A FIRST in-depth global analysis suggests that antibiotic resistance increases may be linked to rising air pollution. Data on antibiotic usage, sanitation services, economics, health spend, population, education, climate, and air pollution was used to investigate the influence of these factors on levels of antibiotic resistance. The findings indicate antibiotic resistance increases with PM2.5, with every 1% rise in air pollution linked with increases in antibiotic resistance of between 0.5 and 1.9%, depending on the pathogen. AdvertisementThe analysis indicates antibiotic resistance resulting from air pollution is linked to an estimated 480,000 premature deaths in 2018. This is a certainly plausible hypothesis and makes for a strong case for controlling air pollution,” Dr Jayadevan said.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 07, 2023 23:38 UTC