With every 1 per cent rise in air pollution linked with increases in antibiotic resistance of between 0.5 and 1.9 per cent, depending on the pathogen. The association has strengthened over time, with changes in PM2.5 levels leading to larger increases in antibiotic resistance in more recent years. "Antibiotic resistance and air pollution are each in their own right among the greatest threats to global health," said lead author Professor Hong Chen, of Zhejiang University, China. In 2018, antibiotic resistance resulting from air pollution caused an estimated 480,000 premature deaths. The authors also acknowledged a lack of data in some countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries, which are most affected by antibiotic resistance.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 08, 2023 13:49 UTC