The identification of antimicrobial compounds that inhibit multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria continues to be a significant area of research to combat the public health threat posed by MDRs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a Gram-negative, MDR bacterium found within both the environment and healthcare settings. Our laboratory has observed another Gram-negative bacterium, Proteus species, exerts an interesting polymicrobial interaction with Pseudomonas aeruginosa by compromising the quorum sensing (QS) factor, pyocyanin. Production of pyocyanin by Pseudomonas is a main method the bacterium uses for communication and coordination of virulence. In this study, we examined Proteus mirabilis (PM) and Proteus vulgaris (PV13) effectiveness to compromise pyocyanin production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Through the use of pyocyanin isolation and extraction techniques, data was gathered for Pseudomonas aeruginosa’ s molecular interaction with the two Proteus bacteria described. Further observations were made on microbial interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis through measuring the rate of metabolic activity, twitching motility rate, and observing differences in biofilm formation. Using the data obtained from this research, we hope to identify new methods of controlling Pseudomonas virulence and infection by inhibiting its ability to communicate and coordinate in polymicrobial infections.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:asrf-1957 |
| Date | 06 April 2022 |
| Creators | Wright, Grayson Mitchell |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Appalachian Student Research Forum & Jay S. Boland Undergraduate Research Symposium |
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