18th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Development of a New Selective Medium to Isolate Species of Cryptococcus from the Environment
Emily L. Church* and Molly R. Gervich
Dr. Jose Herrera and Mr. Clayton Dillavou, Faculty Mentors
Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental, pathogenic yeast which can cause fungemia and fatal meningitis in immuno-suppressed individuals. It is important to determine all the environmental niches of this pathogenic fungus to protect individuals at risk. We modified a published medium designed for the isolation of C. neoformans from clinical specimens. We identified a need for a more effective mix of antibiotics, compounds for the selective inhibition of rapid-growing or competing yeast and filamentous fungi, and an improved indicator compound. It is necessary that the improved indicator compound for the black-pigmented Phenol Oxidase melanin reaction be specific to C. neoformans. We will present results of an effective three antibiotic mix for bacterial inhibition, a specific indicator of Phenol Oxidase and data on Aniline dye-like compounds that selectively inhibit interfering yeast and filamentous fungi.
Keywords: Cryptococcus, neoformans, medium, isolation, environment
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 29-72
Location: OP Lobby & Atrium
Time: 1:15