The Transfer Of Endospores On U.S. Currency

Walker McDonald

School Name

Dutch Fork High School

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Microbiology

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Robert Wolff; South University

Abstract

Bacterial endospores are highly resistant forms of cellular life that use various methods of transportation to relocate to more nutrient-rich environments. However, these spores can not control where they conclude their journey. The presence of bacterial endospores on U.S. currency indicates an unprecedented proximity to humans, and the necessity to examine dollar bills for this presence. In this study, bills are heated to kill vegetative bacteria and sampled for spores. Special media will then be utilized to detect Bacillus cereus. The reason Bacillus cereus is the one being examined is due to it’s ability to produce enterotoxins and emetic toxins. These toxins are known to cause food poisoning, and are mainly produced during vegetative growth. The discovery of an endosporic presence indicates the ability of these spores to spread to humans on a widespread scale, a forewarning for global epidemics.

Location

Owens 110

Start Date

4-16-2016 9:45 AM

COinS
 
Apr 16th, 9:45 AM

The Transfer Of Endospores On U.S. Currency

Owens 110

Bacterial endospores are highly resistant forms of cellular life that use various methods of transportation to relocate to more nutrient-rich environments. However, these spores can not control where they conclude their journey. The presence of bacterial endospores on U.S. currency indicates an unprecedented proximity to humans, and the necessity to examine dollar bills for this presence. In this study, bills are heated to kill vegetative bacteria and sampled for spores. Special media will then be utilized to detect Bacillus cereus. The reason Bacillus cereus is the one being examined is due to it’s ability to produce enterotoxins and emetic toxins. These toxins are known to cause food poisoning, and are mainly produced during vegetative growth. The discovery of an endosporic presence indicates the ability of these spores to spread to humans on a widespread scale, a forewarning for global epidemics.