Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Global Health Threat
With over one million deaths recorded in 2021, antibiotic resistance is the third leading cause of death globally and one of the greatest health challenges of our century. The issue was recently the subject of a high-level meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, which concluded with a commitment from member states to reduce deaths associated with antibiotic resistance by 10% by 2030, addressing the problem with a One Health approach.
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is defined as the ability of microorganisms to survive and replicate even in the presence of an agent that normally kills them or inhibits their growth, such as an antibiotic. We know with certainty that the excessive and/or inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs is among the main causes of this phenomenon. A deeper analysis, however, reveals that other factors could also influence its development.
By examining health surveillance data collected globally on some strains of resistant bacteria, a study published in Nature Medicine has highlighted how climate changes and socio-economic conditions can contribute to the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Socio-Economic Factors and Antibiotic Resistance
The study shows that regions most affected by the problem of antibiotic resistance are low and middle-income areas, where adequate health infrastructure and acceptable hygienic conditions are lacking, as well as economic resources. In these areas, the socio-economic context plays a fundamental role in influencing the onset and development of resistant bacterial strains.
Among the factors associated with antibiotic resistance has been identified high population density, which facilitates the transmission of pathogens, especially where vaccination coverage is low and access to drinking water and sanitation is limited. Other socio-economic factors related to antibiotic resistance are limited investment in public healthcare, mismanagement and corruption in governments, and high healthcare expenses borne by citizens – all elements related to a reduction in health standards and an increase in improper prescriptions of antibiotic drugs.
Climate Change and Antibiotic Resistance
The areas of the world that are in critical socio-economic conditions are also those most affected by climate changes, which can contribute to the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance in various ways. On the one hand, extreme weather events, such as violent storms and floods, have the effect of exacerbating the spread of microbial resistance, increasing the risk of transmission in the population.
Another problem is that of the effects of climate change on microbial and animal species, which also have repercussions on human health. It has already been demonstrated, on a scientific level, that the increase in the earth’s temperature favors the survival and expands the geographical distribution of mosquitoes, which transmit some important pathogens, such as malaria and dengue.
Addressing the Complexity of Antibiotic Resistance
Understanding the complexity of the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is the first step in the development of effective contrast strategies. Certainly, as the authors suggest, the prescription of appropriate and preferential treatment of classes of antibiotics less commonly used, or less at risk for the development of resistance, can be a concrete and effective intervention, as can the improvement of sanitary conditions and the increase in immunization of the population globally.
The researchers also highlight the need for addressing the impacts of climate change, since these will continue to influence the dynamics of antibiotic resistance in the future. According to the study’s projections, one reduction of emissions of climate-altering gases is associated with lower prevalences of antibiotic resistance. The scholars therefore suggest adopting a One Health approach, which recognizes the close link between the health of people, animals, and the environment – as has already been proposed at the United Nations meeting.
Read more about the relationship between antibiotic resistance and climate change Here