POTENTIAL OF A MODIFIED CARY-BLAIR TRANSPORT MEDIUM USING KURISI FISH (Nemipterus sp.) FOR STOOL SAMPLES FROM DIARRHEA PATIENTS

Abstract

Diarrhea is a gastrointestinal infectious disease with a high prevalence, particularly among children. Accurate diagnosis requires transporting clinical samples to the laboratory using Cary-Blair transport medium. However, this medium is generally imported and relatively expensive. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Kurisi fish waste (Nemipterus sp.) as a source of peptone in modified Cary-Blair transport medium as a more economical alternative. The study employed a laboratory experimental design using peptone produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of Kurisi fish waste with papain. The modified Cary-Blair medium was used to store 11 clinical stool samples from pediatric patients with diarrhea and was compared with a control Cary-Blair medium. The stored samples were cultured on selective media and examined macroscopically, microscopically, and biochemically. The bacteria identified in the modified medium were Salmonella sp. (46%), Shigella sp. (18%), and Escherichia coli (36%). These findings indicate that peptone derived from Kurisi fish waste has the potential to replace sodium thioglycolate in the Cary-Blair medium, offering a more affordable transport medium alternative while supporting the utilization of fish waste.