Authors: Natalie Welsh, Lauren Brooks, Skyler Belka
Mentors: Natalie Welsh, Lauren Books
Insitution: Utah Valley University
When bacteria gain resistance to antimicrobial substances, they become a public health threat due to an inability to treat infections and control outbreaks. Staphylococcus aureus is a common element of the human microbiome that is widely associated with antibiotic resistance. While MRSA (or methicillin-resistant S. aureus) has long been prevalent, new types of antibiotic resistance, including VRSA (or vancomycin-resistant S. aureus), have become an increasing threat in recent years. This research aims to collect samples and use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for genes associated with resistance to common antibiotics, such as erythromycin, tetracycline, methicillin, and vancomycin. Molecular biology techniques are used to test various resistant genes. First, sample collection uses FloqSwabs dipped in phosphate-buffered saline and swabbed on various locations on the UVU campus (e.g., door handles/knobs, vending machines, elevators, stair rails, water fountains, cash registers and keypads, countertops). Then, DNA from collected swabs was extracted using the DNeasy PowerSoil Kit. PCR was used to amplify the 16S rRNA gene to act as a positive control and confirm the methodology captured bacteria. Once confirmed, we also examined the samples for various antibiotic-resistant genes (e.g., ErmA, ErmC, TetM, TetT, etc.). Lastly, amplified DNA is visualized using electrophoresis gels, observing under UV light to verify amplification. Understanding the genes found on campus and where they are most prevalent will help elucidate the risks to students on UVU’s campus, providing valuable public health knowledge.