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Bekasam is a traditional fermented fish product commonly produced in South Sumatra and South Kalimantan, known for its distinctive sour taste resulting from the metabolic activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB play a crucial role in the fermentation process, contributing to the product’s flavor, texture, and safety. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize LAB from bekasam made using tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Isolation of bacterial strains was performed using the pour plate method on Nutrient Agar (NA) medium at various serial dilutions to obtain discrete colonies. The colonies were observed macroscopically to assess their morphological characteristics, including shape, size, color, surface texture, and edge profile. Further identification involved Gram staining to determine cell wall type and microscopic morphology. The results revealed that the bacterial colonies were generally small, round, white to cream in color, with smooth surfaces and flat edges. Gram staining demonstrated that the dominant isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, exhibiting rod-shaped or oval morphology. These characteristics are consistent with members of the genus Lactobacillus sp., a common LAB group in fermented fish products. Additional phenotypic traits observed included catalase-negative reactions, absence of spore formation, and the ability to produce lactic acid as the main metabolic end product. The combination of morphological, staining, and basic biochemical characteristics supports the initial identification of the isolates as LAB. The presence of Lactobacillus sp. in bekasam suggests their significant contribution to the fermentation process, influencing the product’s sourness, safety, and preservation. The findings of this study provide a basis for further molecular characterization and potential selection of LAB strains as starter cultures to improve the quality, consistency, and safety of bekasam in traditional and industrial production.

Bekasam, a traditional Indonesian fermented fish product, is produced through a natural fermentation process involving complex microbial communities, particularly fermentative bacteria. These microorganisms play a vital role in developing the product’s characteristic flavor, aroma, and texture. This study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics of fermentative bacteria present in bekasam made from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using direct microscopic observation without staining. Fresh samples of bekasam were collected and subjected to serial dilution before being cultured on nutrient agar (NA) medium. The cultures were incubated at room temperature for 24–48 hours to allow colony formation. Morphological examination was carried out by observing the colonies directly under a light microscope to assess cell shape, size, and arrangement. The results demonstrated a diversity of bacterial morphologies, with the majority consisting of rod-shaped (bacillus) and spherical (coccus) forms. Bacillus cells were often observed singly or in short chains, whereas coccus cells appeared either as single units, in pairs (diplococci), or forming short chains (streptococci). The morphological diversity observed suggests that multiple bacterial species may be involved in the fermentation process, each contributing differently to biochemical transformations such as protein degradation, lactic acid production, and flavor compound formation. Although morphological characterization alone cannot provide definitive bacterial identification, these findings serve as preliminary data for subsequent microbiological and molecular analyses. Further research using biochemical tests and molecular approaches, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, is recommended to confirm species identity and to explore their specific roles in fermentation. Understanding the microbial composition of bekasam can provide valuable insights for optimizing fermentation conditions, improving product consistency, and ensuring safety in traditional fish-based fermented foods.

This study aims to identify the microscopic structure of fungi growing in Manihot esculenta (cassava) waste using Gram A (crystal violet) staining. Cassava waste is a type of organic waste that has the potential to serve as a growth medium for various microorganisms, including fungi. Microscopic observations were conducted to determine the morphology of fungal cells that grow naturally in the waste. The Gram staining method was used to facilitate visualization of the fungal cell wall structure, with an emphasis on crystal violet staining as the primary dye. Waste samples were fermented for 3–5 days to allow fungal growth, then taken and microscopic slides were made. The results showed the presence of purplish-purple fungal hyphae and spores, indicating that the fungal cells were able to retain the crystal violet stain. This structure indicates that the type of fungus growing has a thick cell wall and is likely included in the Ascomycota or Zygomycota group. This identification demonstrates the potential use of Manihot esculenta waste as a substrate for microbiological studies and the development of fungal-based biotechnology. This study also emphasizes the importance of simple staining techniques in assisting the initial identification of microorganisms in organic media.

Enterobius vermicularis, or pinworm, continues to be a public health concern, particularly among children in coastal and densely populated areas. Though it is classified as a non-Soil Transmitted Helminth (non-STH), its fecal-oral transmission route allows rapid spread, especially where hygiene practices are inconsistent. In Indonesian coastal communities such as Lasiana, Kupang, limited studies have focused on the intersection between environmental factors, personal hygiene, and parental knowledge in relation to enterobiasis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and morphological characteristics of Enterobius vermicularis in children aged 3–9 years living in the coastal area of Lasiana Beach, Kupang. A descriptive observational study was conducted involving 81 heads of households and 24 children as research participants. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to parents to assess sanitation conditions, hygiene practices, and knowledge levels. Perianal samples were obtained from the children using the clear tape (scotch tape) method and examined microscopically to identify E. vermicularis eggs. Findings revealed that 21% of the children tested positive for E. vermicularis. The eggs displayed typical morphological features—oval shape with one flattened side and a transparent double-layered shell. Despite most respondents reporting good hygiene behavior and environmental sanitation, cases of infection persisted. Limited access to handwashing facilities and dense housing conditions were identified as contributing risk factors. The presence of Enterobius vermicularis infections despite adequate sanitation and knowledge highlights a gap between awareness and effective daily practices. These findings underscore the need for strengthened community-based health education and consistent monitoring in high-risk coastal areas to prevent enterobiasis among children.

Kulit buah rambai (Baccaurea motleyana) merupakan salah satu bagian tumbuhan yang dapat digunakan untuk menurunkan kadar glukosa darah pada mencit yang telah dinduksi aloksan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui keamanan dalam penggunaan tumbuhan sebagai obat herbal agar tidak menimbulkan efek berbahaya yang tidak diinginkan, maka perlu dilakukan uji toksisitas pada hati mencit. Hati merupakan organ tubuh sasaran zat toksik karena memegang peranan penting dalam proses metabolisme tubuh. Rancangan penelitian dalam penelitian ini ialah Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 6 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan. Perlakuan terdiri kontrol negatif (akuades), kontrol positif (Glibenklamid), dan ekstrak etanol      kulit buah rambai dengan dosis bertingkat 200 mg/kgBB, 400 mg/kgBB, 800 mg/kgBB, 1600 mg/kgBB yang diberikan secara oral. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis varians (ANAVA) dan apabila perlakuan berpengaruh maka diuji lanjut menggunakan uji jarak berganda Duncan dengan taraf kepercayaan 5%. Hasil pengamatan menunjukkan pemberian ekstrak etanol kulit buah rambai berpengaruh nyata terhadap kerusakan pada sel-sel hati mencit diabetes berupa hiperemi dan hemoragi. Perlu adanya penelitian lebih lanjut mengenai uji toksisitas sub kronis dan kronis terhadap pemberian ekstrak etanol kulit buah rambai. Penelitian lanjut yang dapat dilakukan yaitu pengujian toksisitas pada organ lainnya seperti ginjal, otak, jantung, limpa dan lain-lain.