Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)
Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
4-24-2020
Advisor
Laura Bauer, Ashley Fink
Abstract
Consumption of kombucha has been shown to promote human gut health and act as an antibacterial agent against enteric pathogens. This thesis investigates if kombucha consumption changes the composition of the human gut microbiota and aims to measure its inhibitory effects on the growth of an enteric pathogen, Salmonella typhimurium. We predicted consumption of kombucha will alter the composition of the gut microbiota and demonstrate antibacterial activity in the presence of S. typhimurium. Research suggested that alterations in the gut microbiota is associated with multiple chronic diseases. It is further noted that kombucha and other probiotics may be used to restore proper gut health. Based on the literature, we suggest that kombucha has an effect on gut health. To test its antibacterial activity, a Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Assay was performed. Kombucha’s zone of inhibition for S. typhimurium was compared to two antibiotics (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin) on TSA agar. Both antibiotics displayed consistent inhibitory effects, however, kombucha did not inhibit S. typhimurium growth. While kombucha and other probiotics affect the composition of the gut microbiota, kombucha did not demonstrate antibacterial activity against S. typhimurium.
Recommended Citation
Hicke, John and Nelson, Emily, "Kombucha’s Effect on the Composition of the Human Gut Microbiota, its Connection to Disease, and its Application to Treating an Enteric Strain of Salmonella." (2020). Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-). 112.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/ur_cscday/112