Emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic bacterial transmission at the livestock-human interface in niger state, nigeria
1
Food Safety, 1. Africa center of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
2
Public health and Epidemiolgy, 2.Livestock Productivity and Resilence Support Project, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries,, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A172
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Africa faces increasing health security challenges from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic disease emergence. In Nigeria, with over 20 million cattle, 180 million poultry, and more than 220 million people, the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections is escalating. Over 65% of bacterial isolates from human and veterinary sources show resistance to fluoroquinolones, β-lactams, and tetracyclines. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are found in up to 30% of livestock, while carbapenem resistance exceeds 10%. These trends, driven by weak infection control, indiscriminate antimicrobial use, and poor biosecurity, heighten the risk of zoonotic spillover and cross-sectoral AMR transmission.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, multi-sectoral study was conducted between January 2022 and June 2024 across livestock farms and nearby communities in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria. A total of 420 samples were collected, comprising 160 milk, 140 poultry litter, and 120 human nasal swabs. Bacterial isolation and identification followed standard microbiological and biochemical procedures, supported by PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using 12 antibiotics according to CLSI (2023) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, and ArcGIS mapping identified regional resistance hotspots.
RESULTS:
Of the 420 samples, 259 (61.7%) yielded bacterial growth, with 192 (74%) being MDR. ESBL-producing isolates accounted for 28.5%, and carbapenem-resistant strains 11.2%. High resistance was observed to tetracycline (72%), ciprofloxacin (67%), and ampicillin (58%). Dominant isolates included E. coli (42%), K. pneumoniae (26%), and Salmonella spp. (15%). PCR confirmed the presence of blaCTX-M (28.5%), tetA (72%), qnrS (54%), and blaNDM (11.2%) genes across human and animal isolates. Spatial analysis revealed peri-urban hotspots with MDR prevalence above 70%.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings highlight a critical convergence of AMR and zoonotic threats at Nigeria’s livestock-human interface. Strengthening One Health-based AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, biosecurity, laboratory capacity, and community awareness is essential to mitigate emerging risks and protect public health.
Africa faces increasing health security challenges from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic disease emergence. In Nigeria, with over 20 million cattle, 180 million poultry, and more than 220 million people, the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections is escalating. Over 65% of bacterial isolates from human and veterinary sources show resistance to fluoroquinolones, β-lactams, and tetracyclines. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are found in up to 30% of livestock, while carbapenem resistance exceeds 10%. These trends, driven by weak infection control, indiscriminate antimicrobial use, and poor biosecurity, heighten the risk of zoonotic spillover and cross-sectoral AMR transmission.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, multi-sectoral study was conducted between January 2022 and June 2024 across livestock farms and nearby communities in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria. A total of 420 samples were collected, comprising 160 milk, 140 poultry litter, and 120 human nasal swabs. Bacterial isolation and identification followed standard microbiological and biochemical procedures, supported by PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using 12 antibiotics according to CLSI (2023) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, and ArcGIS mapping identified regional resistance hotspots.
RESULTS:
Of the 420 samples, 259 (61.7%) yielded bacterial growth, with 192 (74%) being MDR. ESBL-producing isolates accounted for 28.5%, and carbapenem-resistant strains 11.2%. High resistance was observed to tetracycline (72%), ciprofloxacin (67%), and ampicillin (58%). Dominant isolates included E. coli (42%), K. pneumoniae (26%), and Salmonella spp. (15%). PCR confirmed the presence of blaCTX-M (28.5%), tetA (72%), qnrS (54%), and blaNDM (11.2%) genes across human and animal isolates. Spatial analysis revealed peri-urban hotspots with MDR prevalence above 70%.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings highlight a critical convergence of AMR and zoonotic threats at Nigeria’s livestock-human interface. Strengthening One Health-based AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, biosecurity, laboratory capacity, and community awareness is essential to mitigate emerging risks and protect public health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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