Keywords
Anti-microbial efficacy,
Antibiotics,
Antifungals,
Human,
Animal, Health
Health
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: One Health perspective highlights the effect of sunlight on antibiotic efficacy linking human, animal and environmental health. Reduced drug potency due to sunlight exposure can lead to therapeutic failure in humans and animals promoting environmental photodegradation that influences antibiotic persistence and resistance evolution. Improper exposure of pharmaceutical, especially under high heat and sunlight, may compromise drug stability and therapeutic efficacy. In many developing regions, including Nigeria, antibiotics and antifungals are frequently sold in open markets where exposure to sunlight is common. This creates concern regarding reduced potency and the possible contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in both human and animal health.
Objectives: This study investigated the effect of 30-day sunlight exposure on the antimicrobial efficacy of selected antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin) and antifungals (fluconazole and griseofulvin) across human, animal and environmental health
Methods: Drugs (Samples) were exposed to direct sunlight at the peak of dry season in Nigeria (January-February), while control groups were stored in a fridge and room temperature (standard antimicrobial storage). Their efficacy was assessed using agar well and disc diffusion methods against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Candida spp., and Aspergillus fumigatus. Zones of inhibition were measured and interpreted using CLSI standards where available.
Results: Results showed a notable reduction in efficacy of sunlight-exposed drugs, particularly tetracycline and griseofulvin. Room temperature samples retained the highest antimicrobial activity compared to refrigerated and those exposed to sunlight.
Conclusion: Findings affirm that environmental exposure, especially to sunlight significantly reduce drug effectiveness, posing risks for treatment failure and resistance development in both human and animals. Addressing these challenges requires integrated strategies grounded in the One Health framework, emphasizing proper antibiotic stewardship, environmental protection, and public awareness to proper storage of drugs.