Differences in the fungal and bacterial composition in normal white as well as pink and purple discolored edible bird’s nests in terms of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics

This study aimed at identifying and characterizing the bacteria and fungi present in white edible bird’s nests with purple and pink discoloration in contrast to unaltered products. Samples were collected from raw material warehouses of various factories in Indonesia. Subsequently, the material was investigated for the presence of fungi and bacteria using culture and biomolecular identification methods. Additionally, bacterial resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and oxacillin was determined. Three coagulase-negative staphylococci strains were isolated, including Mammaliicoccus sciuri, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and S. arlettae, as well as two Aspergillus fumigatus strains. Oxacillin resistance was found for M. sciuri, S. saprophyticus, and S. arlettae. The bacterial and fungal species isolated from white edible bird’s nests with pink and purple discoloration were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. Therefore, this study might help ensure microbiological safety in the edible bird’s nest industry and improve food safety surveillance. Finally, this work is the first to show the presence of S. arlettae in edible bird's nests.