A sensitive microbioassay for the detection of antibacterial agents in the aquatic environment |
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| Authors: | M PEARSON V INGLIS |
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| Institution: | Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland |
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| Abstract: | Abstract A sensitive microbioassay for the detection of antibacterials used in the therapy of farmed fishes is described. Three indicator organisms ( Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli ) were evaluated for their sensitivity to seven antibacterial agents (Enrofloxacin, Sarafloxacin, Florfenicol, Cosumix, oxolinic acid, amoxycillin and oxytetracycline). The limits of detection using the microbioassay were compared with those for a conventional radial diffusion assay. The microbioassay was two to four times more sensitive for all antibacterials tested except for amoxycillin, where the end point was the same. The sensitivity of the microbioassay to the presence of oxytetracycline in sea water was evaluated using Bacillus cereus as an indicator organism. The results indicate that the microbioassay can be adapted for use with sea water samples if the samples are filtered before use. |
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