The impact of Oxygen Exposure and pH on Growth and Biofilm Formation Ability of Veillonella atypica, in Relation to Human Health

Author

Ellen Druebbisch, University of LynchburgFollow

Date Presented

Spring 5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biomedical Science

First Advisor

Dr. Jamie Brooks

Second Advisor

Dr. Tonya Price

Third Advisor

Dr. Beth Savage

Abstract

Veillonella atypica is found in many microbiomes of the human body, including the gut and oral cavities. Previous studies have primarily focused on the role of V. atypica in the oral microbiome, including its association with periodontal disease and its function as an early colonizer in the development of dental biofilm. V. atypica is an extremely understudied bacterium that lives in the human microbiome and has known metabolic pathways that utilize lactate as a primary carbon source. Athletes have increased concentrations of lactate in circulation and V. atypica was found to be associated with enhanced athletic performance in endurance athletes. The aerotolerance of V. atypica was much higher than expected and the bacteria were still living after 24 hours exposure to oxygen. V. atypica was grown in BHIL broth in a pH range of 2.85 to 11.85 and grew most successfully at pH 6.85, followed by pH 5.85 and 7.85. There was also the greatest biofilm formation in pH range 6.85 to 9.85. This range correlates with the pH range of the small and large intestine of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Additional study on the impact of lactate concentration, aerotolerance, and biofilm contribution in the gut could provide a more definitive link between V. atypica and human health.

Recommended Citation

Druebbisch, Ellen, "The impact of Oxygen Exposure and pH on Growth and Biofilm Formation Ability of Veillonella atypica, in Relation to Human Health" (2021). Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects. 217.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/utcp/217