic target attainment and its role in breakpoint setting and dosing of antibiotics, and how you can apply it in clinical practice.
Take a look at the prep notes for this one, a picture says a thousand words!
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145. POETry in Motion
The POET trial was the biggest endocarditis trial in some time, and since 2019 has changed how we manage these patients. But how to implement oral regimens for Endocarditis?
Jame speaks to Nik Rae, Consultant Physician, on how they implemented the use of oral antibiotics for endocarditis patients in Ninewells Hospital, and how you can too! (in your own hospital, not Ninewells, the're already doing it).
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<...
144. Choosing an antimicrobial part 2: Microbe, host & drug factors
How do you decide which antimicrobial to use? This is a follow on from episode 69, 'Choosing an antimicrobial'. We did an overview of spectrum and syndromes... But now let's dive into the details!
We consider the details of how to choose an antibiotic in simple, complicated and complex situations.
We also talk about the Cynefin Framework for decision making in various circumstances; Don't worry if you don't know what that is; neither did Jame before this episode was recorded!
Notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/144-Choosing-an-Antimicrobial-Host-Microbe-Drug-Factors-2d76a1ea09d8814787cc...
143. Paediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship in the UK
Paediatric AMS? Surely there aren't any issues with antimicrobial use in paediatrics?!
Jame hears from Dr Charlotte Fuller and Dr Sanjay Patel that yes, yes there is a problem! And YOU can do something about it.
Listen in to hear the answers to these questions:
What do we know about AMR and antimicrobial use in children? What are the barriers to responsible antimicrobial use in children?How can DGH AMS teams and paediatrics support each other? Are there any other paediatric-specific considerations for infection prevention, diagnosis and management?Where can microbiologists learn more about pa...142. AWaRe
Access
Watch
Reserve (IE the cool stuff)
What are they? Where are they? WHO ARE THEY?
Listen on and find out! (Looking at the prep notes strongly advised for this one).
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141. Novel Antifungals
There's nothing new under the sun... except for these new antifungals which we will now educate you on!
One's an inhaled azole (OK not that new)One's sort of an echinocandin (shut up)Two are unpronounceable (but related to fungicides which we're using already)And Alyssa and Jame are joined by Dr Neil Stone, ID:IOTS Podcast Novel Antifungal Agent Correspondent, to guide you through it all!
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140. Where do your microbiology samples go?
Callum was recently on the Primary Care Knowledge Boost podcast (https://pckb.org/), talking about what happens to microbiology specimens sent in to the lab. He did so well we thought we'd share it with you here! Enjoy...
Original podcast blurb here:
---
Doctors Lisa and Sara are joined by Medical microbiology and Infectious Diseases Consultant Dr Callum Mutch to follow the journey of a urine sample and a throat swab as they are processed. We discuss the important points to get right in the pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical stages of their jo...
139. Polyenes
Process your Polyene Prescribing Paralysis by partaking in this proliferous podcast pondering on the particulars of these P-harmacological agents.*
*Alyssa had no part in the making of this podcast description.
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138. RIPL - Tick borne infections
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.
Sign up for the BIA Autumn trainees meeting 2026 here: BIA Autumn Trainees Meeting 2026 | British Infection Association (BIA...
137. Flucytosine
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!
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136a. RIPL - Biosafety & Biosecurity
Lab containment levels 1-4Safety cabinets 1-3ACDP approved list of biological agents 2-4Counterterrorism act schedule 5 pathogensCat 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.
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136. RIPL - VHF
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...
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135. Terbinafine & Griseofulvin
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!
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134. The Rare and Imported Pathogens Lab (RIPL)
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
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133. Echinocandins Part 2: Rezafungin
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
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132. Echinocandins Part 1: the old stuff
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)
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131. Biocide Bashing
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 of t...
130. Azole Antifungals
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!
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129. Penicillin allergy 3: CEPH FAST
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 decision rule. Journal of Infection. 2025 June 1;90(6). Available from: http...
128. Antibiotic tier list
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!
Sign up for the BIA Autumn trainees meeting 2026 here: BIA Autumn Trainees Meeting 2026 | British Infection Association (BIA)
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127. Brucella
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!
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126. Capnocytophaga
It's the best pun Cal's ever done, and I don't say that lightly, son. Here's an episode on Capnocytophagia!
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125. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week: AMR and Politics
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!
Sign up for the BIA Autumn trainees meeting 2026 here: BIA Autumn T...
124. Moulds that cause chronic subcutaneous infections
SporotrichosisMycetomaChromoblastomycosis...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!
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123. Moulds: Dermatophytes
Alyssa and Callum talk all things dermatophytes and Tinea:
Tinea capitis – scalp, hairTinea corporis – trunk, limbs (ringworm)Tinea manuum/pedis - palms and soles (athlete’s foot)Tinea cruris - groin (jock itch)Tinea barbae - beard area and neckTinea faciale - faceTinea unguium / onychomycosis - nailsWhat does Anthropophilic mean and how do you pronounce it? Tune in to find out.
Show notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/12-Moulds-Dermatophytes-3e6b963f48db46808f67985884be5794?source=copy_link
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122. Moulds: Rare Invasive Moulds
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
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121. Moulds: Mucorales
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)PathogenesisRisk factors Clinical syndromesDiagnosticsTreatmentShow notes for this episode here: https://idiots.notion.site/121-Moulds-Mucorales-c2343d4588ea4dd19c54de538fd7fe22?pvs=74
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120. Clinical Decision Support Systems with Biomerieux
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 information shared during our podcast appearances. The views expressed by our representatives are in good faith and...
119. The Moulds: Aspergillus part 2, invasive and chronic disease
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
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118. The Moulds: Aspergillus part 1, overview
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:
EpidemiologyTaxonomyPathogenesisLab identificationOn 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
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117. Pasteurella
Take a break from those pesky fungi to learn about another pesky gram-negative! This week it's Pasteurella.
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116 The yeasts: Malassezia, Rhodotorula, Trichosporon, Saccharomyces
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
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115. The Yeasts: PCP/Pneumocytis jirovecii
Listen to this Pretty Comprehensive Pod on PCP.
Alyssa and Callum cover:
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
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114. The Yeasts: Cryptococcus part 2, management
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
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113. The yeasts: Cryptococcus part 1, overview and diagnosis
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_link
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112. An Exacerbating Expansion on Endocarditis - part 2
In this episode, Callum and Jame discuss the latest evidence base for endocarditis assessment & management, focusing on the ESC 2023 guidance.
Echocardiography indicationsSurgeryAntimicrobial treatmentsASTAND 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
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111. An Exasperating Expansion on Endocarditis, Part 1
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-Endocarditis-2023-Update-3594d55559314434a3b87d4c30ec41f...
