Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of the Most Common Bacterial Isolates from Second-Hand Clothes in Selected Ukay-Ukay Stores in Dasmarinas, Cavite

• Main Authors: Ocampo, Ma. Zuzynne D., Aquino, Lou Adrian D., Jr., Aquino, Mariel Antonnia R., Buenavente, Rinangem P., Tropel, Nikka Alyzel M.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: second-hand clothing; ukay-ukay stores; bacterial isolates; antibiotic susceptibility; colony morphology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/paper_fnh/7; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1781/viewcontent/PP_FNH_Ocampo_Aquino_Aquino_Buenavente_Tropel___Zuzynne_Ocampo.docx.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Throughout history, clothing's significance has evolved from a basic survival necessity to becoming an integral part of human social and cultural identity. Their sanitation significantly influences the health and condition of humans wearing these garments. For instance, clothes can serve as a reservoir for bacteria, fungi, and other germs that benefit or harm human health. Recent studies reveal the complex relationship between clothing and the microorganisms in our surroundings. This study aims to isolate, identify, and characterize the most common bacteria found in Second-Hand Clothing (SHCs) in Dasmarinas Cavite from three cotton shirts sampled from each of three random ukay-ukay stores. Bacterial isolates underwent colony morphology, VITEK Analysis for species identification, and Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test. Various types of bacteria have been detected in the sampled SHCs, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two variants of Bacillus spp, B.cereus, and B. pumilus. The said bacterial isolates were found to be resistant to Oxacillin and susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol. Hence, the study recommends that the SHC industry adopt more robust sanitation practices and that consumers take safety measures when shopping in ukay-ukay stores to mitigate the potential health risks associated with SHCs.