CIPROFLOXACIN

THE FREQUENT USE IN POULTRY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES ON HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

Fluoroquinolones are bactericidal agents that exhibit AUC/MIC dependent
killing. In general, they are effective against Gram-negative organisms and some mycobacteria.
Ciprofloxacin is the members of this group and its bactericidal action involves the impeding of
enzyme topoisomerase II and IV. In human beings, this drug is recommended for a variety of
infections including typhoid fever,chronic bacterial prostatitis, lower respiratory tract infections,
skin infections, urinary tract infections, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, complicated
intra-abdominal infections, infectious diarrhea, and uncomplicated cervical as well as urethral
gonorrhea.The drug is as effective in animals as in humans, and is therefore used in animals
as well. According to European health law and National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), UK,
the statutory withdrawal period for veterinary medicinal products must not be less than 28 days
for meat from poultry. The chicken used for meat purpose usually is of the age between 6 to 8
weeks, therefore the use of the drug must be discontinued by the age of 2 weeks. Whereas the
age of chick at which it usually develops indicated diseases, is 3 weeks. In this situation, it is not
possible to attain a withdrawal period of 28 days. Based on these observations, ciprofloxacin
use may not be recommended in poultry for treatment of diseases as it may cause unnecessary
exposure to humans while utilizing poultry meat and may lead to the development of drug
resistance.