Date of Award
1-2023
Document Type
Doctoral Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr Máire Begley
Second Advisor
Dr Des Field
Abstract
Bacteriocins are a diverse range of ribosomally synthesized bioactive peptides, recognised predominantly for their potent antimicrobial activity against other strains closely related to the producer. The focus of this thesis was to explore this activity and examine the potential of bacteriocins to inhibit the growth of clinically relevant pathogens. Although evidence exists in the literature to suggest that bacteriocins could be applied in a similar fashion to conventional antibiotics, to date they are only utilised as preservative in food to prevent the growth of foodborne illness causing organisms. Isolating and screening bacterial strains in order to identify bacteriocin producers has led to the successful identification and characterisation of peptides which appear to inhibit the growth of a variety of pathogens responsible for illness in humans. This thesis looked to identify bacteriocins with the potential to inhibit members of the Staphylococcus genus, particularly methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) given its prevalence and the threat it poses in nosocomial settings.
Recommended Citation
Twomey, Ellen, "Isolation and characterisation of soil-derived bacteria with antimicrobial activity against antibiotic resistant pathogens" (2023). Theses [online].
Available at: https://sword.cit.ie/allthe/536
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Access Level
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess