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Date of Award

3-14-2016

Document Type

Thesis-ISU Access Only

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Radheshyam K. Jayaswal

Abstract

This study explored the role Staphylococcus aureus autolysins play in biofilm formation, pathogenesis and resistance to both cell wall targeting and protein synthesis-inhibiting antibiotics. Using a variety of mutant strains in the USA300 background lacking genes encoding autolysins, sortases, histidine-kinase signaling systems, as well as regulatory proteins, the role of these genes in MRSA could be elucidated. The results suggest a variety of negative phenotypes that correlate with the loss of these key autolysins and regulatory genes. Decreases in biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenesis were seen in many of the mutants. This indicates a possible relationship between autolysins and many of the characteristics of pathogenesis in Staphylococcus aureus.

Comments

Imported from ProQuest McFadden_ilstu_0092N_10710.pdf

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2016.McFadden.S

Page Count

48

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