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A narrative review exploring phage therapy as a sustainable alternative solution to combat antimicrobial resistance in Africa: Applications, challenges and future directions

1Obidi N. O., and 2Ekpunobi, N. F.

1Department of Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

2Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: nzubefavour34@gmail.com

 

Abstract:

The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa, coupled with limited access to advanced antibiotics and high rates of bacterial infections poses serious public health challenge. Bacteriophages, viruses that target and destroy bacteria, present a promising alternative or complementary therapy to traditional antibiotics. Phage therapy leverages its unique ability to target specific bacterial strains without affecting the host beneficial microbiota. It is an effective tool against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) microbial pathogens, particularly in resource-limited settings. This narrative review explores the potentials of phage therapy in Africa, highlighting its advantages, such as specificity, minimal side effects, and cost-effectiveness, alongside its capability to tackle biofilm-associated and AMR infections. It discusses current research and collaborations, including case studies from Nigeria, Benin, and South Africa that demonstrate the efficacy of phage therapy against bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges to phage therapy implementation such as regulatory hurdles, public skepticism, and infrastructure limitations, while emphasizing the importance of developing local production and awareness campaigns. The review concludes by recommending the integration of phage therapy into Africa healthcare strategies to address AMR. Through strategic partnerships, education and regulatory frameworks, phage therapy could become a transformative solution, particularly for neglected diseases and infections common in low-resource settings. As Africa seeks innovative approaches to its growing AMR crisis, phage therapy stands out as a viable and adaptable option.

Continue reading “A narrative review exploring phage therapy as a sustainable alternative solution to combat antimicrobial resistance in Africa: Applications, challenges and future directions”

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The journey to institutionalising Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in a resource-constrained tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria

*1Oduyebo, O. O., 2Fajolu, I. B., 3Oluwarotimi, C. A., [1]Toye, A. K., 5Olugbake, O. A., 1Oshun, P. O.,

4Roberts, A. A., 5Soremekun, R. O., 1Osuagwu, C. S., 5Joda, A. E.,  6Rotimi,  M. K., 2Akintan, P. E., 7Chuka-Ebene, V., +LUTH AMSC., 2Temiye, E. A.,  1Akodu, B. A., 8Bode, C. O., 3Adeyemo, W. L., 9Oreagba, I. A., 10Ajuluchukwu, J. N., and 11,12Nnoaham, K. E.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

2Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

3Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria

4Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

5Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Nigeria

6Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

7Department of Pharmacy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria

8Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

9Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

10Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

11Faculty of Public Health, United Kingdom

12School of Medicine, Cardiff University, United Kingdom

*Correspondence to: ooduyebo@unilag.edu.ng; oyinoduyebo@yahoo.com

+list of members at the end of the article

Abstract:  

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is one of the main strategies to stem the global tide of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While developed nations have successfully implemented antimicrobial stewardship programmes, such initiatives remain underdeveloped in many Nigerian healthcare institutions. This is a report of a project to improve the AMS programme at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria, by strengthening the antimicrobial stewardship committee (AMSC) and antimicrobial stewardship team (AMST) of the hospital. Continue reading “The journey to institutionalising Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in a resource-constrained tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria”

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Bacterial profile and antibiogram of clinical isolates in a tertiary healthcare facility in northeast Nigeria: Initial steps towards developing local antibiotic guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship programme

*[1]Manga, M. M., 1Ibrahim, M., [2],[3]Ali, M. W., 4Warnow, I. E., 5Guduf, M. I., 6Farouk, H. U., 1Charanci, M. S., 1Galadima, G. B., and 2,3,7Fadare, J. O.

1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Gombe State University / Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

2Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria

3Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

4Department of Paediatrics, Gombe State University / Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

5Department of Surgery, Gombe State University / Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

6Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gombe State University / Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

7Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria *Correspondence to: drmmanga@gsu.edu.ng; +2348036781726

Abstract:

Background: Antibiograms and antibiotic guidelines are important tools for appropriate prescribing practices in combating the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge. They serve as a prelude to an evidence-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program, which is necessary for better Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities, especially in low-resource settings like Nigeria. This study determined the bacterial profile and antibiogram of clinical isolates in a tertiary healthcare facility in Gombe, northeastern Nigeria. Continue reading “Bacterial profile and antibiogram of clinical isolates in a tertiary healthcare facility in northeast Nigeria: Initial steps towards developing local antibiotic guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship programme”

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Bacterial etiology of spreading odontogenic infection in southwest Nigeria using the 16S rRNA next generation sequencing technique

[1],[2],[3]Famurewa, B. A., 1,2Uwanibe, J. N., 1,2Olawoye, I. B., 2Eromon, P., 3Aregbesola, S. B., 3Oginni, F. O., 1,2Happi, C. T., and *1,2Folarin, O. A.

1Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University,  PMB 230, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

2African Center of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, PMB 230, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

3Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria                                                  *Correspondence to: folarino@run.edu.ng; ORCID No: 0000-0001-7283-2920

Abstract:

Background: Genomics surveillance and characterization of pathogens have enabled prompt and accurate diagnosis, for improved management and control of infectious diseases. This study aimed to identify bacteria associated with spreading odontogenic infections (SOIs) among patients visiting the Dental Center of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, by sequencing 16S rRNA gene of the bacteria. Continue reading “Bacterial etiology of spreading odontogenic infection in southwest Nigeria using the 16S rRNA next generation sequencing technique”

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Prevalence and aetiological agents of childhood urinary tract infections at the University Teaching Hospital (CHU) of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire

*1,2Gawa, K. J., 1,2Monemo, P., 1,2N’Guessan, M., 1,2Tadet, J. O. N., 3Oka, K. H.,         3Akanji, I. A., 3Koné, M. O., 1Vaho, M., 1Traoré, F., and 1,2Akoua Koffi, C.

