Bioprospecting the Appalachian Microbiome for Microorganisms with Antimicrobial Properties Against Staphylococcus aureus
Faculty Mentor
Sean Fox
Mentor Home Department
Health Sciences
Short Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics in society has led to serious consequences – namely the rise of antibiotic-resistant organisms. These mutated 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, not much research has been put into exploring the microbiome of this region. This research study aims to develop a microbiome map of the region using DNA sequencing technology, and to screen found bacteria for potential antimicrobial properties. Specifically, we will determine whether or not bacteria we find have any inhibiting properties to Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most common human pathogens which has increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, we have identified two bacterial species with inhibitory effects on S. aureus. Our present research focuses on the identification, genetically, of the two species and characterization of the antimicrobial effect upon S. aureus.
Category
Health
Start Date
5-4-2024 8:00 AM
End Date
5-4-2024 9:00 AM
Location
D.P. Culp Center Room 272 (East Tennessee Room)
Bioprospecting the Appalachian Microbiome for Microorganisms with Antimicrobial Properties Against Staphylococcus aureus
D.P. Culp Center Room 272 (East Tennessee Room)
The overuse of antibiotics in society has led to serious consequences – namely the rise of antibiotic-resistant organisms. These mutated 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, not much research has been put into exploring the microbiome of this region. This research study aims to develop a microbiome map of the region using DNA sequencing technology, and to screen found bacteria for potential antimicrobial properties. Specifically, we will determine whether or not bacteria we find have any inhibiting properties to Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most common human pathogens which has increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, we have identified two bacterial species with inhibitory effects on S. aureus. Our present research focuses on the identification, genetically, of the two species and characterization of the antimicrobial effect upon S. aureus.