Investigation of Antimicrobial Properties in Bacteria of Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Nesting Beaches
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Mentor Information
Dr. Michael Shamblott, PhD
Description
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Identifying bacteria of Loggerhead turtle nesting beaches can shed light on antimicrobial properties of agents that could impact turtle hatchling survival. Bacteria from beaches in Fort de Soto and Lido Key were isolated and analyzed for antimicrobial properties, as these beaches are commonly Loggerhead nesting sites. Isolates were chosen for apparent inhibition of bacterial growth then tested against medically significant bacteria in two rounds of modified Kirby-Bauer. The identities of the bacteria were investigated through a series of differential and selective tests and confirmed with PCR 16S sequencing. Two of the three isolates proved to have weak antimicrobial effects, while one showed moderate effects. These results expand knowledge on the bacteria inhabiting turtle nesting beaches and their antimicrobial properties. Future investigations could benefit from sampling sand directly from Loggerhead turtle nests and varying the depth at which samples were collected.
Investigation of Antimicrobial Properties in Bacteria of Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Nesting Beaches
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Identifying bacteria of Loggerhead turtle nesting beaches can shed light on antimicrobial properties of agents that could impact turtle hatchling survival. Bacteria from beaches in Fort de Soto and Lido Key were isolated and analyzed for antimicrobial properties, as these beaches are commonly Loggerhead nesting sites. Isolates were chosen for apparent inhibition of bacterial growth then tested against medically significant bacteria in two rounds of modified Kirby-Bauer. The identities of the bacteria were investigated through a series of differential and selective tests and confirmed with PCR 16S sequencing. Two of the three isolates proved to have weak antimicrobial effects, while one showed moderate effects. These results expand knowledge on the bacteria inhabiting turtle nesting beaches and their antimicrobial properties. Future investigations could benefit from sampling sand directly from Loggerhead turtle nests and varying the depth at which samples were collected.
