PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFTAZIDIME IN SIGNAL CRAYFISH (PACIFASTACUS LENIUSCULUS) FOLLOWING A SINGLE DOSE

Area of Science:

• Aquatic animal health
• Pharmacology
• Infectious disease

Background:

• Shell lesions are common in crustaceans, often linked to bacterial infections.
• Limited controlled studies exist on antibiotic efficacy in crustaceans.
• Crayfish are important in aquariums, private sectors, and the food industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus).
• To evaluate ceftazidime's potential for treating bacterial infections in crayfish.

Main Methods:

• A single dose of ceftazidime (22 mg/kg) was administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection.
• Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using noncompartmental analysis of sparse data.
• Ceftazidime hemolymph concentrations were measured over time.

Main Results:

• Maximum ceftazidime hemolymph concentration was rapidly achieved via both IM and IV routes.
• Ceftazidime bioavailability was 80% following IM administration.
• The antibiotic remained above the minimal inhibitory concentration for Vibrio spp. for 24 hours post-administration for both routes.

Conclusions:

• Both IM and IV administration of ceftazidime allow for quick achievement of high hemolymph concentrations in signal crayfish.
• Ceftazidime may be a viable treatment option for Vibrio infections in signal crayfish.
• Further research into antibiotic use in crustaceans is warranted.