Project:

Playground Patrol- Investigating antibiotic resistant bacteria in NYC parks and playgrounds

Students:

Jirel Gonzalez, Hasana Abdullah

Institution:

Queensborough CC, Queens

Mentors:

Mangala Tawde

Abstract:

Increasing drug resistance in pathogens is alarmingly becoming a huge concern in medical fields. Treatments of infectious diseases is challenging due to antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Young children are among the most susceptible to bacterial infections, as their immune systems are still developing, and primary areas of exposure include public playgrounds. Our team plans to investigate New York City parks and playgrounds for presence of pathogenic bacteria and their antibiotic resistance to understand the risk posed to children. We will swab high traffic equipment surfaces to isolate and identify bacteria via DNA barcoding. The results of our investigation will be helpful in raising general public awareness as well as contribute to public health information.

Poster:

Team samples: