25th Annual Student Research Conference
Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Truman State University Football Helmets
Brynn K. Abram
Dr. Marc Benson, Faculty Mentor
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial species that often causes skin infections. As the use of antibiotics became more common, S. aureus acquired immunity, first to penicillin and then to second generation antibiotics. One of the recent acquisitions of resistance was to methicillin and oxacillin, derivatives of penicillin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is an infection that is often contracted in confined spaces, such as hospitals and locker rooms. The resistance of MRSA is due to an acquired gene, the mec element. To investigate the prevalence of MRSA, TSU football helmets were tested for the presence of MRSA. Bacteria were collected from the helmets and cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar. The positive results were then tested for antibiotic resistance using oxacillin antibiotic disks. PCR was performed on the samples that were resistant to oxacillin as a means to isolate the mec gene and to confirm methicillin resistance.
Keywords: S. aureus, antibiotic resistance
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 314-4
Location: MG 1098
Time: 1:45