Infectious Bacterial Presence in Tarantula Enclosure Substrate
Faculty Mentor
Karin Melkonian
Area of Research
Microbiology
Major
Biology
Description
INTRODUCTION: It is recommended that tarantula owners clean their enclosures anywhere between every few months to once per year. Previous studies have mentioned the risk of harmful fungal growth when an enclosure is not cleaned properly, but few have explored the bacteria present. Bacterial growth in tarantula enclosures should be further investigated for possible negative impacts on pet and human health.
METHOD: This study aims to isolate and identify bacteria from enclosures of three different genera of tarantulas and determine if they can induce infection in mice. Each enclosure’s substrate is swabbed in multiple areas to ensure a comprehensive analysis of their microbiomes.
RESULTS: Bacteria samples unique from the control are then introduced to mice to determine if they cause a secondary infection.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Once infectious bacteria are isolated, DNA will be extracted and sequenced to identify any harmful bacteria.
Infectious Bacterial Presence in Tarantula Enclosure Substrate
INTRODUCTION: It is recommended that tarantula owners clean their enclosures anywhere between every few months to once per year. Previous studies have mentioned the risk of harmful fungal growth when an enclosure is not cleaned properly, but few have explored the bacteria present. Bacterial growth in tarantula enclosures should be further investigated for possible negative impacts on pet and human health.
METHOD: This study aims to isolate and identify bacteria from enclosures of three different genera of tarantulas and determine if they can induce infection in mice. Each enclosure’s substrate is swabbed in multiple areas to ensure a comprehensive analysis of their microbiomes.
RESULTS: Bacteria samples unique from the control are then introduced to mice to determine if they cause a secondary infection.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Once infectious bacteria are isolated, DNA will be extracted and sequenced to identify any harmful bacteria.