Antibiotic resistance linked to air pollution, study suggests

Air Pollution Linked to Superbugs, Raises Concerns for Antibiotic Resistance

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health has found a potential link between air pollution and antibiotic resistance, suggesting that reducing smog levels could have a positive impact on global antibiotic resistance. This study is the first of its kind to establish a connection between the two factors.

Study Findings

The peer-reviewed study reveals that antibiotic resistance increases in parallel with levels of small particulate matter (PM2.5), which originates from engine combustion and can enter the lungs and bloodstream. The researchers note that the association between PM2.5 levels and antibiotic resistance has strengthened over time, with recent years showing larger increases in resistance due to changes in PM2.5 levels. Particularly high levels of both small particulate matter and antibiotic resistance were observed in north Africa, the Middle East, and south Asia. The correlations were consistent across most antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide.

Implications for Public Health

Previous discoveries have identified DNA from antibiotic-resistant organisms on air pollutants. Antimicrobial resistance, which refers to bacteria becoming impervious to existing antibiotics, is recognized as one of the top 10 global public health threats by the World Health Organization. While the study establishes a correlation between pollution and antimicrobial resistance, it does not prove causation.

The researchers believe that these findings offer new pathways for controlling antibiotic resistance from an environmental perspective. The study analyzed data from 116 countries between 2000 and 2018, although limitations were acknowledged due to disparities in available figures.

Addressing the Issue

Hong Chen, a professor from Zhejiang University in China who led the research, emphasized that both antibiotic resistance and air pollution are significant threats to global health. Controlling air pollution could have dual benefits: reducing the harmful effects of poor air quality and playing a major role in combating the rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics, not only in humans but also in animal farming, are the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance. In 2019 alone, bacterial antimicrobial resistance was responsible for approximately 1.27 million deaths. If substantial changes are not made before 2050, estimates suggest that the death toll could reach close to 10 million.

Expert Opinion

Andrew Singer, a principal scientist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology who was not involved in the study, noted that the research, as acknowledged by its authors, was not experimental and did not provide data on the mechanism behind the link. However, he stated that the study convincingly raises PM2.5 as a potential driver of antimicrobial resistance, an aspect that has not been extensively examined to date. Singer hopes that this study will encourage further research in this area.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the connection between air pollution and antibiotic resistance, which directly relates to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Additionally, the issue of air pollution is linked to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) as it highlights the need for clean air in urban areas. The article also indirectly touches upon SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) as it discusses the impact of air pollution on the environment and ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 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.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 3.9, which focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution, and SDG 11.6, which aims to improve air quality in cities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index or concentration of PM2.5 particles in urban areas.

The article mentions the number of deaths attributed to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 3.9. Additionally, the concentration of PM2.5 particles, which is linked to antibiotic resistance, can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 11.6.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The table presents the findings from analyzing the article, listing the relevant SDGs, their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

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Source: ft.com

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