Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria which can be found in nasal cavities and can cause infections to humans. A much more dangerous form of this organism would be Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). With the amount of MRSA related-infections on the rise in the United States, the development of effective products that inhibit antimicrobial growth continues to be a highly researched topic. Scientists have tried to find an alternative method for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces that does not require the use of industrial chemicals that may cause harm to individuals. People have submitted their own recipes for making alternative cleaner on many blogs and websites, most containing similar ingredients. A difference between most was the natural oil of choice. To determine if these cleaners are effective against S. aureus and MRSA, a mixture of a select recipe was made and tested using the disc diffusion method. The cleaner used contains white vinegar, baking soda, borax (sodium bicarbonate), dish soap, tea tree oil, and warm water. Preliminary evidence shows inhibition against S.aureus. With evidence to show susceptibility, the next step will be to determine which ingredients in the cleaner contribute to its antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and MRSA.
Dept of Biology,High Point University, High Point, NC
P162 • Rosmely Hernandez, Lisa Ann Blankinship
The Effectiveness of Monotherapy Versus Combination Therapy on Antibiotic Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated From Sputum Samples
The emergence of bacteria that cause nosocomial infections in hospital settings has become more prominent in the last few decades. Cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a gram negative bacterium that is a normal inhabitant of the human intestines, the nasopharynx, and an opportunistic pathogen of the immunocompromised are being diagnosed more frequently. K.pneumoniae produces an enzyme (KPC) that gives it the ability to become resistant to a variety of antibiotics including carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and others. In this study, K. pneumoniae samples were obtained from different medical facilities. Isolates of these samples will be identified using the Biolog system. The isolates will then be tested for antibiotic sensitivity to antibiotic combination therapy and monotherapy using the Kirby Bauer method. Standards of K. pneumoniae will be obtained from a supply company to serve as reference. To date, 28 colonies of non-identified bacteria have been isolated and are ready for further analysis. It is hypothesized that antibiotic combination therapy will be more successful in the inhibition of K. pneumoniae than monotherapy. It is also expected that K. pneumoniae will be more resistant to some classes of antibiotics including carbapenems and aminoglycosides. Data from this research will be shared with the local biological and medical community.
Dept of Biology, University of North Alabama, Florence, AL
P163 • Rebecca A. Carroll, Brian S. Burnes
Bacterial Count of Discount Ground Beef
Bacterial contamination of meat products has been an ongoing problem in the US. Consumer safety has been brought to the frontlines, with meat spoilage being one of the main causes of food poisoning. It is a common practice in retail grocery stores to sell expired meat for a discount price. In this study, we investigated the bacterial count of discounted ground beef using the Pour Plate Assay (Nutrient agar with 4% glucose). Studies prior to this have shown that bacteria count can multiply 40 folds within hours at grocery store conditions. Our results support proving studies showing count on the discount ground beef can be higher.
Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences; 2 University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL 35470
P164 • Samantha P. McDougal, Brian S. Burnes
Beyond the 5 Second Rule: Is the Myth of Blowing on Food to Remove Bacterial Contamination Accurate?
In this study, the validity of the practice of blowing on food to remove bacterial contamination has been tested. Three various types of candy were dropped on the floor, picked up after 5 seconds, and then blown on and tested for removal or addition of bacteria. After the completion of this experiment, it was determined that blowing on food does not remove bacteria but, on the contrary, can add more bacteria. Myth Busted.
Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL
P165 • Daniel R. Merrill, Karen Bernd
Comparison of Several Cleaning Regimes Effects on Bacterial Population Density, Composition, Antibiotic Resistance in a Community Setting
In our study, we investigate the effect of regimens with antimicrobial cleaners on bacterial population density, composition, and antibiotic resistance. We sampled populations from two college workout facilities and two classrooms. The gyms used an antimicrobial cleaner and a 5% hydrogen peroxide solution while the classrooms were not cleaned during the academic year. Weight benches and desk-seats that served male and female students were randomly collected with dry, sterile swabs at each location. Colonies were cultured on Tryptic Soy Agar and resultant colony forming units (CFUs) were recorded to determine population density. Replica plating was then used to determine the presence of S. aureus, S. epidermis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, & H. influenza. Cultured strains were then tested with antibiotics shown to have a developed resistance (vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, neomycin, & ampicillin). The sampling results indicated differences in population density, composition and antibiotic resistance among cleaning regimes. These findings will aid in examining the college’s cleaning policies and inform future studies concerning the development of antibiotic resistance.
