Journal of Socialomics

Abstract

Nigerian antimicrobial consumption surveillance

Helen Adamu

Introduction: Community consumption of antibiotics is a driver for resistance. This report provides update on the Antimicrobial Consumption Surveillance (AMCS) in Nigeria.

Methods: Community consumption of antibiotics were collected from 16 states using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology and reported as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). Validated data from week 29, 2017 to week 45, 2018 were analyzed.

Result: Total antibiotic consumption increased from 0.007 DDD/1000 inhabitants/days in 2017 to 0.086DDD/1000 inhabitants/days in 2018. In 2017, Penicillin (ATC group J01C) was the most frequently used antibacterial, accounting for 64% of total sales. Amoxicillin in particular was 37% of all J01 antibiotic sold over the counter, followed by imidazole derivative metronidazole (ATC group J01XD) at 12%. Oral antibiotic accounted for 96% mean route of administration in 2017 and 2018. In comparison, the ratio of sales of the broad spectrum to the narrow spectrum antibiotics dropped by 92% in 2018, however increased percentage use of cephalosporins, macrolides and quinolones was observed.

Discussion: There is prevalent use of penicillin increasing the likelihood for resistance. The European center for disease control and prevention, reported a similar picture with penicillin as the most frequently dispensed in countries such as Germany and Slovenia making 36% and 71% of total consumption respectively. Prudent use of antimicrobials especially penicillin should take precedence for stronger antimicrobial stewardship measures. Penicillin-resistant Enterococci and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are serious penicillin resistant infections that occur often due to selective pressure on penicillin.

Helen Adamu is an Epidemiologist and the focal person in Antimicrobial Consumption Surveillance representing her organization with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control. Her work created new interest in antimicrobial use surveillance for improved surveillance system. She is an avid Researcher with seven papers published in reputable journals.

Published Date: 2020-10-20; Received Date: 2019-10-20