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A latest study found that samples taken from mothers and newborn babies younger than one week in Nigeria already had colistin-resistant bacteria present in their bodies.
But neither the babies nor their mothers had been treated with colistin.
What is colistin?
Colistin, also known as polymyxin E
Colistin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections, such as pneumonia
It is considered critically important in human medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO).
It comes in two forms: colistimethate sodium can be injected into a vein, injected into a muscle, or inhaled, and colistin sulfate is mainly applied to the skin or taken by mouth
Dangers of Using Antibiotics in Agriculture
Antibiotics, including colistin, are widely used in agriculture not just for treating infections but also to prevent them and promote faster growth in livestock.
The overuse of antibiotics in farming can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can then spread to humans through the food chain, environment, and other channels.
Despite bans on colistin use in farming in some countries, it is still exported to and used in developing nations, where it can exacerbate resistance issues
Increased antibiotic resistance from agricultural practices can lead to higher rates of infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, posing a significant public health risk.
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