Multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria in Nigeria and potential use of bacteriophages as biocontrol

Sci Total Environ. 2022 Jun 10:824:153842. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153842. Epub 2022 Feb 17.

Abstract

Enteric bacterial pathogens have been implicated in many cases of gastroenteritis in Nigeria, a West African country. This situation is worsened by some reports of the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria. To better prepare for situations in which even antibiotics of last resort would fail to treat infections caused by these pathogens, attention should be paid to alternative antimicrobial strategies. Here, we summarize existing reports of multidrug-resistant enteric bacterial infections in Nigeria, and importantly present the use of bacteriophages (viruses of bacteria) as an attractive antimicrobial alternative to combat these pathogens. It is hoped that this review will encourage research into the use of lytic bacteriophages against multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria in Nigeria.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Bacteriophages; Diarrhea; Enteric Bacteria; Gastroenteritis; Nigeria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteria
  • Bacteriophages*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Nigeria

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents