Investigating Polymicrobial Interactions and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Leclercia pneumoniae
Abstract
Leclercia pneumoniae is an emerging Gram-negative bacterium whose polymicrobial interactions and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns remain poorly characterized, limiting our understanding of its clinical behavior and treatment response. This study investigated the growth behavior and bacterial interactions of L. pneumoniae when co-cultured with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus to better understand competitive and inhibitory dynamics within microbial environments. It was hypothesized that co-culturing with Bacillus species would influence the growth of L. pneumoniae due to competitive interactions. Controlled in vitro experiments were conducted using monoculture and co-culture plating techniques to assess changes in colony morphology and potential zones of inhibition. Comparative analyses were performed to determine whether the presence of B. subtilis or B. cereus altered the viability of L. pneumoniae. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed to assess the response of L. pneumoniae to select antimicrobial agents. Standardized disk diffusion assays were used to measure zones of inhibition and assess patterns of resistance or sensitivity. The results found measurable interaction effects between L. pneumoniae and the Bacillus species, suggesting competitive relationships under certain conditions. Antibiotic testing revealed distinct susceptibility patterns that provide insight into potential treatment considerations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of polymicrobial interactions and antimicrobial susceptibility in L. pneumoniae, with potential implications for infection management and clinical treatment methods.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
9
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Sean Fox
Investigating Polymicrobial Interactions and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Leclercia pneumoniae
Culp Ballroom 316
Leclercia pneumoniae is an emerging Gram-negative bacterium whose polymicrobial interactions and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns remain poorly characterized, limiting our understanding of its clinical behavior and treatment response. This study investigated the growth behavior and bacterial interactions of L. pneumoniae when co-cultured with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus to better understand competitive and inhibitory dynamics within microbial environments. It was hypothesized that co-culturing with Bacillus species would influence the growth of L. pneumoniae due to competitive interactions. Controlled in vitro experiments were conducted using monoculture and co-culture plating techniques to assess changes in colony morphology and potential zones of inhibition. Comparative analyses were performed to determine whether the presence of B. subtilis or B. cereus altered the viability of L. pneumoniae. Additionally, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed to assess the response of L. pneumoniae to select antimicrobial agents. Standardized disk diffusion assays were used to measure zones of inhibition and assess patterns of resistance or sensitivity. The results found measurable interaction effects between L. pneumoniae and the Bacillus species, suggesting competitive relationships under certain conditions. Antibiotic testing revealed distinct susceptibility patterns that provide insight into potential treatment considerations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of polymicrobial interactions and antimicrobial susceptibility in L. pneumoniae, with potential implications for infection management and clinical treatment methods.
