Publication Date
4-25-2022
Document Type
Poster
Department
Science Department
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Amanda Brosnahan, and Dr. Taylor Mach
Abstract
Nasal swabs were obtained from participants at the Minnesota State Fair as well as events on the Concordia University campus. The purpose of this study is to isolate and test for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus via various testing methods. Positive strains then underwent secondary testing to identify characteristic elements such as superantigens (SAgs) which can lead to diseases like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Identified from data is a known gene cluster made of enterotoxins SEG, SEI, SEM, and SEN that contribute to the symptoms of TSS.