 1Laboratoire Bactériologie-Virologie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire

2UFR des Sciences Médical, Université Alassane Ouattara, BP 1174 Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire

3Service de Pédiatrie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire *Correspondant à: kokoragawa@gmail.com; +2250709885690

 

Abstract:

 Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in paediatric environment. The microbial ecology is often modified by over-prescription of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiological agents responsible for paediatric UTIs, with a view to improving care for children in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. Continue reading “Prevalence and aetiological agents of childhood urinary tract infections at the University Teaching Hospital (CHU) of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire”

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Prevalence, molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Clostridioides difficile in southeastern Nigeria

*1,2Oghonyon, 1,3Ugwu, M. C., 1,3Esimone, C. O., and 2Onah, A. I.

 [1]Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

[2]Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

[3]TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Biomedical, Engineering and Agricultural Translational studies, Nnamdi

Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: oghonyonei@dufuhs.edu.ng, eddisonioghonyon@gmail.com; +2348038469094

 

Abstract:

 Background: Clostridioides difficile is a major contributor to healthcare-associated infections, exhibiting global variations in its prevalence and resistance. There is an absence of data on its molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of C. difficile in southeastern Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate its prevalence, molecular features, and resistance patterns to enhance treatment and control strategies.  Continue reading “Prevalence, molecular characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Clostridioides difficile in southeastern Nigeria”

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Biochemical evaluation of liver function enzymes in Lassa fever patients

[1]Anjorin, A. A., *1Salami, W. O., 2Omojola, T. E., 1Ajoseh, S. O., 3Gbenga-Ayeni, B. O., 3Etafo, J., 1Lawal-Sanni, A. O., and 2,3Hassan, A. O.

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, P. O. Box 0001, LASU Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

2Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria

3Infection Control and Research Laboratory, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: wasiu.salami@lasu.edu.ng; +2348032582702

 

Abstract:

 Background: Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus (LV). It has a high case fatality rate of about 5,000 deaths in humans from 300,000-500,000 cases each year globally. The high mortality rate from Lassa fever has been associated with abnormal liver enzyme production due to LV infiltration of the liver. However, data are sparse on the different enzymes and their proportions associated with LF. This study aims to evaluate the effect of LF on the levels of selected liver enzymes. Continue reading “Biochemical evaluation of liver function enzymes in Lassa fever patients”

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Pathogenicity of filamentous fungi isolated from poultry farms on gastrointestinal system of day-old chicks in Anambra State, Nigeria

Mba, Anthonia Nkiruka

International Institute for Infectious Diseases, Biosafety and Biosecurity Research, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract:

Background: The pervasive presence of filamentous fungi in poultry farming environments has a profound impact on the bird health, leading to reduced growth rates, increased mortality, and decreased egg production. The objective of this study was to use an avian model to determine the pathogenicity of some filamentous fungal isolates from litter, feed, and fecal samples on day-old birds.  Continue reading “Pathogenicity of filamentous fungi isolated from poultry farms on gastrointestinal system of day-old chicks in Anambra State, Nigeria”

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Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella isolates from clinical, environmental and food sources in Lagos, Nigeria

Ajoseh, S. O., Fakorede, C. O., Abegunrin, R. O., Sodipo, C. O., Lawal-Sanni, A. O.,  Salami, W. O., and *Akinyemi, K. O.

Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: kabiru.akinyemi@lasu.edu.ng; +2348029088676

Abstract:

 Background: Salmonellosis persists in Lagos, Nigeria, despite interventions. This study investigated antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella species from clinical, food, and environmental samples in Lagos.    Methodology: From June to December 2018, 276 samples (86 blood, 80 stool, 40 hospital effluents, and 70 food) were collected for microbiological analysis. Clinical samples (blood and stool) were collected from patients in General Hospital Igando and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja. Food samples were collected from food vendors in the urban periphery of Lagos State, and hospital effluents were collected from Gbagada General Hospital and Ojo Health Centre. The samples were processed using standard microbiological procedures.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacteria was done using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Continue reading “Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella isolates from clinical, environmental and food sources in Lagos, Nigeria”

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Bacteriological quality of Datura stramonium cocktail (‘gegemu’) and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacterial pathogens

*1Onipede, J. A., 2Morka, E., 1Adeleye, O. R., and 3Onipede, O. M.

Abstract:
Background: Datura stramonium, commonly known as Jimson weed, is widely recognized in traditional medicine, and is a key ingredient in various herbal concoctions. Aside from the well-known herbal formulation, a cocktail made from Datura stramonium, known locally as ‘gegemu’, has become increasingly popular among students in our environment, raising concerns about its microbial quality. The fact that this cocktail is not commercially available raises the possibility of contamination by pathogenic microorganisms during preparation or storage, posing significant health risk. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial quality of this cocktail drink and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacteria isolates. Continue reading “Bacteriological quality of Datura stramonium cocktail (‘gegemu’) and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacterial pathogens”