Can the Superbugs living amongst be treated with the soil we obtained at Penn State Schuylkill
Abstract
We our currently experiencing a time where we have abused antibiotics so frequently that the bacteria have become immune to them. We need to find an alternative that can treat illnesses before the superbugs living amongst us become untreatable, thereby causing us skin infections. If left untreated these infections can spread to the blood or other organs potentially causing death. Sounds scary – it can be.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a strain of staphylococcus aureus that has developed resistance horizontal gene transfer and natural selection. MRSA sets itself apart by being resistant to an entire class of antibiotics called beta-lactams. This group of antibiotics includes a commonly known prescriber, penicillin. As this strain of bacteria has been exposed to penicillin and derivative, methicillin, the bacterial strain now continues to grow resistant to other treatments
In microbiology lab, we had the opportunity collect soil we dug up from campus and to dilute and perform tests to aid in identification of the Antibiotic- producing bacteria. We have completed several different staining techniques within the lab to prepare slide to view under a microscope. Gram staining is more complex method to identify cell structure. Using a negative stain, the background will be stained in order to confirm morphology. Selective and differential media tests were performed to further identify Gram positive and Gram-negative organisms. Biochemical test were also performed as our bacterial research progressed.
Poster
Presentation
Melissa’s Presentation of Her Project on Zoom
Mini Bio
“Focus on yourself. Don’t get lost in other people”