Analyzing a Possible Antibiotic Producing Bacteria in Johnson County Soil
Start Date
27-4-2023 1:30 PM
Document Type
Poster
Description
The discovery of antibiotics has been a big benefit in fighting off and preventing bacterial infections. However, the prolonged use and misuse of antibiotic medications in the healthcare system has resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The number of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections has continued to rise, becoming a global problem, and leading to more expensive medical treatment, extended stay in the hospital, and increase in the risk of death. In this study, the protocols and tests performed in finding and screening possible antibiotic producing bacteria found in Johnson County soil will be discussed. Soil serial dilution to TSA plates was performed on an initial soil sample. A master plate from the colonies that showed a zone of inhibition against other bacteria was isolated. In addition, the candidate antibiotic bacteria were placed in a plate with safe relative ESKAPE pathogens. Subsequently, the candidate antibiotic bacteria were able to inhibit the ESKAPE relative pathogens by showing a zone of inhibition and it was then stained with dyes. Differential stains were performed and the results showed that the candidate antibiotic bacteria is gram negative, non- acid fast and spore former. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and gel electrophoresis were also performed on the candidate bacteria and will be prepared for DNA sequencing.
Analyzing a Possible Antibiotic Producing Bacteria in Johnson County Soil
The discovery of antibiotics has been a big benefit in fighting off and preventing bacterial infections. However, the prolonged use and misuse of antibiotic medications in the healthcare system has resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The number of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections has continued to rise, becoming a global problem, and leading to more expensive medical treatment, extended stay in the hospital, and increase in the risk of death. In this study, the protocols and tests performed in finding and screening possible antibiotic producing bacteria found in Johnson County soil will be discussed. Soil serial dilution to TSA plates was performed on an initial soil sample. A master plate from the colonies that showed a zone of inhibition against other bacteria was isolated. In addition, the candidate antibiotic bacteria were placed in a plate with safe relative ESKAPE pathogens. Subsequently, the candidate antibiotic bacteria were able to inhibit the ESKAPE relative pathogens by showing a zone of inhibition and it was then stained with dyes. Differential stains were performed and the results showed that the candidate antibiotic bacteria is gram negative, non- acid fast and spore former. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and gel electrophoresis were also performed on the candidate bacteria and will be prepared for DNA sequencing.
Comments
The faculty mentor for this project was Angela Consani, Biology.