Published September 11, 2025

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss troublesome organisms making headlines. Together, they explore:

• Vibrio vulnificus (01:09): How people get this “flesh-eating” bacteria, how it affects patients, and a recent case that brought it into the spotlight.
• Staying safe (03:44): Discover when to seek medical attention and how knowledge can protect you as Vibrio vulnificus bacterium becomes more prevalent.
• New World screwworm (06:50): How this parasitic infection damages human tissue, how it was previously eradicated, and why it's making the news again.
• ABCs of protection (12:16): A simple reminder to avoid exposure, use bug spray, and wear protective clothing to shield against hazardous organisms.
• Laboratory as first line of defense (13:34): Laboratorians have a critical role in identification and monitoring broader trends when these types of cases arise.

Resources

• A-Zs for prevention and exposure risks

Cherisse Marcou, Ph.D., and Kristen Rasmussen, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' WESPR whole exome sequencing reflex test provides cost-effective diagnosis of complex genetic conditions. Using samples and data from previous targeted gene panels, WESPR's wider net can identify undetected genetic variants.

(00:32)
Would each of you share a little bit about yourselves and your background?

(01:42)

Could you provide us with an overview of the whole exome reflexing panel?

(02:53)
Is this different from our whole exome sequencing panel and our whole exome reanalysis panel?

(04:00)
Tell us more about who benefits from this test.

(06:17)
What is the clinical utility of this testing?

(08:07)

Would you help providers understand how to go about ordering?

(11:23)

Could you tell us more about the types of variants identified by this test?

(13:39)

Based on those performance characteristics, how does our test match up to other exome tests available in the market?

(14:30)

Are there any other unique features you would like to highlight?

(15:57)

What is the turnaround time for the reflex panel?

(16:14)

Can the results from the WESPR test be reanalyzed in the future as new genetic knowledge emerges?

(16:56)

How are variants reported, especially variants of uncertain significance? And does the report include recommendations?

(19:31)

Would you summarize the benefits of the WESPR at Mayo Clinic Laboratories?

Published August 28, 2025

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., a microbiologist and virologist and chief scientific officer of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent developments in viral infections. Together, they explore:

• Shope papilloma virus in rabbits (01:05): Unusual growths raise concern, though the virus poses minimal risk to humans and has actually benefitted research for other papilloma viruses.
• Chikungunya virus (07:07): What it is, how it spreads, who is at risk, and best practices for testing.
• Back-to-school viral trends (12:19): Common viruses that circulate during the school season, tips for keeping kids safe, and guidance for physicians on when to test.
• The laboratorian’s role (18:27): How laboratory professionals contribute to managing viral infections within hospital systems and the broader community.

Resources

• Forbes article: Is the ‘zombie rabbits’ virus a threat to humans?
• Mosquito-borne disease testing overview
• Mosquito-borne testing algorithms and interpretations
• Search our test catalog for more on testing for viral infections