Appalachian Microbiome Species with Antimicrobial Effects Against Bacillus

Additional Authors

Erik Petersen, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Walid Alali, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Abstract

The overuse of antibiotics in society has led to serious consequences – namely the rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. These evolved species are no longer affected by drugs designed to kill them, causing an urgent crisis in public health. This has led to an ongoing search to find and investigate various new antimicrobial compounds. The Appalachian region is an extremely biodiverse area, with many varieties of plants and animals. However, very little research has been put into exploring the microbiome of this region. This research study aims to identify microbes found in this unique region by using DNA sequencing technology, and to screen these bacteria for potential antimicrobial properties. From this screen, four bacteria (S1P44a, S1P44b, S1P45, and S1P46) were identified as having inhibitory properties against Bacillus subtilis, a spore forming bacteria that can spread rapidly in healthcare settings. This inhibitory effect seems to be largely due to a contact dependent mechanism as the cell-free supernatant of these bacteria do not inhibit B. subtilis. Three of these candidates were identified as Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas vancouverenesis and Brevibacillus laterosporous. Future research will focus on the mechanism of inhibitory action with the hopes of identifying new areas of therapeutic application for microbial infections and drug resistance.

Start Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 12:00 PM

Room Number

219

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Health and STEM

Faculty Mentor

Sean Fox

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Apr 16th, 11:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

Appalachian Microbiome Species with Antimicrobial Effects Against Bacillus

219

The overuse of antibiotics in society has led to serious consequences – namely the rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. These evolved species are no longer affected by drugs designed to kill them, causing an urgent crisis in public health. This has led to an ongoing search to find and investigate various new antimicrobial compounds. The Appalachian region is an extremely biodiverse area, with many varieties of plants and animals. However, very little research has been put into exploring the microbiome of this region. This research study aims to identify microbes found in this unique region by using DNA sequencing technology, and to screen these bacteria for potential antimicrobial properties. From this screen, four bacteria (S1P44a, S1P44b, S1P45, and S1P46) were identified as having inhibitory properties against Bacillus subtilis, a spore forming bacteria that can spread rapidly in healthcare settings. This inhibitory effect seems to be largely due to a contact dependent mechanism as the cell-free supernatant of these bacteria do not inhibit B. subtilis. Three of these candidates were identified as Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas vancouverenesis and Brevibacillus laterosporous. Future research will focus on the mechanism of inhibitory action with the hopes of identifying new areas of therapeutic application for microbial infections and drug resistance.