Abstract

Antibiotic resistance in pathogenic organisms has become a serious global public health concern. Generally, the same major groups of antibiotics are used in both animal and human medicine. Thus, antibiotic residues in animal-originated food like eggs can result in severe public health hazards. Nevertheless, no comprehensive study on residual antibiotics in table eggs and their public health implications has been documented yet in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study was conducted to develop scientific evidence on residual antibiotics in table eggs and assist in securing better public health for the nation. Microbiological Four-Plate Test (FPT) was employed for detecting antibiotic residues in 300 egg samples. Media seeded with Bacillus subtilis at different pH values (6, 7.2, or 8) and a fourth medium seeded with Staphylococcus aureus at pH 8 was used for disc diffusion microbial inhibition test. Standard solutions of antibiotics were used as control. Out of the 300 samples, 81 (27%) samples contained antibiotic residues. Derivates of Macrolides and Beta-lactam were detected in 40.7% of positive cases followed by derivatives of Tetracyclines and Beta-lactam in 39.5% cases and antibiotics residues relevant to Aminoglycosides were detected in 19.8% of positive cases. However, no Sulfonamide residue was detected in eggs in this study. The presence of these residual antibiotics in eggs could cause mild to serious health hazards including the development of resistant organisms to these antibacterial agents in consumers that are believed to have fatal public health impacts in the long run. In conclusion, the antibiotic residues in commercial eggs have to be monitored as a routine test. Proper maintenance of the withdrawal period and the development of an active surveillance system are highly recommended for public health security. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will contribute to the development of strategies for the prudent use of antibiotics in Bangladeshi poultry farms.