Simultaneous detection of multiple antimicrobials in food substances and biological fluids

Antimicrobial compounds have been used in food production to treat infections and to function as growth promoters. Serious health concerns exist about the presence of antimicrobial compounds in food and the development of antibiotic resistant strains of micro-organisms due to inappropriate use in food producing animals. As a result of these concerns, many countries have banned or limited the use of antimicrobial compounds in food producing animals and have set maximum residue limits (MRLs) for antimicrobial residues in food.

Antimicrobials in Honey

Antibiotics are used in apiculture to treat bacterial foulbrood diseases, for example American Foulbrood (AFB).  AFB is caused by Paenibacillus larvae bacteria, which infect and kill bee larvae.  AFB is highly infectious, deadly and difficult to eliminate.  Sulphonamides are effective against foulbrood diseases, however, antibiotic drug residues in honey pose a potential risk to human health.

Hypersensitivity reactions to sulphonamide drug residues in food include skin rash, hives, pruritus and anaphylaxis.  As a result, the use of sulphonamides in apiculture is strictly regulated or banned.  This has led to an increase in drug residue surveillance and a demand for rapid, sensitive screening methods.
Randox Antimicrobial Arrays provide an excellent screening tool for antimicrobials in honey.

The use of Biochip Array Technology system Evidence Investigator is beneficial for the simultaneous detection of sulphonamide anti-microbials for screening purposes, particularly for determining the specific sulphonamide(s) present.  Confirmation of positive results can be achieved using other methods such as LC-MS.