Is there a relationship between antibiotic resistance and air pollution?

In a new study, experts raise the possibility of an association between the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and air pollution. The study was published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health. Our planet is a wonderful web of relationships and correlations, in which events that sometimes seem disjointed influence one another.

The idea that an environmental problem like air pollution could be related to the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens may seem strange. But this correlation is possible, according to Chinese researchers.

Emergence of pathogens highly resistant to antibiotic therapy It is a global health problem that brings risks and challenges.. Many studies attribute the problem to the uncontrolled use of antimicrobial drugs without medical supervision or indication.

In Brazil, since 2011, all drug purchases falling into this category can only be marketed upon presentation of a medical prescription to prevent the emergence of resistant bacteria.

But what if the problem lies not only in the drugs, but also in the air we breathe? Chinese researchers analyzed data from antibiotic resistance cases. Pathological agents and air quality data in 116 different countries between 2000 and 2018.

The study observed that in some areas, greater availability of certain types of airborne particulate matter could have an impact on the increase in antibiotic therapy resistance.

While in suspension, this particulate material enters our body through inhalation and gradually develops resistance to antimicrobial drugs. However, we must be careful. Although the study showed a correlation between cases, There are no studies showing a definite relationship between air quality and the increase in antibiotic resistance..

Even so, we are alert to how we relate the use of over-the-counter drugs to the other growing problem, environmental pollution.

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