Air Pollution’s Impact on Antibiotic Resistance

Introduction:

• Research highlights a consistent link between higher air pollution levels and increasing antibiotic resistance across countries and continents.

Key Findings:

• Higher PM2.5 levels are associated with a 1.1% increase in antibiotic resistance.
• Without air pollution reduction, antibiotic resistance could surge by 17% by 2050, causing around 840,000 premature deaths yearly.

Implications and Action:

• Reduction of air pollution could help alleviate antibiotic resistance.
• Limited data on specific pathways for antibiotic-resistant gene transmission via air pollution.

Why in News:

•  In a worldwide study, it has been found that air pollution is playing a major role in the increase of antibiotic resistance.