Investigating soil bacteria for novel antimicrobials which inhibit the opportunistic pathogen, Staphylococcus epidermidis

According to the European Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Staphylococcus epidermidis is rapidly becoming a serious concern in hospitals as a cause of resistant infections, particularly in the case of in dwelling and prosthetic medical devices. To overcome this issue, new, potent antimicrobials with novel target pathways need to be uncovered to both reduce morbidity and mortality, and the spread of resistant microbes. 51 bacterial strains with observable antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis were isolated from samples of soil, collected from various locations around Ireland. The activity was reconfirmed, and the most effective strains were shortlisted using deferred antagonism assays. Characterisation tests, (Gram stains, oxidase and catalase testing and 16S sequencing), were carried out to determine the identities of the bacteria at hand. Presently studies are underway to elucidate the nature of the antimicrobial activity and to govern if the findings are novel. HPLC is being used to purify the compounds, with proteinase K assays evaluating if the antimicrobials are proteinaceous in nature. The future of this study will include the sequencing of any uncovered antimicrobial peptides, MIC determination of antimicrobial compounds, observing the impact on biofilm formation and looking at potential efficacy against other relevant pathogens. With the identification of a novel compounds, this study aims to present an opening into potential new treatment options to help address the current struggle against antimicrobial resistance.