A Senior Researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), EMELDA Chukwu, has raised concerns over the growing high-level resistance to third-generation antibiotics known as cephalosporins.
Chukwu spoke on Monday during a media chat organised by NIMR to update the public on some of its ongoing research efforts in the country.
High Resistance to Third-Generation Cephalosporins
According to the researcher, third-generation cephalosporins are broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics. They are used to treat severe infections that cannot be managed with first- and second-generation antibiotics.
However, recent findings show that these reserve drugs are losing their effectiveness.
Chukwu explained that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms evolve or mutate. As a result, drugs that were originally designed to kill them become ineffective.
She described AMR as one of the most pressing global health threats today.
“Currently, we are having high levels of resistance such that these organisms are no longer responding to these medicines that are supposed to kill them,” she said.
She added that even third-generation antibiotics, which are considered last-resort options in many cases, are now developing resistance. She described the situation as alarming.
Survey Reveals Disturbing Clinical Patterns
Chukwu disclosed that her research team conducted a survey using four healthcare facilities as sentinel sites.
The study focused on antimicrobial resistance clinical patterns, especially among patients already battling different infections.
The survey revealed a high level of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins across the selected facilities.
She noted that the team is working to mitigate the emergence and spread of resistance. Their approach is guided by the One Health strategy, which recognises the link between human health, animal health, and the environment.
Misuse of Antibiotics Driving AMR
The researcher attributed the growing resistance largely to human behaviour. She said the misuse and abuse of antibiotics remain major risk factors fueling antimicrobial resistance.
Improper prescriptions, self-medication, and failure to complete treatment doses all contribute to the problem.
Chukwu also highlighted the importance of environmental and wastewater surveillance. She described it as an early warning system for detecting pandemic- and epidemic-prone pathogens.
According to her, the team has created a structured wastewater surveillance system within the ecosystem. This system can signal potential outbreaks before they escalate into full-blown epidemics or pandemics.
She stressed that urgent action is needed to preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and protect public health.
