An investigation of the frequency of detection of fluoroquinolone residues in the muscle of broiler chickens sold at supermarkets and pluck shops in Trinidad

ABSTRACT

Objective: Fluoroquinolones are broad spectrum antimicrobials, used to treat a wide myriad of gastrointestinal, genitourinary and respiratory infections in both humans and animals. They are also used prophylactically in livestock including poultry and fish. this occurrence, coupled with the abuse of the drug due to extra-label and improper use, have led to concerns about both antimicrobial resistance to these drugs and the presence of their residues in veterinary products such as meat. Tremendous human health issues inclusive of antimicrobial resistance, anaphylactic reactions, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity and the disruption of normal flora can occur due to the use and abuse of these antimicrobials. We hypothesized that fluoroquinolones residues are present in the meat of broiler chickens in Trinidad. Hence, our objectives were to detect the presence and concentrations of fluoroquinolone residues in broiler chickens sold at supermarkets and pluck shops in Trinidad. Design and Methodology: A total of 168 carcasses were sampled from supermarkets and pluck shops across Trinidad and Tobago, during July to August of 2018. The breast muscles were removed and subjected to first the extraction process then to the Ridascreen® Chinolone/Quinolones Enzyme Linked- Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to determine the presence and concentrations of fluoroquinolones in these samples. Results: Fluoroquinolone residues were detected at a frequency 14.3% (24/168), with concentrations ranging from 5.53-161.41µg/kg and 2.4% (4/168) of carcasses contained fluoroquinolones at levels higher than (100 µg/kg) that stipulated by the Codex Alimentarius. Conclusion: Fluoroquinolones are present in broiler chickens sold in Trinidad. Its presence, at times higher than the recommended levels, has serious public health implications.