Chapter I
Background of the Study

The twentieth century has witnessed tremendous advances in the understanding of infectious diseases, but many problems remain. Skin diseases are a common threat to humans that could be prevented by antibiotic treatment. Carbuncle, a skin disorder, is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that may occur as a commensal and may affect other tissues when normal barriers have been breached. Researchers around the globe developed antibiotics, such as penicillin and glycopeptides that could kill or slow down the growth of S. aureus bacteria. By 1950, it was reported that 40% of the hospital S. aureus isolates were penicillin and glycopeptide resistant; and recently, this has risen to 80%. Microciona prolifera, or red sponge, contains substances with antibiotic capacity that could kill or slow down the growth of a strain of S. aureus bacteria suggesting possibilities for creating novel drugs to treat the infectious skin disease. This study aims to determine the most efficient antibiotic solution of ectyonin extract from Microciona prolifera against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Statement of the Problem General Problem This study aims to compare which of the different solutions of Ectyonin extract from Microciona prolifera is the most effective in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Specific Problem Specifically it aims to answer the following questions: 1. Which of the four solutions is most effective in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria? 2. Does water affect the solution against the bacteria? 3. Did the colony count of the bacteria increase after putting the different solutions?
Hypotheses
1. The solution with the smallest amount of ectyonin is most effective in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.