Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Bacteria, antibiotic susceptibility, isolation, characterization, water bottles, DLSMHSI-SHSSHS, contamination

Abstract

People are aware of the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but their exact prevalence in daily-used items such as reusable metal water bottles is still unknown. Thus, this study was conducted for the purpose of identifying the frequency of presumed bacteria within the sample as well as identifying a difference in the prevalence of positive samples between the daily, weekly, and rarely cleaned reusable metal water bottles. A survey was conducted among students to collect swab samples on the spot. Moreover, a combination of bacterial and biochemical tests was performed on the presumed isolated samples. Using 12 selected samples, the researchers conducted seven biochemical tests, including citrate, catalase, SIM Deep, and MR-VP test. These 12 samples consist of six from the 57 positive samples of presumptive E. coli and six from the 30 positive samples of S. aureus. The biochemical test results of the researchers were inconclusive; none of the samples were confirmed to be either E. coli or S. aureus, hence the recurrent use of the term "presumptive.” This calls on the necessity of better hygiene practices and further research with concerns about the bacterial contamination of reusable metal water bottles to prevent waterborne diseases and illnesses in the community.

First Advisor

Ramgie M. Bartolata

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