Publication Date

1981

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Lynch, Darrel L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

LCSH

Escherichia coli; Antibacterial agents

Abstract

Strains of E. coli found in nature are sensitive to the bacteriostatic effect of irgasan at concentrations of 1-3 ppm. E. coli LMR-26 was shown to be resistant in media amended with 35 ppm irgasan. This strain required the presence of a divalent cation (Mg⁺⁺ or Ca⁺⁺) in the medium to manifest such resistance to irgasan. Resistance to a similar concentration of hexachlor- ophene with one of the above divalent cations present was also observed with E. coli LMR-26. Comparative analysis of total envelope proteins using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed no significant difference between an irgasan- sensitive wild strain and the resistant organism. Gas liquid chromatography (GLC) did however resolve significant differences in the envelope fatty acids of the two test organisms. Use of the transmission electron microscope has revealed major morphological modifications in the resistant organism subjected to an irgasan stress. A possible mechanism of resistance is discussed.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

69 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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