Stamping Out Staph: Is it as Easy as a Spoonful of Sugar? Testing the Effectiveness of Homeopathic Remedies Against Pathogenic Biofilm Formation
Category: Oral Presentation
Author(s): Sorina Scohy
Presenter(s): Sorina Scohy
Mentors(s): Jenniffer Riley
Various strains of Staphylococcus bacteria are among the most common pathogens on college campuses, which causes high amounts of antibiotics to be prescribed to and taken by students. However, the misuse of these medications by both students and medical professionals has contributed to rising global rates of antibiotic resistance, resulting in stronger, more deadly infections. This preliminary study aims to identify potential efficient and affordable methodologies for interrupting biofilm formation among these pathogenic bacteria, thereby combating mild infections without exacerbating the antibiotic crisis. In this study, Staphylococcus Cohnii was cultured in the presence of several common remedies with antibiotic properties to determine if they effectively reduced biofilm formation in each culture. A qualitative tube staining method was then used to visually assess whether or not each Staphylococcus sample developed biofilms. Previous studies have suggested that hand soap and ginger may be the most effective non-antibiotic methods due to their natural antibiotic properties. However, this study used five substances: water, soap, ginger, honey, and streptomycin.