Evolution in Action: Antibiotic Resistance

• Students simulate part of a medical lab team that works for HASPI Hope Hospital. Penicillin is an antibiotic commonly used at the hospital to treat skin infections. Recently, the staff has noticed a decline in the effectiveness of penicillin on Staphylococcus aureus infections. Two patients have just come to the hospital and both are exhibiting symptoms of a “Staph” infection. Since antibiotic-resistant Staph infections can get worse quickly, the team has been asked to test the bacteria from both patients for resistance to penicillin. Real bacteria are being used in this lab investigation, so it is important to take precautions when handling the cultures and plates. Neither of the bacteria cultures are pathogenic.

Items included in this lab are listed below.