Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
8-2024
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Sean Fox
Committee Members
Michael Kruppa, Erik Petersen
Abstract
Polymicrobial interactions are an important, yet understudied area of research. Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen. The bacterial genus, Enterobacter, is a source of nosocomial acquired infections and increased drug resistance. Our lab has previously discovered that Enterobacter preferentially adheres to C. albicans hyphae. From an E. cloacae transposon library screen, six candidates displayed reduction in C. albicans attachment. These candidates were identified genetically and characterized for involvement in attachment to C. albicans. A fluorescent plasmid was introduced into E. cloacae to measure and observe adherence to C. albicans in planktonic and biofilm growth. In vivo experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans showed no significant differences in microbial burden or nematode survivability exposed to Candida and Enterobacter. Candida-Enterobacter co-infections were observed microscopically within C. elegans. This study highlights the complex dynamics of C. albicans-E. cloacae interactions, underscoring the importance of understanding polymicrobial relationships in research and clinical settings.
Document Type
Thesis - embargo
Recommended Citation
Suarez, Abigail, "Characterizing Enterobacter cloacae Genetic Elements Responsible for Interactions with Candida albicans" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4431. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4431
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.