Air Pollution Could Be Spreading Antibiotic Resistance, Study Finds
Air Pollution Could Be Spreading Antibiotic Resistance, Study Finds ScienceAlert
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The Burden of Air Pollution
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to global health. In 2019, it caused over 1.27 million deaths worldwide – and it’s projected that antimicrobial resistance (which includes bacterial resistance to antibiotics) may contribute to ten million deaths per year by 2050.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia. But their misuse and overuse has contributed to the emergence of bacteria which harbour genes that enable them to withstand the killing power of antibiotics. This results in infections that are much harder to treat.
This is the first study to comprehensively estimate the link between increased antibiotic resistance and air pollution globally.
The Review
- The review analysed the findings of previous studies that looked at patterns of the airborne spread of antibiotic resistance over nearly two decades.
- They looked at 12 research studies conducted across 116 countries – including the UK, US, China, India and Australia. These studies estimated the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria or genes in the atmosphere.
The study looked specifically at the most dangerous type of air pollution – PM2.5. This is particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 micrometres – about 3% the diameter of a strand of human hair. PM2.5 cannot be seen by the naked eye and can easily be inhaled.
The study found that antibiotic resistance rose alongside increasing PM2.5 concentrations in the air. Every 10% rise in the concentration of PM2.5 was linked with a 1.1% global increase in antibiotic resistance and 43,654 deaths from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
The study reported that the highest levels of antibiotic resistance were seen in north Africa and west Asia. These areas also had the most severe PM2.5 pollution. In comparison, Europe and North America – which had the lowest average levels of PM2.5 pollution – also had lower levels of antibiotic resistance.
The study also reported that even just a 1% increase in PM2.5 across all regions was associated with an increase in Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance to multiple antibiotics – including polymyxins, which are the last resort of antibiotics. This bacterium typically spreads in hospitals and can cause pneumonia, meningitis and urinary tract infections.
The study shows there’s a significant relationship between air pollution and antibiotic resistance. Although the authors didn’t show evidence of causation between the two factors, they did find antibiotic resistance genes in the DNA of bacteria sequenced from air samples. This indicates that PM2.5 could facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes via the air.
Spread of Resistance
This isn’t the first study to show a link between air pollution and antibiotic resistance.
Air pollution has also been shown to be a risk factor for tuberculosis caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics.
A study in Hong Kong also revealed an association between outdoor exposure to PM2.5 and tuberculosis. The study found an increase in PM2.5 concentrations during the winter was associated with a 3% increase in the number of tuberculosis cases the following spring and summer.
However, it’s still unclear what underlying mechanisms may allow antibiotic resistance to spread in air pollution. It will be important for future studies to investigate this.
We do know from this study and others that PM2.5 can harbour antibiotic resistant bacteria or genes that can enter the human body through the respiratory system when we breathe.
We also know from previous studies that antibiotic resistant bacteria and their genes can be transmitted from one person to another through the air via respiratory droplets. Sneezing, coughing and even talking can all emit respiratory droplets. It’s also possible that a person who has inhaled antibiotic resistant bacteria from air pollution could then pass these on to another person when they cough or sneeze.
Environmental changes caused by air pollution (such as increased temperature and humidity) may also make it easier for resistant bacteria to thrive. But again, it will be important for researchers to conduct studies looking into whether this is the case.
It will also be important for researchers to investigate the
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases | – Antibiotic resistance causing deaths worldwide – Antibiotic resistance contributing to ten million deaths per year by 2050 |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | – Antibiotic resistance spreading to humans through contaminated food or water |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air pollution spreading antibiotic resistance |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | – Air pollution contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article addresses the issue of antibiotic resistance, which poses a threat to global health. Antibiotic resistance is linked to the spread of bacterial infections that are harder to treat, leading to increased mortality rates. SDG 3 aims to ensure good health and well-being for all, and addressing antibiotic resistance is crucial for achieving this goal.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The article mentions that antibiotic resistance mainly spreads to humans through contaminated food or water. This highlights the importance of clean water and sanitation in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. SDG 6 focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the link between air pollution and antibiotic resistance. Air pollution is a significant issue in urban areas, and addressing it is essential for creating sustainable cities and communities. SDG 11 aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the role of air pollution, specifically PM2.5 particulate matter, in the spread of antibiotic resistance. Addressing air pollution is crucial for mitigating climate change and achieving SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
– Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
– Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
– Antibiotic resistance causing deaths worldwide and contributing to ten million deaths per year by 2050.
– Antibiotic resistance spreading to humans through contaminated food or water.
– Air pollution spreading antibiotic resistance.
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by monitoring the reduction in antibiotic resistance-related deaths, improving water quality to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance, reducing air pollution to minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance, and increasing awareness and capacity for addressing the issue.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases | – Antibiotic resistance causing deaths worldwide – Antibiotic resistance contributing to ten million deaths per year by 2050 |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | – Antibiotic resistance spreading to humans through contaminated food or water |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air pollution spreading antibiotic resistance |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | – Air pollution contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sciencealert.com
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