Comment on "Photodegradation of sulfathiazole under simulated sunlight: Kinetics, photo-induced structural rearrangement, and antimicrobial activities of photoproducts" by Niu et al. [Water Research 124 2017 576–583]. (15th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hain, Ethan; Wammer, Kristine H.; Blaney, Lee
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 131(2018)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2018-03-15
• Subjects: Sulfonamide -- Antibiotic -- Antimicrobial activity -- Antimicrobial susceptibility -- Sulfathiazole -- Sulfadiazine; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.12.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: Recent efforts have employed antimicrobial susceptibility assays to describe the residual antimicrobial activity of antibiotics and their transformation products in a variety of environmental processes. Some authors have evaluated the results of these assays using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC); however, this approach has fundamental weaknesses. To highlight best practices, this comment describes the advantages of using dose-response curves to calculate the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) and the potential impacts of growth media on the antimicrobial activity of sulfonamide antibiotics. Highlights: Disadvantages of MIC-based analysis of residual antimicrobial activity. Comparison of IC50 values is best practice for antimicrobial activity measurement. Growth media may interfere with antimicrobial activity of sulfonamides.