Exploring, Cloning, and Characterizing Beta-lactamase Genes in the Bacteria Elizabethkingia meningoseptica

Abstract

There is a prevalent problem with the infectivity of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica in immunocompromised individuals. In researching Elizabethkingia meningoseptica the research team hoped to discover putative Beta-lactamase enzyme specific genes in the bacterium’s chromosome. These enzyme specific genes would need to be characterized by function in order to establish if any genes are functional for the digestion or blocking of antibiotic compounds. Using general scientific procedures such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Transformation, these genes can be tested upon several antibiotics to suggest that these genes are functional as antimicrobial resistant genes. With these findings, efforts can begin to look and see whether these genes suggest certain antibiotics are effective against Elizabethkingia meningoseptica.