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Screening for Antibiotic Residues in Milk and Study of Antibiotic Resistance of Isolates from Milk

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Nrupathunga University, Bengaluru, India
  • 2Department of Microbiology, Nrupathunga University, Bengaluru, India
  • 3Department of Microbiology, Nrupathunga University, Bengaluru, India

Res. J. Recent Sci., Volume 15, Issue (4), Pages 20-24, October,2 (2026)

Abstract

Antibiotics are widely employed in veterinary practice, particularly for the treatment of mastitis and dry cow therapy. Such practices may lead to the secretion of antibiotic residues in milk, leading to public health concerns. The present study aimed to detect residues of antibiotics in milk samples obtained from different milk-producing animals, including native and hybrid cows, buffalo, sheep, and goat and to evaluate antibiotic resistance patterns in bacteria recovered from these samples. Five milk samples were analysed using the five-plate screening method and thin-layer chromatography for antibiotic residues detection. Milk samples collected from hybrid cows and sheep showed detectable levels of antibiotic residues. Bacterial isolates obtained from the milk samples were further screened for antibiotic resistance. The isolate from native cow milk exhibited resistance to methicillin, while isolates from hybrid cow and buffalo milk showed resistance to erythromycin. The resistance profiles observed in the study suggest the emergence of antimicrobial resistance associated with continuous or repeated antibiotic exposure during therapeutic applications. Consumer safety in ensured by regulatory authorities by establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for antibiotic residues found in food products. Therefore, routine monitoring by food testing laboratories is essential to make sure that levels of antibiotic residue in milk remain less than the prescribed MRLs and to minimize the risk associated with antimicrobial resistance.

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