When Pseudomonas Attacks: Taking Out Staphylococcus Drug Resistance
Abstract
Pseudomonas poae is a gram negative bacteria isolated from common soil and grasses and is known for its ability to thrive in cold temperatures, where many microorganisms fail to survive. This organism produces antimicrobial compounds that limit nutrient availability for competing bacteria. Due to its poor growth at human body temperature P. poae is regarded as nonpathogenic to humans. In this study, the antagonistic effects of Pseudomonas Poae against Staphylococcus were evaluated using spot test assays, coculture experiments, and biofilm analysis. Nutrient agar plates pre-coated with Staphylococcus were used for spot tests using Pseudomonas Poae both with intact cells and cell-free filtered preparations. Plates inoculated with P. poae cells exhibited clear zones of inhibition, indicating antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus. Coculture experiments further demonstrated a significant reduction in Staphylococcus growth compared to control cultures lacking Pseudomonas Poae. Additionally, biofilm analysis revealed a visible decrease in Staphylococcus biofilm density when cocultured with P. poae, in comparison to Staphylococcus grown alone. These results suggest that Pseudomonas Poae exhibits strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus while remaining nonpathogenic to humans, highlighting its potential for future antimicrobial applications. Further investigation into the mechanisms that cause this inhibition may support the development of treatment strategies for Staphylococcus infections. Such research could be particularly beneficial for healthcare in the Appalachian region, where access to effective antimicrobial approaches may improve patient outcomes.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
18
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Sean Fox
When Pseudomonas Attacks: Taking Out Staphylococcus Drug Resistance
Culp Ballroom 316
Pseudomonas poae is a gram negative bacteria isolated from common soil and grasses and is known for its ability to thrive in cold temperatures, where many microorganisms fail to survive. This organism produces antimicrobial compounds that limit nutrient availability for competing bacteria. Due to its poor growth at human body temperature P. poae is regarded as nonpathogenic to humans. In this study, the antagonistic effects of Pseudomonas Poae against Staphylococcus were evaluated using spot test assays, coculture experiments, and biofilm analysis. Nutrient agar plates pre-coated with Staphylococcus were used for spot tests using Pseudomonas Poae both with intact cells and cell-free filtered preparations. Plates inoculated with P. poae cells exhibited clear zones of inhibition, indicating antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus. Coculture experiments further demonstrated a significant reduction in Staphylococcus growth compared to control cultures lacking Pseudomonas Poae. Additionally, biofilm analysis revealed a visible decrease in Staphylococcus biofilm density when cocultured with P. poae, in comparison to Staphylococcus grown alone. These results suggest that Pseudomonas Poae exhibits strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus while remaining nonpathogenic to humans, highlighting its potential for future antimicrobial applications. Further investigation into the mechanisms that cause this inhibition may support the development of treatment strategies for Staphylococcus infections. Such research could be particularly beneficial for healthcare in the Appalachian region, where access to effective antimicrobial approaches may improve patient outcomes.
