New test detects false or substandard antibiotics



For many years, Nigeria and other countries in the developing world have grappled with the manufacture and distribution of substandard, nonlegitimate medicines.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 10 percent of all drugs worldwide could be falsified, with up to 50 percent of those some form of antibiotics.  These drugs do not only cause harm to patients, they also contribute to the wider problem of antimicrobial resistance.


In a bid to end this menace, a Colorado State University laboratory is putting chemistry to work to identify falsified and substandard antibiotics. The researchers created a paper-based test that can quickly determine whether an antibiotic sample is appropriate strength, or diluted with filler substances like baking soda. Similar to the mechanism of a home pregnancy test, a strip of paper turns a distinctive color if a falsified antibiotic is present.

The test is simple, fast (about 15 minutes), effective for a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, and can be used by an untrained professional.

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