A Systematic Review of Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Gram-Negative Pathogens in Southern Nigeria (2010-2022)

Author: Green, B.A.¹

¹Department of Public Health, University of Calabar.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat. This review synthesizes data on AMR trends in Gram-negative bacteria from clinical isolates in Southern Nigeria to inform local treatment guidelines and policy.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online for studies published between 2010 and 2022. Data on resistance rates of E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to common antibiotics were extracted and analyzed.

Results: 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. High levels of resistance were observed to ampicillin (>85%), ceftriaxone (>60%), and ciprofloxacin (>50%) across the pathogens. Resistance to carbapenems, while still low (<5% for meropenem), showed an upward trend over the study period.

Conclusion: There is a critical need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship programs and robust surveillance systems in Southern Nigeria. Empirical use of third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones should be heavily discouraged.

Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Nigeria, Public Health Policy.