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Updated by Emily-03/28/01
Due to the fact that the experiment mentioned above was quite a success, we have decided to continue the experiment and add the results of the first phase into a plan for a second phase. In this phase, we have decided to introduce the two staphylococcus species used for the first phase to laboratory rats (both topically and possibly by injection as well). With the introduction of the bacteria, we plan to find the most efficient combination of medications to cure any symptoms of the infections.
At the completion of the first section of the experiment, it became apparent that there were dominant antibiotics for the seperate types of bacteria. It was determined that Vancomycin was the most effective antibiotic against the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, and that Oxacillin was the most effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus Epidermidis. Due to these results, we have decided to use them as the medications to introduce to the rats.
As was mentioned, we have decided to topicaly apply the bacteria to the animals first, and possibly inject it subcutaneously after results are gathered from the topical applications. We have decided to begin with a topical application for several reasons. The firt and foremost of these is the fact that both Staph A. and Staph E. are known to affect the skin of an infected animal, and may cause boils and sores. We hypothesized that if the bacteria was placed onto the skin directly upon an abrasion, that the bacteria would be able to establish itself easier on the host. It became apparent that if the bacteria was simply placed onto the skin it would not have a good chance of establishing itself due to the protective function of the skin. We have also decided to perform a topical application due to the fact that we believe that the results will be more visible to us this way. It is also known that both Staph species do have an effect upon internal organs, and we do not want to have this effect happen due to the fact that we would not be able to easily observe results. In order to examine the animals, they would have to be posted, and it would be difficult to determine exactly how far along the disease must progress in order to be noticed. Also, if posted, problems may be seen, but we would not be able to attempt to treat the disease due to the fact that the host would be deceased.
It is our hope that the bacteria will incubate on the skin and eventually cause sores and/or lesions on the skin. At thhis point we hope to track progression of the condition. At this point we also hope to determine the most efficient dosages and mixes of antibiotics to treat the conditions. We will first attempt to make a salve from the antibiotic in a topical ointment form, and may eventually calculate the mass to antibiotic ratio that is needed in order use the medications subcutaneously. We are hesitant at this point to do any injections due to our lack of expertise in dosage amounts, but this problem will be faced at a later date.
It is our hope to begin our second phase with the bacteria on Monday, April 2. Please continue to follow our progress and contact us if you have and comments or questions.
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