Recent research has highlighted a concerning link between pregnant women exposed to livestock feed and the risk of their babies developing antibiotic-resistant infections. The study, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other researchers, underscores the dangers associated with the presence of colistin—a potent antibiotic—in imported livestock feeds.
Key Findings
- Antibiotic Resistance in Babies: Pregnant women working in poultry farms or involved in animal husbandry may be exposed to colistin through livestock feed. This exposure can result in the transfer of colistin-resistant bacteria to their newborns. Colistin, currently the last-resort treatment for multi-drug resistant infections like pneumonia, is not commonly prescribed in Nigerian clinics but is found in some imported animal feeds.
- Study Results: Gavi’s study sampled 4,907 newborns and their mothers in Kano and Abuja between 2015 and 2017. It found that 1% of these samples contained colistin-resistant genes, with 41 mothers and eight babies affected. Though this percentage seems small, the presence of such resistance in newborns is alarming.
Expert Opinions
- Immediate Action Required: Researchers and health experts stress the need for urgent action to address this issue. Recommendations include banning the importation of livestock feed containing colistin, regulating over-the-counter antibiotic sales, and implementing routine screening of pregnant women during antenatal care.
- Concerns About AMR: Professor Ben Onankpa, a paediatrician, expressed concern over the presence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in newborns. He highlighted that while the current levels of resistance are manageable, proactive measures are necessary to prevent future complications. Proper antimicrobial stewardship and regulatory actions are essential to mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic resistance.
- Calls for Policy Changes: Medical experts, including Professor Samuel Taiwo from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, advocate for stricter regulations on antimicrobial sources and emphasize the importance of using existing antibiotics wisely. The rising incidence of AMR in children and the associated death rates are of particular concern, necessitating effective control measures.
Summary
The study reveals a critical public health issue related to antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for immediate regulatory actions and preventive measures. The link between livestock feed containing colistin and antibiotic resistance in newborns underscores the importance of ensuring that antibiotics are used judiciously and that preventive strategies are in place to protect both pregnant women and their babies.
