Streptomycin Rapid Test
A semi-quantitative immunochromatographic rapid test strip for the detection of Streptomycin in a honey sample. These tests can be read visually or using a Flowsense reader for improved detection capability.
Why test for Streptomycin in honey?
Streptomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is produced by the bacteria Streptomyces. It shares close similarities in structure, pharmacokinetics, and antimicrobial properties with dihydrostreptomycin. These drugs are commonly employed to combat bacterial infections in various livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. While Streptomycin is prohibited in European beekeeping practices, it is permitted in the United States specifically for treating outbreaks of American foulbrood, albeit with a mandatory 4-week withdrawal period before honey can be harvested for consumption.
Strict regulations forbid the presence of antibiotics in honey, necessitating precise testing methods to ensure that such residues do not infiltrate the food chain. The detection of antibiotics in honey can trigger allergic reactions in humans and exacerbate the problem of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, accurate monitoring is crucial to safeguard consumer health and maintain the integrity of honey as a product