How antibiotic resistance spreads – Infographic Source Biomerieuxconnection Janet Ogundepo Consuming animals and animal products treated and bred with inappropriate dosages of antibiotics could lead to increased deaths from antimicrobial resistance, researchers have warned. Speaking in separate interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the AMR researchers reported a growing difficulty in treating infections with antimicrobials previously cured of such ailments. The experts, who are seasoned clinical and veterinary microbiologists, warned that if the situation is not promptly addressed, there would be an increase in AMR-related deaths in the country and globally.
According to the World Health Organisation, AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe illness and death. Antimicrobials, the WHO states, include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans and animals. A recent study carried out by the Institute of Tropical Medicine stated that even tiny traces of antibiotics in meat and fish consumed could contribute to antibiotic resistance.
The research also revealed that a tiny fraction of ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic used for pigs and cows, could promote bacterial resistance in humans. The Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance reports that in 2019, 4.95 million people suffered and died from drug-.