ORCID
https://orcid.org/
0000-0003-4169-6692
Year
2023
Season
Summer
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology (MS)
Department
Biology
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Terri Ellis
Second Advisor
Dr. Judith Ochrietor
Third Advisor
Dr. Candice Tahimic
Department Chair
Dr. Cliff Ross
College Dean
Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, non-motile bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. K. pneumoniae is a rising threat in the clinical setting, as there has been a large increase in the presence of antibiotic resistant isolates. While much research is conducted on laboratory and clinical strains of bacteria, not much is known regarding the impact that human physiology can have on bacterial gene expression, and in response, to antibiotic susceptibility. The goal of this study is to determine if physiologically relevant cholesterol levels and media types impact porin gene expression and antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae. To accomplish this, quantitative-PCR and minimum inhibitory concentration assays were utilized. The results of this study indicate that physiologically relevant levels of cholesterol and media types can have several significant effects on porin gene expression and on antibiotic resistance. Firstly, laboratory strain K. pneumoniae was more impacted by changes in cholesterol than clinical strain K. pneumoniae regarding changes to antibiotic susceptibility; however, expression varied largely across all cholesterol concentrations and genes. Secondly, gene expression was downregulated for all six tested genes in the physiologic media compared to the laboratory media; also, the physiologic media often had significantly lower antibiotic susceptibility than the laboratory media. Lastly, it was found that surfactant can have significant effects on both gene expression and antibiotic susceptibility analyses. The results indicate that physiological conditions can impact gene expression and antibiotic susceptibility. Hence, careful consideration should be given to experiments designed to mimic physiological conditions.
Suggested Citation
Camden, Megan R., "Effects of Altering Physiologically Relevant Cholesterol Levels and Media Types on Porin Gene Expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae and the Resulting Impact on Antibiotic Resistance" (2023). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1198.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1198
Included in
Bacteriology Commons, Biology Commons, Cellular and Molecular Physiology Commons, Pathogenic Microbiology Commons