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dc.contributor.advisorHill, Sarah
dc.contributor.authorCorrigan, Emily
dc.date2019-05-19
dc.date.accessioned2019-09-25T20:41:27Z
dc.date.available2019-09-25T20:41:27Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.identifier.urihttps://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/27022
dc.description.abstractIndividuals with a lower socioeconomic status (SES) have an increased risk of a variety of diseases compared to those with a higher SES. The mechanisms underlying the relationship between SES and health are only beginning to be understood. However, recent research finds that a lower SES may induce changes in the immune system that play an important role in determining one's risk for disease. Building on these insights, I sought to examine whether having a lower SES may also increase one's susceptibility to infection by impacting bacterial growth in serum. I measured participants' SES and grew Staphylococcus aureus in their serumex vivo for 24 hrs. I then measured bacterial growth at 10 time points (1-8 hrs, 12 hrs., and 24 hrs.). Results revealed higher S. aureus growth in the serum of low SES participants (compared to high SES participants). These findings suggest that having a low SES may increase ones vulnerability to infection by making their blood more hospitable to bacterial growth.
dc.titleSocioeconomic Status and Growth of Bacteria in Human Serum
etd.degree.departmentPsychology
local.collegeCollege of Science and Engineering
local.collegeJohn V. Roach Honors College
local.departmentPsychology


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