Identification of Chemical Compounds to Reduce Desiccation Survival of Acinetobacter baumannii
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant pathogen known for its ability to remain on dry surfaces, contributing to its prevalence within healthcare environments and infections in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this project was to identify chemical compounds capable of limiting desiccation survival of A. baumannii on plastic surfaces. Nutrient-type compounds were chosen to evaluate signaling-associated responses rather than testing for bactericidal effects from pure chemical treatments, as this should aid in both reducing the generation of resistance as well as decrease associated toxicity. A library of ~400 nutrient-type chemicals was selected for testing of desiccation inhibition. Fifteen different chemicals were selected from the initial screen for further testing. After standardizing bacterial density, exposing cultures to serial dilutions, and drying under controlled conditions, survival of treated bacteria was monitored using a growth curve analysis. The data indicates that specific chemicals reduce desiccation survival compared to controls. These findings suggest that chemical exposure may influence stress tolerance mechanisms and could potentially limit environmental persistence. Future studies will further assess chemical compounds as well as genetic approaches that examine the mechanisms that contribute to desiccation tolerance. Author: Molly Williams (williamsm25@etsu.edu) Co-author: Garrett Reynolds Co-author: Gabrielle Shipstone Co-author: Erik Petersen (petersene@etsu.edu)
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
40
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Faculty Mentor
Erik Petersen
Identification of Chemical Compounds to Reduce Desiccation Survival of Acinetobacter baumannii
Culp Ballroom 316
Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant pathogen known for its ability to remain on dry surfaces, contributing to its prevalence within healthcare environments and infections in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this project was to identify chemical compounds capable of limiting desiccation survival of A. baumannii on plastic surfaces. Nutrient-type compounds were chosen to evaluate signaling-associated responses rather than testing for bactericidal effects from pure chemical treatments, as this should aid in both reducing the generation of resistance as well as decrease associated toxicity. A library of ~400 nutrient-type chemicals was selected for testing of desiccation inhibition. Fifteen different chemicals were selected from the initial screen for further testing. After standardizing bacterial density, exposing cultures to serial dilutions, and drying under controlled conditions, survival of treated bacteria was monitored using a growth curve analysis. The data indicates that specific chemicals reduce desiccation survival compared to controls. These findings suggest that chemical exposure may influence stress tolerance mechanisms and could potentially limit environmental persistence. Future studies will further assess chemical compounds as well as genetic approaches that examine the mechanisms that contribute to desiccation tolerance. Author: Molly Williams (williamsm25@etsu.edu) Co-author: Garrett Reynolds Co-author: Gabrielle Shipstone Co-author: Erik Petersen (petersene@etsu.edu)
