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30. The influence of chemotaxis in virulence of E. coli bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract

Presenters Name: 
Nushaba Rashid
Co Presenters Name: 
Primary Research Mentor: 
Roseanne Ford
Secondary Research Mentor: 
Xueying Zhao
Session: 
1
Grant Program Recipient: 
Harrison Undergraduate Research Grant
Abstract: 

The mechanism by which pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) trespasses into the gastrointestinal tract remains heavily under-investigated, even though it is the second most common cause of child mortality in developing countries. Previous research has supported the role of chemotaxis in the colonization by E. coli of protected surfaces, such as the mucosal layer that surrounds internal organs. Chemotaxis is the physical response of motile bacteria to external signals and concentration gradients. However, prior studies have not represented an in vivo environment as the acidity of the protective mucus increases during stomach infections. In this study, an experimental assay was developed to observe E. coli pH taxis in hydrogel. This was done by investigating bacterial swarming in the presence of a pH gradient on a hydrogel surface. The assay was used to examine swarming patterns of three different strains of E. coli. Preliminary findings suggest that wild type E. coli exhibits pH taxis as it preferentially moves towards a neutral pH, a smooth-swimming mutant strain does not demonstrate chemotactic properties, and a tar deleted mutant strain has a stronger response to the chemorepellent than the wild type E. coli. The experimental assay developed and the findings from this study can be applied to other species of bacteria to have a clear understanding of the mechanism by which pathogens invade the human body, which is critical for implementing effective treatment methods.