DETEKSI STAPHYLOCOCCUS AURES PADA SARANG BURUNG WALET (SBW) MENGGUNAKAN METODE DIRECT PLATE COUNT (DPC) = Detection of Staphylococcus Aures in Swiftlet Nests (SBW) Using the Direct Plate Count (DPC) Method

Bird's nest (SBW) is a high-value food commodity with export potential, but it is at risk of contamination by pathogenic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to detect the presence of S. aureus in SBW using culture and direct plate count methods. Seven samples, each weighing 10 grams, were analyzed using serial dilutions and grown on Baird Parker Agar (BPA) media, then incubated for 24–48 hours at 35–37°C. The test results showed no S. aureus colony growth in the samples, while the positive control showed typical S. aureus colony growth, as validated by a coagulase test. These results indicate that the tested SBW is safe from S. aureus contamination and meets the microbiological requirements of Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 26 of 2020. This study emphasizes the importance of routine monitoring, strict sanitation practices, and the use of sensitive detection methods to maintain the quality and safety of SBW.