Appalachian Therapies
Abstract
It is predicted that by 2050, deaths due to antibiotic resistance will supersede cancer and cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of death in the world. The present research aims to study the polymicrobial interactions of microbial communities in the Appalachian region. Microbial samples were obtained from mountains surrounding East Tennessee State University, isolated and screened against common human opportunistic bacteria. One particular bacterium, S1S4-10, was found to be antagonistic against Bacillus subtilis and created zones-of-inhibition on agar media. Reverse testing found that the B. subtilis did not have a counter inhibition against S1S4-10. Co-cultures found that S2S4-10 could inhibit both planktonic and biofilm growth of B. subtilis. Identification of S1S4-10 was determined by 16S rRNA and NCBI BLAST analysis. This study provides insight into how bacterial communities from the biodiverse Appalachian region interact, which is critical for understanding the mechanisms involved in microbial competition. Ultimately, the findings of this study could potentially identify and lead to the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 2:30 PM
Room Number
271
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Sean Fox
Appalachian Therapies
271
It is predicted that by 2050, deaths due to antibiotic resistance will supersede cancer and cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of death in the world. The present research aims to study the polymicrobial interactions of microbial communities in the Appalachian region. Microbial samples were obtained from mountains surrounding East Tennessee State University, isolated and screened against common human opportunistic bacteria. One particular bacterium, S1S4-10, was found to be antagonistic against Bacillus subtilis and created zones-of-inhibition on agar media. Reverse testing found that the B. subtilis did not have a counter inhibition against S1S4-10. Co-cultures found that S2S4-10 could inhibit both planktonic and biofilm growth of B. subtilis. Identification of S1S4-10 was determined by 16S rRNA and NCBI BLAST analysis. This study provides insight into how bacterial communities from the biodiverse Appalachian region interact, which is critical for understanding the mechanisms involved in microbial competition. Ultimately, the findings of this study could potentially identify and lead to the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics.
