Antimicrobial Resistance is on the rise! Are shrimp the cause?
The latest issue of ‘Review in Aquaculture’ has published a new study, Evaluation antimicrobial resistance in the global shrimp industry, in which they have noted that Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to public health, which is being contributed to by the overuse of antibiotics in shrimp aquaculture and may play a role in global AMR dissemination.
The issue of AMR is highlighted by the prediction that the epidemic may contribute to the death of over 100 million people annually by 2050. The study explained that “the vast majority of shrimp production occurs in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where antibiotic quality and usage is widely unregulated.’ This is believed to have a clear correlation with the livelihoods in these effected areas, in which bacteria comes into close contact with humans and animals.
The study also explains how the regulation of antibiotic use in aquaculture in higher income areas allows for the control of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. However, it is understood that farmers in lower income economies don’t have the alternatives that others have and that antibiotics is the only other way to prevent crop failure.
Effects to the surrounding area is majorly concerning for scientists. Pathogens present in shrimp ponds and hatcheries (Vibrio & Aeromonas) species are endemic to the surrounding marine environments meaning there is a high potential that the resistant bacteria is released into streams and ponds as the predominant strain of bacteria.
They summed the study up by stating, “This risk is compounded by the high levels of antibiotic pollution in the environment surrounding shrimp aquaculture facilities, with growing evidence of the role of farms themselves in this pollution, through the release of water and pond sediments.”
To assist with the influx in fish farming and the use of antibiotics, Randox Food Diagnostics have developed revolutionary screening solutions. The Evidence Investigator uses patented Biochip Array Technology to provide reliable and economical testing methods to monitor up to 45 residues from a single sample, including arrays for antimicrobials and triphenylmethane dyes.
Additionally, Randox Food Diagnostics have used a wealth of experience to create a variety of ELISA kits for Prawn and Shrimp.
For more information on our seafood arrays for tests such as chloramphenicol, fluoroquinolones, nitrofurans, quinolones, malachite green and many more, please contact us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com