Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous organism and an opportunistic pathogen responsible for infections primarily in patients with burns, chronic infections, medical device implants, and cystic fibrosis. This organism has and acquired resistance mechanisms against antibiotics and is one of the most common causative agents of nosocomial infections. A process central to the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa is its ability to form biofilms where it exhibits social behaviors. Three types of motility have been observed in P. aeruginosa: swimming, swarming, and twitching. Swimming is single bacterium movement that does not require quorum sensing and occurs in low-viscosity conditions (0-0.3% agar). Swarming is linked with quorum sensing and biofilm formation and is exhibited as coordinated multicellular movement that occurs on a semi-solid surface (0.5-1% agar). Twitching is movement that is powered by polar pili and occurs on a moist solid surface (1-5% agar). Using established swarming protocols available in the literature, we developed assays for use in determining optimal swarming conditions and anti-swarming assessments. Given our interest in biofilm and its importance in antibiotic resistance and relevance to clinical infections, we pursued studies on swarming of P. aeruginosa with a special focus on potential inhibitory effect by the phytochemical, curcumin, which has been reported to be a natural quorum sensing inhibitor.

Dr. Rita Heuertz was very influential in the development of this presentation (rita.heuertz@health.slu.edu). She allowed me to take the lead in performing experiments as well as creating the poster. Dr. Heuertz has the perfect balance of giving me opportunities to grow while also being there to support me.