Microbiology and Infectious Disease Home Page

New research by Robin Patel, M.D. and others at Mayo Clinic has found that the use of a “transcriptomic-based cellular deconvolution tool” called CIBERSORTx could help improve the detection of infectious and non-infectious causes of failed joint replacement surgeries.

In this month's "Hot Topic," Robin Patel, M.D., discusses how the use of multiplex tests may reduce the turnaround time for identifying the cause of bloodstream infections, and how this might impact antibiotic stewardship and patient outcomes.

The field of clinical microbiology has a long and distinguished history at Mayo Clinic. Since the early 1900s, the clinical microbiology team has played important and leading roles in advancing testing and patient care.

Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of the Infectious Diseases Serology Lab at Mayo Clinic, joins the "Answers From the Lab" podcast for a discussion with Bobbi Pritt, M.D. about tick-borne disease testing. In this episode, Dr. Theel and Dr. Pritt look at emerging tick-borne illnesses, the tests available to detect these infections, and how to prevent them.

Recognizing Dr. Pritt’s innovative work in medical education, the Infectious Diseases Society of America is highlighting her role as an educator in its monthly series.

Audrey Schuetz, M.D., provides a detailed overview of Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ new culture-based extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) testing. Used to screen for the presence of multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria in donor stool intended for fecal microbiota transplantation, the screening test is performed on stool or swab samples taken from around the anus to detect potentially harmful ESBL bacteria that could jeopardize the outcomes of fecal microbiota transplants -- especially in patients who carry the bacteria in their gut without getting sick.

Joseph Yao, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ SARS four-target test for viral respiratory disease can enhance patient care. The test detects RNA from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. RSV — which poses significant risks for infants and patients with underlying health conditions — can be treated if diagnosed early.

If you need a test for COVID-19, a variety of options are now available. But how do you know which one is right for you? Use this guide from Mayo Clinic Laboratories to sort through the choices and help you decide.

Audrey Schuetz, M.D., discusses Mayo Clinic Laboratories' PCR assay that identifies two recently described staphylococcus species. The assay is unique in its ability to distinguish the new organisms from Staphylococcus aureus, providing clearer results that ultimately improve patient care.

This "Pathways" program provides a Clinical Pathology case that includes a history, potential answers, rationale, and relevant references. This case sub-specialty is Clinical Microbiology.

Nancy Wengenack, Ph.D., director of the Mycology and Microbacteriology Laboratories in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, joins the "Answers From the Lab" podcast this week. In this episode, Dr. Wengenack and Bobbi Pritt, M.D., discuss the fungal infection Candida auris.

It’s been understood for some time that an infection of B. mayonii, a rare species of bacterium, results in high levels of spirochetes in the peripheral blood. But actually being able to visualize them on a routine peripheral blood smear may allow for improved recognition of this uncommon cause of Lyme disease.

Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory in Mayo Clinic’s Division of Clinical Microbiology, considers the prospects for COVID-19 this fall as the traditional influenza season ramps up.