Augusta, Ga. – Serratia marcescens, a human pathogen, has been known to cause several types of infections found in humans including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and meningitis.

Although S. marcescens can be deadly, at room temperature the rod-shaped bacteria produces a red-pigment, prodigiosin, which is used frequently in medicine to treat illnesses such as diabetes. In his research Effect of pH on biosynthesis of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens, Brian Lumpkin, an Augusta State University biology and chemistry major, analyzes the effects of pH on the production of prodigiosin which can be altered by changes in the environment.

Mr. Lumpkin will present his research in the first session of the 10th Annual Phi Kappa Phi Student Research and Fine Arts Conference on Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 1p.m. in the Hardy Room of the Jaguar Student Activities Center.  The conference is sponsored by ASU’s Chapter of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and First Citizens Bank.

This event is free and the public is invited. If you are interested in pursuing this topic, contact Danielle Harris, media relations specialist, in ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1876.
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