Nigerian researchers are seeking for am immediate action to combat a sharp rise in typhoid fever and multidrug-resistant bacteria, warning of a potential public health crisis.
A new study in PLOS One found 36.5 per cent of screened participants in Niger State tested positive for Salmonella Typhi, the bacterium causing typhoiYoung adults aged 18-27 and semi-urban residents were hit hardest.
Even more concerning is that 76 per cent of isolates resisted at least three common antibiotics, crippling treatment options.
Resistance hit 100 per cent for Amoxicillin, 96.8 per cent for Chloramphenicol, and 79.5 per cent for Tetracycline while Gentamicin and Levofloxacin fared better at 78.5 per cent and 83.6 per cent effectiveness.
“We face a severe threat,” said Lead Investigator, Kolawole Aremu of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University. “First-line antibiotics are now ineffective for many patients.
“The year-long study, from August 2023 to August 2024, blamed poor sanitation, contaminated water, and antibiotic misuse. Tap water users had a 57.1per cent infection rate versus 25.6 per cent for borehole users. Self-medication fueled resistance.
The experts call for upgraded water and sanitation infrastructure, tighter antibiotic sales controls, community education, and better prescribing practices. They also push for ongoing surveillance to track resistance.
“Without swift intervention, untreated cases could spike complications, hospitalizations, and deathsc”, Aremu warned.
The study leads include Prof. Dickson Musa of IBBU, with contributors from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Coventry University, University of Abuja, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, and PAAU Teaching Hospital.
