Pharmacokinetic Properties of Antibiotics in Birds: Impact on Veterinary Drug Research and Development

Chan Rusi^*
*Correspondence: Chan Rusi, Department of Surgery, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Email:

Introduction

Antibiotics play a pivotal role in managing bacterial infections in avian species, both in commercial poultry production and in companion birds. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted is crucial for optimizing dosing regimens, ensuring efficacy, minimizing resistance development, and safeguarding animal and public health. This article delves into the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in avian species, highlighting the unique physiological characteristics that influence drug behavior, the implications for veterinary drug research and development, and future directions in avian pharmacology. Pharmacokinetics involves the study of the time course of drug concentrations in the body. It encompasses four primary processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. In avian species, these processes are influenced by distinct physiological features, such as high metabolic rates, differences in gastrointestinal anatomy, and unique renal and hepatic systems. These differences can result in variations in drug efficacy and toxicity compared to mammals, necessitating species-specific pharmacokinetic studies [1-3].

Description

The avian GI tract is designed for rapid food processing, with a relatively short transit time. This can affect the rate and extent of drug absorption. Drugs that require acidic environments for solubility may face reduced bioavailability due to the birdâ??s less acidic stomach compared to mammals. Birds have higher digestive enzyme activity, which can alter the solubility and stability of certain antibiotics. This is particularly relevant for oral antibiotics, which may undergo degradation before absorption. The presence of food can enhance or inhibit the absorption of some antibiotics. For example, tetracyclines bind to calcium and other divalent cations in the diet, reducing absorption. Similarly, antibiotics administered via drinking water may have inconsistent bioavailability due to variable water intake. The absorption of enrofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, can be influenced by the pH of the crop and the presence of food, affecting its therapeutic efficacy. Once absorbed, antibiotics are distributed throughout the birdâ??s body via the circulatory system.

The distribution is influenced by factors such as blood flow, plasma protein binding, and body composition. Birds have a high cardiac output and efficient circulatory systems, leading to rapid drug distribution. However, their blood volume is relatively low compared to mammals, which can affect drug concentration levels. Many antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones, bind to plasma proteins. In birds, differences in plasma protein composition can alter the free (active) drug concentration, influencing therapeutic outcomes. The high metabolic rate and lean body mass of birds can lead to faster drug clearance and reduced half-life for lipophilic drugs. This affects the dosing frequency required to maintain therapeutic drug levels. The distribution of aminoglycosides like gentamicin is affected by the birdâ??s fluid compartment size, requiring careful dose adjustments to avoid toxicity [4,5].

Conclusion

The pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in avian species plays a critical role in the effective management of bacterial infections, the development of veterinary drugs, and the promotion of animal health. Avian physiology presents unique challenges and opportunities for pharmacokinetic studies, influencing drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. By enhancing our understanding of these processes, veterinary researchers and practitioners can develop more effective dosing regimens, improve antimicrobial stewardship, and ensure the safety of poultry products in the food supply chain. The continued evolution of pharmacological research, supported by technological innovations, holds great promise for advancing veterinary medicine in avian species.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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