Identification of Unknown Bacterium #11
ABSTRACT
In todays world of ever evolving genetic mutations the incidence of drug resistant forms of microorganisms are on the rise. The importance of identifying these pathogens and their related epidemiology has become increasingly more important. The purpose of this study was to identify an unknown bacterium in a controlled laboratory environment over a 5 week period. Utilizing a variety of differential testing and staining methods learned in the microbiology course, students were to determine the identity of an assigned unknown organism. Observations were made and recorded each week to narrow down the scope of identification. Data has been presented in the tables, charts and drawings herein and reflect the results of microscopic observations as well as the differential tests results on various agars and broth cultures. Although all tests were not conclusive, the unknown organism labeled Unknown #11 was found to be a member of the family Enterobacteriacea and Genus Serratia marcescens.
INTRODUCTION
The field of Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including but not limited to bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. The exact number of identified organisms numbers in the millions. The vast majority of the aforementioned organisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye but have the potential to cause insurmountable harm to their host organisms, some of which can be humans. This study was performed as a way to learn current and past methodology utilized by microbiologists in the identification of unknown microorganisms under controlled laboratory conditions. The controlled conditions limited unnecessary exposure to the organisms thereby protecting laboratory participants from potentially becoming infected by the specimens. Although the majority of the organisms utilized are actual microbiota, under the right circumstances they can be quite pathogenic. Studies such as this are very useful as teaching and learning
In todays world of ever evolving genetic mutations the incidence of drug resistant forms of microorganisms are on the rise. The importance of identifying these pathogens and their related epidemiology has become increasingly more important. The purpose of this study was to identify an unknown bacterium in a controlled laboratory environment over a 5 week period. Utilizing a variety of differential testing and staining methods learned in the microbiology course, students were to determine the identity of an assigned unknown organism. Observations were made and recorded each week to narrow down the scope of identification. Data has been presented in the tables, charts and drawings herein and reflect the results of microscopic observations as well as the differential tests results on various agars and broth cultures. Although all tests were not conclusive, the unknown organism labeled Unknown #11 was found to be a member of the family Enterobacteriacea and Genus Serratia marcescens.
INTRODUCTION
The field of Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including but not limited to bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. The exact number of identified organisms numbers in the millions. The vast majority of the aforementioned organisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye but have the potential to cause insurmountable harm to their host organisms, some of which can be humans. This study was performed as a way to learn current and past methodology utilized by microbiologists in the identification of unknown microorganisms under controlled laboratory conditions. The controlled conditions limited unnecessary exposure to the organisms thereby protecting laboratory participants from potentially becoming infected by the specimens. Although the majority of the organisms utilized are actual microbiota, under the right circumstances they can be quite pathogenic. Studies such as this are very useful as teaching and learning
References: 1. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serratia_marcescens 2. Professor Guilmette, Quach, Hao. Microbiology Lab Manual, Summer 2008 3. Bergey 's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, Ninth Edition, 2000 Lippincott William and Wilkins, Baltimore