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Title
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BACTERIAL ANALYSIS OF LUKOT (SEA HARE EGG STRANDS)
SOLD IN WET MARKET IN CALAMBA, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL
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Author(s)
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AMATO, SHENNA MAY L.
PASA, JAN LEAH B.
SAJULGA,TRISHA MAE A.
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Affiliation
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MISAMIS UNIVERSITY
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Degree Program
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Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
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Contributor
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HINGCO, JONAS T. MSc BIO
ENGUITO, MARIE ROSELLYNN C. MSc BIO
ATTY. AWA, ANTHONY MSc BIO, LPT
LAO, KARL MAXEL O. MSc MLS
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Year
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2026
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Abstract
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Lukot (sea hare egg strands) from Dolabella auricularia is a commonly consumed seafood product in the Philippines and is widely sold in wet markets. However, seafood products
are highly susceptible to microbial contamination due to environmental exposure, improper handling, and inadequate sanitation practices, which may pose potential foodborne health risks. This study assessed the bacterial contamination of lukot sold in the wet market of Calamba, Misamis Occidental by determining the presence and bacterial load of Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. using standard bacteriological methods. A descriptive research design was employed. Samples collected from three vendors were subjected to serial dilution, selective enrichment, culturing on selective media, colony-forming unit (CFU/g) enumeration, and Log10 CFU/g computation. Vendor hygiene, handling, and environmental sanitation practices were evaluated through direct observation using a structured checklist. Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were used to summarize bacterial counts, while the Shapiro–Wilk test assessed data normality. Differences in bacterial contamination levels among vendors were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 significance level. Results confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. in all sampled vendors, with Vendor C exhibiting the highest mean bacterial counts. However, all samples were classified as no-to-low risk based on established Log10 CFU/g thresholds. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in contamination levels among vendors (Salmonella spp., p = 0.521; Vibrio spp., p = 0.242). Observed sanitation deficiencies included inconsistent handwashing, simultaneous handling of food and money, use of non-potable water, inadequate utensil sanitation, and exposure to pests. These findings emphasize the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices in ensuring the microbiological safety of lukot sold in wet markets.
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Keywords
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Colony-forming units, Salmonella species, Seafood safety, Vendor hygiene, Vibrio
species
