Antibiotics are commonly used in the aquaculture sector to prevent diseases. However, the excessive use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic residues in fish meat and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Zara Hussain, a PhD scholar at the Institute of Microbiology, UVAS, Lahore, under the supervision of Prof. Dr Ali Ahmad Sheikh, investigated antibiotic residues in fish collected from farms and retail markets in Punjab, Pakistan.
Study Methodology and Findings
Fish samples were analysed using HPLC for fluoroquinolones, sulphonamides, beta-lactams and tetracyclines. Market samples showed a higher residue load than farm samples, with sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine and tetracycline detected most frequently, while oxytetracycline was the highest residue detected in one farm sample.
Antibiotic Resistance Assessment
Additionally, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish and water samples were assessed for antibiotic resistance. There is a connection between antibiotic misuse and the development of resistant strains, as these bacteria showed resistance to multiple antibiotics that were also found in fish meat.
Recommendations for Sustainable Aquaculture
To promote sustainable aquaculture and reduce antimicrobial resistance, the results highlight the need for consistent residue monitoring, responsible antibiotic use and stricter regulation. The study was conducted by Prof. Dr Ali Ahmad Sheikh and Zara Hussain in Lahore.
