Anthropogenic drivers of microbe–host dynamics in the global south: A one health perspective from Nigeria

Human activities have emerged as dominant drivers of ecological transformation, profoundly influencing microbial diversity and host–microbe interactions (Elemuwa, 2026; Ullah, 2025; Jones et al., 2025). In the Global South, particularly Nigeria, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, agricultural intensification, and widespread antimicrobial misuse are accelerating microbial dysbiosis, pathogen evolution, and zoonotic spillover (WHO, 2024; FAO, 2024). This review synthesizes current evidence on anthropogenic drivers shaping microbe–host dynamics within a One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health systems (CDC, 2023; One Health Commission, 2022). The study highlights key pathways linking environmental disruption to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), emerging infectious diseases, and ecosystem instability (Venter et al., 2023; O’neill, 2016). Furthermore, it proposes integrated public health interventions, including strengthened surveillance systems, antimicrobial stewardship, environmental management, and cross-sectoral policy harmonization. This work underscores the urgent need for context-specific, multidisciplinary strategies to mitigate microbial risks and enhance health resilience in Nigeria and similar settings.