Scientists commence research on locally manufactured alternative to antibiotics

NIGERIA – Nigeria is taking significant steps to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a groundbreaking research effort to replace antibiotics used in livestock and aquaculture. 

The initiative, known as the BAC4RumA project, is funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF).

It aims to develop bacteriocin-rich extracts from engineered lactic acid bacteria as substitutes for antibiotics commonly used in ruminants and fish.

Project lead in Nigeria, Dr. Ismail Odetokun, said early laboratory findings show that the extracts are more effective than existing antibiotics in treating infections such as mastitis in cattle and bacterial diseases in fish. 

He noted that the team is preparing to move the innovation into field trials, adding that farmers have already shown keen interest in adopting safer treatment options.

Highlighting the global threat of AMR, Dr. Najete Safini of IDRC described the challenge as a “silent pandemic” that undermines food production and public health. 

She stressed the importance of strengthening domestic capacity, saying that solutions created within Nigeria will provide stronger protection for the nation’s food systems.

Dr. Mahmoud Eltholth of Royal Holloway University of London said the collaboration prioritizes sustainability by equipping Nigerian scientists and institutions to continue developing livestock health solutions locally rather than relying heavily on imports.

With livestock and aquaculture contributing more than ₦33 trillion to the Nigerian economy each year, experts say the research could secure millions of livelihoods while positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s response to antimicrobial resistance.

The growing threat of antibiotic resistance

Continuous, low-dose antibiotic use allows germs to develop resistance, rendering once-effective drugs gradually useless. This resistance can spread from animals to humans, complicating the treatment of infections in both.

In a study of pig farms in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, 72.5% of farmers administered antibiotics themselves (not through veterinary professionals), with 27.5% doing so weekly.

Globally, the livestock and aquaculture sectors have become significant antibiotic hubs use: according to one analysis, around 70% of all antimicrobials are used in farm animals. Many of these drugs overlap with those critical for human health, bridging the animal-human resistance pathway.

Direct annual deaths attributable to AMR are projected to reach nearly 1.91 million by 2050, with up to 8.2 million deaths per year when associated deaths are included.

The economic stakes are just as high, as unchecked AMR could cost global GDP up to US $3.4 trillion per year by 2030, while losses stemming from livestock-associated resistant infections could reach US $950 billion.

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