Fight Nature with Nature: the Use of Essential Oils in Preventing the Spread of E. coli

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Secondary School

Institution

Project Lead The Way - Kentucky

KY House District #

80

KY Senate District #

15

Abstract

Escherichia coli (E. coli), a fecal coliform bacterium, is one of the various infectious pathogens that haunts our communities, resulting in illnesses that are detrimental to our health. One in seven Americans suffer from the spread from different strains of E. coli that lead to symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhea. E. coli and other pathogenic fecal coliforms are found everywhere in our environment, not just the bathroom. Passed through multiple avenues such as food contamination or a simple handshake, the ease of transmission of fecal coliforms, including E. coli, pose a problem to which a solution must be created. Some studies involving E. coli have found certain essential oils to be effective in controlling the bacterium. Based on this information, we intend to create a lotion infused with tea tree essential oil to fight the contamination of E. coli through touch. We will sample the hands of volunteers before the investigation begins, then after use of the lotion throughout the day. These samples will be compared to volunteers who will not use the lotion. If the lotion is successful, there will be a lack of E. coli colonies on the agar plates containing the cultures while samples from untreated volunteers will present with colonies. Results are still in progress and will be released shortly.

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Fight Nature with Nature: the Use of Essential Oils in Preventing the Spread of E. coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli), a fecal coliform bacterium, is one of the various infectious pathogens that haunts our communities, resulting in illnesses that are detrimental to our health. One in seven Americans suffer from the spread from different strains of E. coli that lead to symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhea. E. coli and other pathogenic fecal coliforms are found everywhere in our environment, not just the bathroom. Passed through multiple avenues such as food contamination or a simple handshake, the ease of transmission of fecal coliforms, including E. coli, pose a problem to which a solution must be created. Some studies involving E. coli have found certain essential oils to be effective in controlling the bacterium. Based on this information, we intend to create a lotion infused with tea tree essential oil to fight the contamination of E. coli through touch. We will sample the hands of volunteers before the investigation begins, then after use of the lotion throughout the day. These samples will be compared to volunteers who will not use the lotion. If the lotion is successful, there will be a lack of E. coli colonies on the agar plates containing the cultures while samples from untreated volunteers will present with colonies. Results are still in progress and will be released shortly.