30th Annual Student Research Conference
Comparison of Biological and Chemical Control Agents’ Efficacy on Eliminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bria Berry
Dr. Carolina Sempertegui, Faculty Mentor
Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to the number of hospital-acquired infections by forming resistant biofilms on medical equipment. In this study, the capacity of the biological control agent Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (predator) of reducing the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (prey) on various surfaces found in a hospital setting was tested. In addition, the biological control agent was compared to two of the most widely used chemical control agents, Clorox and Lysol. By using serial dilutions, standard plaque count, and standard plate count, a series of uniform trials were conducted to compare the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CFUs subsequently after the application of each control agent: biological and chemical. Pseudomonas aeruginosa numbers were significantly lower when treated with Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus than when treated in suspension with Clorox and Lysol, as well as on two out of four types of treated surfaces. The results support that biological control agents, such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, show promise as alternative disinfectants in hospital settings.
Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, Biofilms, HAI, Clorox, Lysol, Disinfectants, Control Agents
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 205-3
Location: MG 2001
Time: 10:00