By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria
Prominent clinical microbiologists have sounded a warning against the misuse of antibiotics for treating common cold, which is caused by viruses.
The experts, Prof. Samuel Taiwo, a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Prof. Comfort Akujobi, a professor of Clinical Microbiology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Prof. Olufemi Ojo, a professor of Veterinary Microbiology and Food Safety at the Federal University of Agriculture, underscored the critical need for proper diagnosis and responsible prescription practices.
Prof. Taiwo highlighted the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), attributing it to the irrational use of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antibacterial. He called for prescription-based access to these drugs and stressed the importance of educating healthcare professionals at all levels about the correct use of antimicrobials.
Prof. Akujobi warned against using antibiotics like Augmentin to treat the common cold, suggesting instead that simple remedies such as steam inhalation could alleviate symptoms. She stressed that the misuse of antibiotics accelerates the emergence of resistant strains, complicating future treatment efforts.
Prof. Ojo emphasized the necessity of accurate diagnosis before administering antibiotics. He pointed out that viral illnesses often mimic bacterial infections, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate antibiotic use. He advocated for improved diagnostic facilities to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
They emphasized that antibiotics are ineffective for viral illnesses and their misuse could lead to the dangerous development of antimicrobial resistance.
A health blog, Vaccination Matters, reiterated that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, while Cleveland Clinic explained that these medicines are designed to combat bacterial infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as a top global public health threat, directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019.
The experts collectively called for stronger regulatory measures to control the sale and distribution of antibiotics, ensuring they are only available with a medical prescription. They urged the government to implement stringent antimicrobial stewardship practices and promote infection prevention measures to curb the spread of resistant pathogens.
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