Antibiotic resistance, a major threat to global health, may be exacerbated by increased air pollution, according to a recent study. Chinese researchers have discovered a global correlation between PM2.5 pollutant levels in the air and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Although the cause of this link is unknown, scientists speculate that antibiotic-resistant bacteria may be transported through PM2.5 particles in the air. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles or droplets that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and can be inhaled without detection. The study emphasizes that antibiotic resistance is a severe global issue, leading to millions of deaths each year. While the exact relationship between air pollution and antibiotic resistance is uncertain, DNA samples from air samples suggest potential mechanisms. The study analyzed data on antibiotic use and resistance from 2000 to 2018 for 116 countries. Significant correlations were found between PM2.5 and antibiotic resistance in eight out of nine species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including E. coli. High levels of antibiotic resistance were observed in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, while Europe and North America had lower levels. Without effective air pollution control measures, antibiotic resistance is projected to increase by 17% and annual deaths attributable to antibiotic resistance to increase by 56.4% globally by 2050. This study highlights the need to address air pollution to improve both air quality and combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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