Expert calls for more research efforts to overcome drug-resistant microorganisms

A Professor of Microbiology at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Mrs Abimbola Owoseni, says there is an urgent need for microbiologists and other basic scientists to embark on a research to develop new drugs that microorganisms would not be able to resist.

While delivering the 12th inaugural lecture for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science of Bowen University on Thursday, entitled  ‘Microorganisms: Invincibility in Invisibility’, Owoseni noted that combating antibiotic resistance was increasingly becoming more ineffective.

She therefore called for more funds to be made available for research in basic sciences among other measures.

According to Owoseni, who is Bowen University’s first female Professor of Microbiology, to win this war against microorganisms, one would need to understand the microbes and the power they have.  

She noted that microorganisms are often responsible for the loss of human lives and livestock across the globe, and that injudicious use of antibiotics is a major factor facilitating the emergence of drug resistance.

Antibiotic resistance, according to her, has been described as one of the greatest global threats of the 21st century.

“Microorganisms are transferred readily between individuals, and this resistance emerging in one patient can affect another. 

“So, tackling antibiotic resistance  is of great public health importance and it must  not be  underestimated,” she noted.

She explained that once resistance has emerged, subsequent dissemination of resistant strains is facilitated by the selection pressure exerted by further antibiotic use, failure to adhere to infection control measures and poor hygiene, which she said could occur both within and outside healthcare settings. 

She added: “Antibiotic resistance is a global menace that threatens the  progress in healthcare, food production and life expectancy.  

“Infections due to resistant microorganisms   resulted in about 25,000 deaths in some parts of Europe,” quoting a World Health Organisation 2022 report.

Professor Owoseni then emphasized personal hygiene, as well as consumption of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and potable water as major keys to living a healthy life and preventing infection.

She also made a case for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to extend research grants to private tertiary institutions.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor  Jonathan Babalola, in his remarks, described Mrs Owoseni as a reliable  Professor of Microbiology. He declared that Bowen University is endowed with knowledgeable manpower in teaching and research that can produce the 21st century leadership who, in turn, will transform the society positively.