Antimicrobial Activity of Soil Isolates

Antimicrobial Activity of Soil Isolates

Presenter(s)

Sam Lee Neanover, Erica Marie Rinehart

Comments

This poster reflects research conducted as part of a course project designed to give students experience in the research process.

Description

Antibiotics have historically been used for the treatment of bacterial infections and diseases, but the rise of antibiotic resistance has rendered many antibiotics ineffective against resistant bacteria. To combat these antibiotic resistant mechanisms, there is a demand for research in the development and production of new antibiotics. Antibiotics are either synthetically produced or isolated from bacteria displaying antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial properties are observed in the environment as bacteria attempt to increase their fitness and eliminate competition for resources. As part of the Small World Initiative, this research aims to isolate bacteria from soil samples and screen for antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity is detected by zones of inhibitions against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium, common antibiotic resistant pathogens. These zones of inhibition indicate if these pathogens are susceptible to antimicrobial activity. Bacteria that exhibit activity will be further screened for identification by Gram staining, catalase testing, and other biochemical tests. Identifying bacteria displaying antimicrobial activity is important for addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis and contributing toward the development of new antibiotics.

Publication Date

4-24-2019

Project Designation

Course Project

Primary Advisor

Erica Marie Rinehart, Yvonne Y. Sun

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

Antimicrobial Activity of Soil Isolates

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