Surveillance for Antibiotic Resistance in Nigeria: Challenges and Possible Solutions

Abstract

There is no doubt that antibiotics have saved the human race from a lot of suffering due to bacterial disease burden. Without these drugs, millions of people would have succumbed to infectious diseases. Regrettably, antibiotic resistance (ABR) threatens the effective treatment of these pathogens. The incidence of ABR and the emergence of multidrug-resistance bacteria are on the increase and has been considered a major public health issue. In view of this, we conducted this review of relevant published articles using extensive literature search made through PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus and HINARI on the emergence and spread of ABR, challenges and possible solutions to ABR surveillance especially in Nigeria. Findings from our review revealed that surveillance for ABR in pulmonary tuberculosis was the only system in good function in Nigeria. Regrettably, most hospitals have poor ABR systems for other bacteria. This setback was found to be linked to multifactorial reasons. Urgent and coordinated action is required at all levels to ensure preservation of these life-saving drugs for future utility. Detection of resistance and monitoring its spread requires appropriate laboratory-based surveillance. In addition, there is need to sustain the efficiency of diagnostic laboratories, improved surveillance, better regulation and education of the public, clinicians/prescribers in the appropriate use of antibiotics.