NAFDAC Bans Colistin For Treatment Of Bacterial Diseases In Veterinary

NAFDAC has banned using colistin, an antibiotic, for the treatment of bacterial diseases in veterinary.

BrandNewsDay reports that in a regulatory directive released by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, colistin is banned because of its contribution to the global antimicrobial resistance concern and its nephrotoxicity (damage to kidneys) and neurotoxicity (damage to the brain and nerves) activity in humans.

Antimicrobials are used in veterinary medicine for treating and preventing animal disease.

The global annual consumption of antimicrobials intended for animal use is on the increase and it is believed that excessive use of antimicrobials in animal production is a major factor contributing to the global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Colistin is an antibiotic and has a bactericidal action against selected Gram-negative bacteria.

It is a last resort for the treatment of infection caused by multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

NAFDAC  banned Colistin because of its nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity activity in humans; however, it was reintroduced to treat carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.

Unfortunately, colistin resilience mechanisms have now been documented in Enterobacteriaceae strains capable of producing carbapenems, making them resistant to both classes of drugs and a global health concern.

The use of colistin as an antibiotic in animal feed is therefore banned in Nigeria.

Colistin is an antibiotic meant for therapeutic purposes in veterinary.

It is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by sensitive bacteria (e.g. Salmonella and Escherichia coli) in rabbits, pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep, and goats.

In poultry and swine production, colistin sulfate is indicated for the prevention and control of gastrointestinal diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp.