[Simple and rapid microbiological method for determination of residual antibacterials in meat]

A simple and rapid screening method using bioassay for the simultaneous analysis of antibacterials (penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, quinolones, etc.) in meat has been developed. A 5 g sample was homogenized with 5 mL of methanol, and the homogenate was centrifuged for 10 min with 3,000 rpm. The pulp disk method with Bacillus subtilis BGA (Antibiotic Medium 5 (pH 8) and 8 (pH 6)), Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 and Geobacillus stearothermophilus as test organisms was employed for the assay of the antibacterials. Typical antibacterials (penicillin G, ampicillin, cefapirin, cefalexin, erythromycin, spiramycin, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, enrofloxacin and oxolinic acid) were detected at levels of ca. 0.005-2.5 microg/g in meat. Therefore, we recommend this proposed screening method for routine analysis of residual antibacterials in livestock products.