Quantitative Analysis of Escherichia Coli Present in Street Foods in Tuguegarao City

This study was conducted to determine the microbial load found in street foods in Tuguegarao City. Plate counts on Nutrient Agar to determine total microbial load and number of presumptive Escherichia coli colonies. Identification of Escherichia coli was done using standard microbiological techniques involving the use of selective and differential media. Gram staining was performed to confirm morphological characteristics of isolates.

Results of the study revealed that microbial load was found highest at sample 2 with a mean of 1.51×10⁷.The number of presumptive Escherichia coli was found highest at sample 3 with a mean of 4.65×10⁶.Successive confirmatory biochemical tests on presumptive Escherichia coli isolates confirmed the presence of Escherichia coli. The presence of rod-shaped and pinkish cells from Gram-stained isolates reveals the Gram-negative bacteria and further confirms the presence of Escherichia coli.