Coconut Water (Cocos nucifera L.) as an Alternative Enrichment Media in the Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus

Isolation of a variety of microorganisms can be achieved by the use of sheep blood agar as its base is specifically designed to give different and conflicting hemolytic reactions when incorporated into other blood agars. In this study, the researchers used fresh young coconut water as an alternative enrichment media to form agar plates formulated with cassava flour and unflavored gelatin powder for the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The researchers determined the capability of coconut water to isolate Staphylococcus aureus and also gave clarifications if it can be used as a substitute for blood agar media based on the physical parameters, growth, and sterility testing. The researchers conducted this study by following the methods with statistical procedures and proper analysis of results after data gathering. The researchers have undergone procedures starting from the preparation of agar media, preparation of bacterial suspension, bacterial culture, and biochemical testing. This study concluded that agar plates formulated with 75 ml fresh coconut water, 10 grams cassava flour, 5 grams unflavored gelatin, and 5% volume/volume of human whole blood can be used as an alternative for blood agar media. The batch of culture media passed the physical parameters, growth, and sterility testing. There was no difference in the cultural characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus between the control and experimental group.