Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Drugs Prescription Pattern in Small Animal Clinical Practice in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge in veterinary and human health, leading to monitoring of resistance and  promotion of responsible antimicrobial use. This survey assessed the use of antimicrobials among government veterinarians in Ogun  state, Nigeria. Clinicians were requested to fill questionnaires designed to extract information on the frequency of antibiotics use,  antibiotic prescription patterns and evaluation of perception on AMR and use of antibiotics with compromised efficacy in veterinary  practice in the last three years. Fifty-two (52) questionnaires were administered and duly completed upon return. Data analysis showed  100% awareness of AMR with 80.8% (42/52) agreeing to have encountered AMR in the course of managing small animal cases. The  tetracycline class of antibiotics 49(94.2%) was the most prescribed, followed by aminoglycosides 40(76.9%) and fluoroquinolones  35(67.3%). Empirical therapy (34/52) 65.4% is the most common treatment option among clinicians while 18 (34.6%) out of 52 clinicians  performed antibiotic susceptibility testing along with laboratory diagnosis as treatment guide. Furthermore, 75.0% of the respondents  affirmed administering antibiotics formulated for human use in small animal treatment. Thirty-three (63.5%) respondents administered  human antimicrobials in animals according to the recommended dosage in humans. This survey identified that AMR was common in  small animals in the state studied and this may be due to the irrational use of antibiotics. Promoting antimicrobial stewardship in small  animal medicine therefore is paramount to mitigating antimicrobial resistance and data obtained from this study will contribute to  developing evidence-based policy on the rational use of antibiotics in small animal practice in Nigeria.