Introduction
In a recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers explore the role of particulate matter within the environment to facilitate the spread of genetic elements responsible for antibiotic resistance.
Study: Association between particulate matter (PM)2·5 air pollution and clinical antibiotic resistance: a global analysis. Image Credit: Kodda / Shutterstock.com
Introduction
Antibiotic resistance remains an urgent public health issue, as millions of people die every year as a result of bacterial infections caused by pathogens that have become resistant to multiple antibiotics. In 2019, about 1.3 million deaths were attributed to antibiotic resistance, which is almost double the estimated number that was reported in 2016.
Antibiotic resistance is the result of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Notably, the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance are transferred between bacteria. Both these genes and resistant bacteria can spread rapidly throughout the world, as well as across species and ecosystems.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes are commonly isolated from hospitals and livestock farms, where they subsequently enter the sewage systems and other parts of the ecosystem, including the air.
Air is the primary route for atmospheric dissemination of antibiotic resistance, with fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) known to contain multiple types of these bacteria and genes. PM2.5 alone may permeabilize the cell membrane, thus facilitating the efficient transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. This can contribute to the more rapid exchange of these elements and ultimately accelerate the evolution of more deadly antibiotic resistance elements.
Study Findings
The aim of the current study was to provide quantitative evidence of how PM2.5 affects antibiotic resistance. To this end, data from over 11.5 million cultured isolates were obtained, with 43 types of antibiotics being tested against nine pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli.
A significant association of PM2.5 was observed with antibiotic resistance throughout various regions of the world. This relationship was consistently seen with most antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with a time-dependent increase in the strength of association.
Implications
PM2.5 is the single most important factor in antibiotic resistance, as it outweighs the effects of antibiotic use, drinking water provision, and current health expenditure. The abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in PM2.5 is higher than in soil, rivers, sediments, and some treatment systems.
Rising antibiotic resistance was due to the acquisition of resistance elements through PM2.5. In 2018, this accounted for about 500,000 premature deaths, which amounts to a loss of almost 18 million years of life worldwide. In terms of welfare expenditure, the financial consequence of antibiotic resistance is estimated at $400 billion USD each year.
Overall, each unit of rise in PM2.5 could lead to an increase in antibiotic resistance by 0
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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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.
- Indicator 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population.
The issue of antibiotic resistance highlighted in the article is directly related to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. Target 3.3 specifically addresses the need to combat communicable diseases, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The indicator mentioned in the article, tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population, is one of the indicators used to measure progress towards this target.
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
The article mentions that antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes can enter the sewage systems and other parts of the ecosystem, including the air. This highlights the importance of proper sanitation and wastewater management to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. SDG 6 aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all, and target 6.1 specifically addresses the need for universal access to safe drinking water. The indicator mentioned in the article, proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services, is one of the indicators used to measure progress towards this target.
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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.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).
The article highlights the role of particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, in facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance. This connects to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. Target 11.6 specifically addresses the need to pay attention to air quality in cities, including the levels of fine particulate matter. The indicator mentioned in the article, annual mean levels of fine particulate matter in cities, is one of the indicators used to measure progress towards this target.
Table: 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. | Indicator 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| 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. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted). |
The table summarizes the relevant SDGs, targets, and indicators identified in the article. Each SDG is connected to specific targets that address the issues discussed in the article, and corresponding indicators are used to measure progress towards those targets.
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Source: news-medical.net
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