Climate change, such as heat waves and floods, is increasing the resistance of salmonellae to antibi..

Climate change, such as heat waves and floods, is increasing the resistance of salmonellae to antibiotics, according to a study. It is said that rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns can further spread infectious diseases that are difficult to treat.

According to Bloomberg on the 26th (local time), joint researchers, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Cambridge, said changes in temperature and precipitation showed a significant correlation with an increase in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) worldwide. The study was recently published in the international health and medical journal The Lancet Planetary Health.

The researchers analyzed 480,000 salmonella genomes collected from 139 countries from 1940 to 2023. Salmonella is one of the leading causes of diarrhea and food poisoning in humans, causing tens of millions of infections each year.

Analysis showed that antibiotic resistance gene levels in Salmonella worldwide increased by 38% during the study period. It is estimated that about 10% of these are due to the effects of climate change.

An increase in antibiotic resistance was observed in 82% of all surveyed countries, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Antibiotic resistance is usually caused by the spread of bacteria that survived the course of antibiotic misuse. If antibiotic resistance occurs, existing treatments may not work properly, making it difficult to treat infections.

In addition, the researchers explain that changes in climate conditions can affect the spread of resistance while promoting bacterial proliferation and gene exchange.

Studies have shown that high-temperature environments can speed up bacterial growth and gene exchange, and floods can speed up the spread of resistance genes through rivers and waterways. Drought can increase the risk of transmission by enriching antibiotic residues and resistant bacteria in contaminated water sources.

The researchers predicted that if the current trend continues, antibiotic resistance gene levels will continue to rise by 2100.

However, some analysts said that strengthening low-carbon policies and antibiotic misuse management could lower resistance levels by 24% compared to the worst high-emission scenario. Responding to climate change is important to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance, the researchers said. “Strengthening the management of antibiotic use is also essential to protect public health and maintain future treatment effects.”

#