Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. Pyocyanine, produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can kill cells and disrupt immune function. The study tested whether different concentrations of S. pneumoniae would inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa. Higher concentrations of S. pneumoniae resulted in less P. aeruginosa growth, supporting the hypothesis. A second part of the study compared P. aeruginosa strains 27318 and 39324 to see which produced more pyocyanine over time in culture. Strain 27318 showed more growth and produced a higher pyocyanine concentration than 39324.

1. Effects of pyocyanin on strep Ali Hashmi

2. Streptococcus pneumoniae Most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults, children, and dogs Found in nose and throat Anaerobic member of the genus Streptococcus Major cause of pneumonia

3. Pyocyanine It allows P. aeruginosa to kill cells, disrupts cilia actions, inhibits lymphocyte proliferation, and alters phagocyte function Gives out a bluish tint color Common pathogen affecting its patients with diseases such as pneumonia or cystic fibrosis

4. How People Get Infected Many people carry the bacteria in their upper respiratory system without becoming ill. It is spread from person to person (Ex. Coughing, Sneezing, Inhaling etc). It is not known why certain individuals develop invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae disease while others do not.

5. Objective To see if strep inhibits the growth of Pyocyanine (PCN) with different concentrations 1 mg/mL .1 mg/mL .01 mg/mL .001 mg/mL

6. Hypothesis The higher the concentration of strep, the less likely PCN will be able to grow

7. Procedure Place 50 µl of PCN of each dilution into each mini-circle Add 50 µl of dH20 where indicated Add 25 µl of strep into each mini-circle and where indicated 1 .1 .001 dH20 + Sp Sp .01

8. Results Trial 1 (PCN+Sp) (# of colonies) 1 mg/mL 0 .1 mg/mL 0 .01 mg/mL 110 .001 mg/mL 135 Trial 2 (PCN+Sp) (# of colonies) 1 mg/mL 0 .1 mg/mL 0 .01 mg/mL 100 .001 mg/mL 125 Sp + dH20 80 Sp 99

9. Summary The higher the concentration of PCN, the less likely it is for strep to grow in that area.

10. Objective To see the Pyocyanine (PCN) production using two different strains [27318 and 39324] of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.A.)

11. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Widespread occurrence in water and in plant seeds Most people with cystic fibrosis are likely to develop Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections by the time they are teenagers Can cause lung, eye, ear, and skin infections; blood poisoning; urinary tract infections; wound infections

12. Procedure Put 50 mL of THY(is thy the buffer??) into two tubes and label Add 100 µl of each strain into its respective tube (why am I adding 100) Place in a shaker and leave lid slightly open, since P.a. is aerobic this will cause it to grow faster Check O.D. levels every hour and observe growth

13. Results

14. Summary 27318 growth was more noticeable than 39324 The PCN concentration for both strains was very small, but gradually increased over time 27318 had more PCN Concentration than 39324

15. Acknowledgments Dr. MT Coats Ejoke Ememu Rhonda Bibbs Kibiru Blythe