- Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global issue, resulting in millions of deaths annually.
- Recent research has revealed that fine particulate matter (PM2·5), often found in air pollution, exacerbates the problem by contributing to antibiotic resistance.
- The analysis also projects the alarming toll of premature deaths caused by antibiotic resistance linked to PM2·5, prompting a call for more stringent air quality standards and a reevaluation of public health strategies.
In this global analysis, published in
The aim was to assess the influence of a specific type of tiny pollution known as PM2·5 on antibiotic resistance.
The researchers gathered information on a range of potential factors, including air pollution, antibiotic usage, sanitation services, economic conditions, healthcare expenditure, population size, education levels, climate, year of study, and geographical region.
The data used in the study were sourced from multiple references such as ResistanceMap, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Surveillance Atlas (which provide information about antibiotic resistance), and PLISA Health Information Platform for the Americas.
To understand how PM2·5 affects antibiotic resistance, the researchers utilized both univariate analysis (examining single factors) and multivariable analysis (considering multiple factors together).
The researchers also projected future trends related to global antibiotic resistance and premature mortality based on various scenarios.
For instance, they looked at scenarios like a 50% reduction in antibiotic use or keeping PM2·5 pollution controlled at 5 μg/m3. These projections extended until the year 2050.
The team of researchers worked with a final set of data…
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