Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The Delvotest- SP is used for detection of Streptomycin and penicillin residues in milk.
Statement (II): The Delvotest\textregistered is used for the detection of penicillin residues in milk.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true

Hint:

Remember that Delvotest uses Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. If antibiotics are present in the milk, the spores cannot germinate and grow, preventing acid production and leaving the pH indicator color unchanged (remaining purple).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Antibiotic residues in milk pose serious health risks and can inhibit starter cultures during fermentation.
The dairy industry uses standardized microbial inhibition assays, such as the Delvotest, to screen milk for these residues.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement I: Delvotest SP (and its variant SP-NT) is a broad-spectrum microbiological diffusion assay. It uses the sensitive spore-forming bacterium Geobacillus stearothermophilus to detect a wide range of antibiotic families (including \(\beta\)-lactams like penicillin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides like streptomycin) at or below their Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Thus, Statement I is true.
- Statement II: The standard Delvotest (such as Delvotest P or Delvotest P Mini) is highly sensitive and specifically optimized as a rapid test for the detection of \(\beta\)-lactam antibiotics, with penicillin being the reference substance. Thus, Statement II is true.
Since both Statement I and Statement II are correct, the correct option is (A).
Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true. Hence, the correct option is (A).