Paper Title
Presence of Microorganisms in Pre-Loved Garments: Basis for Health Promotion

Abstract
Consumers in the Philippines find it convenient to take advantage of preloved garments because of its affordability and its easy access from the market. However, it imposes a great risk for all the consumers as it believed to be carrying disease-causing pathogens which were proven through different experimental methods of surveys and researches. Iligan City is one of the places where the supply is high. But, the knowledge regarding the risk towards certain microbes is low. This research is aimed to identify the type of microorganism found in pre-loved garments. This research used isolation of samples for bioburden swab testing through spread plate and pour plate methods to determine the possible total microbial plate count and the possible presence of a specific bacterium, staphylococcus aureus. Purposive sampling is used in the study. The samples were from five different garments taken from different thrift shops situated in Iligan City and underwent two separate tests from two different laboratories. The laboratories had different parameters used. Results showed that garments submitted for Bioburden Sample Swab Testing to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and F.A.S.T. Laboratories both revealed for a presence of microbes. There was also a minimal presence of specific bacterium, staphylococcus Aureus as shown in the swab tests results. However, only minimal count as noted since the area for swabbing was only 50x50cm2 and did not swab the entire garment. Furthermore, second hand garments are still venue for microbes to survive and will impose risk to both consumers and the environment. Keywords - Second Hand Garments, Swab Testing, Disease-Causing Microbes.