Title : Antimicrobial residues, resistance, and aquaculture product safety in Cameroon: A national diagnostic and regulatory perspective
Abstract:
Cameroon’s aquaculture sector is expanding rapidly, but rising concerns over antimicrobial residues and resistance pose serious threats to food safety, public health, and international trade. This study offers a national diagnostic and regulatory perspective on aquaculture product safety, focusing on tilapia and shrimp sourced from commercial farms and local market channels in key production zones.
Residue screening using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed that 27% of tested samples exceeded the CODEX Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for commonly used antimicrobials, including tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and sulfonamides. These findings suggest systemic misuse of veterinary drugs within aquaculture practices. Concurrent bacteriological analyses identified multidrug-resistant isolates—particularly Aeromonas spp., Pseudomonas spp., and members of Enterobacteriaceae—with confirmed antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes such as tetA, sul1, and blaCTX-M through PCR detection.
Field assessments revealed fragmented monitoring structures, weak enforcement of drug use regulations, and insufficient diagnostic capacity, particularly at border points and in informal distribution chains. While LANAVET Douala demonstrates promising diagnostic capability, including molecular tools and skilled personnel, its potential remains underutilized in national policy coordination and seafood safety oversight.
This study highlights the urgent need for harmonized surveillance protocols, improved laboratory networks, and enhanced regulatory accountability. A unified national strategy integrating antimicrobial residue monitoring, AMR gene tracking, and policy-level advocacy will be essential to protect consumers, secure aquaculture sustainability, and enable Cameroon’s reintegration into global seafood markets. By embracing a One Health approach, the country can bridge gaps between aquatic animal health, food safety, and trade policy.
Keywords: Aquaculture, Tilapia, Shrimp, Antimicrobial residues, AMR genes, tetA, sul1, blaCTX-M, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, Cameroon, LANAVET, Food safety, One Health, Surveillance, Policy enforcement.
