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Pathogenic Microbiology Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Pathogenic Microbiology

The Influence Of Infant Formula On The Growth Of Commensal And Pathogenic Streptococcus Species In The Infant Oral Cavity, Geneva Waynick Jan 2021

The Influence Of Infant Formula On The Growth Of Commensal And Pathogenic Streptococcus Species In The Infant Oral Cavity, Geneva Waynick

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that can both reflect and greatly influence the health of the human host. A number of diseases are associated with dysbiotic oral microflora in infants and children, including dental (e.g. dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease), and gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. pediatric appendicitis, celiac disease, and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease). A variety of factors can influence the composition of the oral microbial community in infants, including gestation length, mode of delivery, feeding method, and diet. This study focuses on the effects of diet on the growth of a commensal bacterium (Streptococcus …


The Effects Of Farnesol, A Quorum Sensing Molecule From Candida Albicans, On Alcaligenes Faecalis, Savannah Hutson May 2020

The Effects Of Farnesol, A Quorum Sensing Molecule From Candida Albicans, On Alcaligenes Faecalis, Savannah Hutson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Quorum sensing molecules have become a recent focus of study to learn if and how they can be used, both on their own and in conjecture with current antimicrobial methods, as a means of bacterial control. One such quorum sensing molecule is the sesquiterpene alcohol, Farnesol, which is synthesized and released by the fungus, Candida albicans. In most in-vivo cases, our laboratory has shown that Alcaligenes faecalis overtakes C. albicans, preventing its growth. However, as a way to counteract this inhibitory effect, Farnesol may be one way that Candida has found to fight back. In this study, we …


A Study Of The Polymicrobial Inhibitory Interactions Between Alcaligenes Faecalis And Staphylococcus Aureus, Blakeley Griffin May 2020

A Study Of The Polymicrobial Inhibitory Interactions Between Alcaligenes Faecalis And Staphylococcus Aureus, Blakeley Griffin

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Members of the Staphylococcus genus are found as a part of normal microflora in humans and can commonly be found on the skin or in the nasal cavity. However, these microorganisms can cause serious and life-threatening opportunistic infections when there is a break in the physical barrier of skin. These infections have become difficult to treat as resistant strains emerge, particularly Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA has become a commonly acquired nosocomial infection which is difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics of the blactam class. Even Vancomycin, a last resort antibiotic, has been ineffective on some infections. Furthermore, …


Second Messenger Cyclic-Di-Gmp Regulation In Acinetobacter Baumannii, Justin Deal May 2020

Second Messenger Cyclic-Di-Gmp Regulation In Acinetobacter Baumannii, Justin Deal

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Over time, “superbugs,” or bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, have become a great concern in modern medicine. Viable alternates are currently being looked into as effective and safe ways to prevent or treat infections caused by these superbugs. One such method is through the utilization of the second messenger molecule cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) that has been shown to regulate phenotypes within other bacteria that may control surface colonization in Acinetobacter baumannii. Through a series of experiments, the active enzymes that create c-di-GMP - diguanylate cyclases - and break down c-di- GMP - phosphodiesterases - have been inactivated in …


Isolation, Analysis, And Partial Characterization Of An Inhibitor Of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, Natania Paul May 2019

Isolation, Analysis, And Partial Characterization Of An Inhibitor Of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, Natania Paul

Undergraduate Honors Theses

There is an emerging threat of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains that are resistant to all antibiotics. Because of this, the purpose of this research is to isolate, analyze, and partially characterize a new inhibitor(s) of N. gonorrhoeae. Since there is an unknown molecule secreted by Candida albicans that inhibits N. gonorrhoeae, this molecule can be partially characterized using 1H NMR Spectroscopy to assist in the development of a new antibiotic compound. It was hypothesized that quorum-sensing molecules, trans, trans- farnesol, tyrosol, phenylethyl alcohol, and tryptophol, could be possible candidates for the inhibitor. Because of this, 1H …


Determination Of The Effects That A Previously Uncharacterized Secreted Product From Klebsiella Pneumoniae Has On Citrobacter Freundii And Enterobacter Cloacae Biofilms, Cody M. Hastings May 2017

Determination Of The Effects That A Previously Uncharacterized Secreted Product From Klebsiella Pneumoniae Has On Citrobacter Freundii And Enterobacter Cloacae Biofilms, Cody M. Hastings

Undergraduate Honors Theses

More so than ever, Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria are on the rise due to overuse of antibiotics along with natural selection for adaptations that enhance drug-resistant properties. One particular bacterial family, Enterobacteriaceae, has been problematic, exhibiting several bacterial members that have developed a precipitous resistance to modern antibiotics and are also primary causative agents of nosocomial, or hospital acquired, infections. Citrobacter freundii (CF) and Enterobacter cloacae (ECL) are two species of the Enterobacteriaceae family causing significant medical concern due to their role in producing numerous opportunistic infections such as bacteremia, lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and endocarditis. …


Polymorphic Membrane Protein Expression In Chlamydia/Hsv Co-Infected Cells, Julia S. Colgrove May 2014

Polymorphic Membrane Protein Expression In Chlamydia/Hsv Co-Infected Cells, Julia S. Colgrove

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Chlamydiaceae are a bacterial family that contains a single genus: Chlamydia. The genus Chlamydia consists of 9 species that are obligate, intracellular pathogens. Untreated C. trachomatis infections can lead to serious health ramifications, such as ectopic pregnancy, tubal factor infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and long-term pelvic pain. In this study, it was found that a primary antibody dilution of 1:400 using methanol fixed HeLA cells, as derived from Carrasco, et al. protocol, was only optimal for PMP-C staining. Pmp-A, Pmp-B, and Pmp-F were found to stain brighter with formaldehyde fixed, infected HeLa cells and using different primary antibody dilutions. …