Toxicological implications of non-medical pharmacological exposure to antibiotics in albino rats routing through River Chenab’s water

Contamination by antibiotics has emerged as a global apprehension with serious consequences for ecological and human health. This research screened the levels of azithromycin, cefixime, linezolid, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin in the blood serum of albino rats administered surface water collected from the River Chenab for 30 days. The exposed group (n = 24) exhibited a considerable concentration of azithromycin with an average of 2.74 ± 1.69 µg mL-1, while the control group (n = 6) receiving clean water revealed undetectable concentrations. Correlation analysis uncovered moderate associations among fluoroquinolones, particularly between ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin (r = 0.34), suggesting their shared pharmacokinetics. Detection of antibiotics in blood serum following non-medical exposure confirmed the bioavailability and potential for systemic toxicity. Azithromycin levels indicate potential for unintended pharmacological effects in non-target organisms. This study is the first in Pakistan to demonstrate direct pharmacological exposure from river water to mammalian serum, highlighting an urgent health issue to achieve good health and well-being.