Finding Antibiotics in the Backyard

A soil sample was collected and a serial dilution was incubated to search for antibiotic-producing bacteria. These inhibiting microbes were tested against Safe ESKAPEs to see if they could potentially inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Further tests were conducted to find the identity of these inhibiting microbes. There is an increase of antibiotic resistant ESKAPE pathogens showing up in hospitals around the world. Exposure to these can be fatal as there is no available treatment. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, the search for new antibiotics to combat this issue has slowed to a screeching halt in the pharmaceutical industry. Following the Tiny Earth Flow, potential antibiotic-producing bacteria were collected from soil, incubated, and tested against Safe ESKAPE pathogens to identify bacteria that inhibit them. Although the results of my initial dilution and testing were unsuccessful in finding a candidate, the screening process will be repeated until a promising candidate is found. The purpose of this research is to find a new antibiotic to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria that can save the lives of many. This research will inspire future scientists to continue the search and raise awareness for the ever growing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria.