I gained substantial research experience while working with Iowa State University Professor-In-Charge of Microbiology, Dr. Joan Cunnick, to develop an oral serum assay to quantify an individual’s standing immunity to Clostridium tetani. The basis of this research endeavor aimed to estimate a person’s need for a tetanus vaccination based on their relative antibody response to tetanus toxoid.

 I explored and tested various collection methods of saliva in order to filter out oral bacteria while retaining natural electrolytes and enzymes for preceding indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. Based on an extensive literature review to evaluate existing techniques and creative approaches, I found that a mouthwash-style rinse with Gatorade worked the best! The relatively high salt and electrolyte contents rinsed the mouth of particles and food-originating residing bacteria. The drink also caused the mouth to increasingly salivate within the following 3-minutes, flushing the glands with fresh saliva and thus immunoglobulin A and G (IgA/IgG) antibodies. To collect freshly produced saliva, medical-grade gauze was placed in both cheeks for a couple of minutes and then centrifuged in a large Eppendorf tube with a hole on the bottom, stacked on a conical tube. Finally, the harvested saliva was spun through a filter membrane to mitigate the presence of any remaining oral bacteria. This bizarre and unique methodology allowed for inexpensive materials that would be accessible to communities lacking clean medical supplies for blood draws.

Ultimately, I produced a comprehensive non-biohazardous procedure to teach Dr. Cunnick’s senior-level  Immunology Lab course, MICRO 475, the core skill of performing indirect ELISA testing by determining one’s current estimated immunity to tetanus. The process of conducting this research demonstrated the importance of (1) reproducibility in laboratory practices, (2) audience-specific communication skills, and (3) being detail-oriented for clarity and successful performance. While conducting this research, I strongly considered its reach to international communities that have higher rates of blood-borne diseases. This research method allows for a measurable way to evaluate someone’s need for a tetanus vaccine in these underserved communities.