DETERMINATION OF AMOXICILLIN RESIDUES USED BY VETERINARIANS TO TREAT CAMEL DISEASE USING LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY (LC-MS) IN TRIPOLI REGION, LIBYA

Jamela M. Elasough, Amer A. Elgerwi*, Abubakr M. El-Mahmoudy and Marwan M. Draid

ABSTRACT

Background: Residues of antibacterial are a serious issue in the world in both veterinary and human fields. Based on the toxicity of antibiotics to animals and consumer health. Our research build on a method for the simultaneous analysis of amoxicillin residues in edible camel muscle, liver, kidney and fat samples via liquid chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) technique was used. Methods: Forty samples of slaughtered camel's tissues (10 of muscle, 10 of liver, 10 of kidney, and 10 of fat) were collected from different carcasses at different slaughter houses in Tripoli districts. The LC-MS method was validated according to specificity, sensitivity, linearity, matrix effects, precision, accuracy, decision limit, detection capability, and stability, as defined by the European Union and Food and Drug Administration. Results: Amoxicillin residues have been detected in 30% in muscle, 20% in liver, 20% in kidney and 40% in fat samples. The samples, although contaminated, yet decided acceptable as the detected levels were less than that were regulated by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for amoxicillin maximal residual levels (50, 50, 50 and 50 μg/Kg muscle, liver, kidney or fat, respectively). Conclusions: The authors recommended avoiding irrational use of amoxicillin in veterinary practice and camel in particular; and sticking to the withdrawal time regulated and labelled for drugs used in therapy among veterinary personnel, organizations, and governmental agencies in Libya.

Keywords: Drug residues, Amoxicillin, Camel, Tripoli.