The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has raised fresh concerns over the rising resistance to third-generation antibiotics, particularly cephalosporins, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public health.
Speaking during a media briefing organised by the institute to showcase ongoing research efforts, Senior Researcher, Dr. Emelda Chukwu said third-generation cephalosporins—broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics used to treat severe infections—are increasingly becoming ineffective.
She explained that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms evolve or mutate in ways that render previously effective drugs powerless against them. According to her, drugs once relied upon as “reserve” treatments are now showing alarming levels of resistance.
“AMR is one of the most pressing global health threats today. It is threatening to reverse decades of progress made in treating infectious diseases with antibiotics,” she said. “We are now witnessing high levels of resistance, such that even third-generation antibiotics, which are meant to be our fallback options, are losing their effectiveness. This is deeply concerning.”
Chukwu noted that her research team surveyed four healthcare facilities serving as sentinel sites to assess clinical patterns of antimicrobial resistance among patients already battling various infections. The findings, she disclosed, revealed significant resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.
She identified human behaviour—particularly the misuse and abuse of antibiotics—as a major driver of the growing resistance. Self-medication, improper prescriptions, and incomplete treatment courses, she said, are worsening the crisis.
The researcher added that her team is working to curb the emergence and spread of AMR using the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnected relationship between human health, animal health, and the environment.
As part of preventive strategies, she highlighted the role of environmental and wastewater surveillance in detecting pathogens early. According to her, the team has developed a structured wastewater surveillance system within the ecosystem to serve as an early warning mechanism capable of identifying epidemic- or pandemic-prone pathogens before outbreaks escalate.
