Environmental Detection and Genetic Profiling of Staphylococcus sp. at Taal Volcano Island

Authors

Ray Albert E. La Rosa, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, PhilippinesFollow
Shaun Michael C. Basco, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences InstituteFollow
Martin Gabriel Z. Dela Cruz, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences InstituteFollow
Iluminada A. Ronio, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences InstituteFollow

Abstract

Taal Volcano Island’s hydrothermal environment supports extremophilic microbial communities. This study isolated, biochemically characterized, and genetically profiled Staphylococcus sp. from shoreline soils. Soil samples were collected near active vents and cultured on acidified gelatin agar (pH 5.0). Biochemical tests—Methyl Red, Spirit Blue Agar, Motility, and Acrolein—were performed. DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing identified Staphylococcus candidatus, with 99 % sequence similarity to GenBank entries JN794602.1 and KX250303.1. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the isolate with S. ureilyticus, S. cohnii, and S. equorum. The organism’s presence in volcanic soils demonstrates adaptation to acidic, thermophilic conditions and suggests potential applications in bioremediation and enzyme biotechnology.

Recommended Citation

La Rosa, Ray Albert E.; Basco, Shaun Michael C.; Dela Cruz, Martin Gabriel Z.; and Ronio, Iluminada A. (2025) "Environmental Detection and Genetic Profiling of Staphylococcus sp. at Taal Volcano Island," The Lasallian Journal of Health: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://greenprints.dlshsi.edu.ph/tljh/vol1/iss1/4