Detection of Furazolidone Metabolites in Cultured Shrimps in Penang Market

Abstract

Background: Furazolidone is a synthetic antibiotic in nitrofurans family which commonly used as a broad antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent for animal and human. However Malaysia prohibits the use of nitrofurans antibiotic (furazolidone, nitrofurazone, furaltadone, and nitrofurantoin) in the animal feed since 1996. But it is widely used in other countries as feed additives for poultry, cattle, farmed fish, turkey and aquaculture products. The metabolite 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) is rapidly produce after ingestion of furazolidone and present for many week in body making them be a good indicator for illegal used of furazolidone antibiotic.

Objective: To detect the presence of AOZ, determine its concentration and find the sources of cultured shrimp that contains AOZ in Penang markets.

Results: twenty five cultured shrimp have been collected from Penang market and no AOZ have been detected in cultured shrimp in Penang markets.

Conclusion: Cultured shrimp in Penang markets is safe from furazolidone and AOZ.

Keywords: Nitrofurans Furazolidone, AOZ Cultured Shrimp, Penang