Honors Projects

Abstract

Studies previously completed on Escherichia coli mutants suggested the possibility of iron uptake as an influence on the antibiotic resistance seen in different strains. The research focused on the TonB energy transduction system and its contributions to efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance. To test the hypothesis that iron uptake has an influence on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli, the sensitivity to a variety of antibiotics was evaluated in strains of E. coli lacking genes that relate to the uptake of iron or the efflux system that is necessary for the uptake of iron. To test the efflux systems TolC and TonB were compared with the strains that had those genes removed and then tested against three different antibiotics. No significant correlation was found between the ∆tolC and ∆tonB mutants. Understanding the efflux systems, outer membrane integrity, energy transduction systems, and iron uptake of the gram-negative E. coli is important for the antibiotic resistance that is becoming more common in the healthcare system and public health.

Department

Public and Allied Health

Major

Health Science

First Advisor

Ray Larsen

First Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Second Advisor

Philip Welch

Second Advisor Department

Public and Allied Health

Publication Date

Fall 12-11-2017

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