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Itisha Arya

Delhi Air Pollution Could Be Carrying Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs, Study Suggests

superbug in delhi air pollution

Every winter, people in Delhi prepare themselves for stinging eyes, tight chests and coughs that refuse to go away as thick smog blankets the city. Now, fresh research from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suggests there is another hidden danger in the polluted air. According to the study, Delhi’s winter smog may also be carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria, adding to health worries in one of the most polluted cities on the planet.

The research, titled Distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns of airborne staphylococci in urban environments of Delhi, India, was published in Nature – Scientific Reports. It found disturbingly high levels of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” in both indoor and outdoor air across the city, particularly in winter when pollution levels spike. The findings point to polluted air acting as a possible vehicle for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which experts already consider one of the gravest global health threats.

<h2>Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs In Delhi Air Polluton: What Did The Study Investigate?</h2>

As per Indian Express, to understand what people might be breathing in, the researchers collected air samples from a range of everyday locations across Delhi, such as:

<ul><li>Crowded market areas</li><li>Urban slum neighbourhoods</li><li>Residential apartments</li><li>A sewage treatment plant located within the JNU campus</li></ul>

Both indoor and outdoor air samples were taken during summer, monsoon and winter to track how bacterial levels and resistance patterns shifted with the seasons.

Across every setting, <span>airborne bacteria</span> levels were far above the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit for microbial exposure. In some winter samples, bacterial counts exceeded 16,000 colony-forming units per cubic metre, which is more than 16 times higher than the WHO guideline.

What raised even greater concern was the type of bacteria detected. Many belonged to the Staphylococcus group, which includes strains linked to skin infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections and illnesses commonly acquired in hospitals.

According to the researchers, a large share of the airborne bacteria were identified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), meaning they do not respond to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Among these:

<ol><li>73 per cent were multidrug-resistant, showing resistance to several classes of antibiotics</li><li>Many were resistant to macrolides, beta-lactams, trimethoprim, gentamicin and other commonly used drugs</li><li>Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of <span rel="noindex">antibiotic resistance genes</span> (ARGs)</li></ol>

Notably, 14 out of 36 multidrug-resistant samples carried the mecA gene, a well-known marker that makes bacteria resistant to methicillin and related antibiotics.

<h2>Why Is Winter Smog Linked To Drug-Resistant Bacteria?</h2>

The study showed that levels of airborne drug-resistant bacteria were highest in winter, while monsoon rains led to a sharp drop in outdoor contamination.

Researchers point to a few likely reasons:

<ul><li>Poor air movement in winter traps pollutants and microbes near ground level</li><li>High levels of particulate matter may give bacteria surfaces to cling to and spread</li><li>Cooler temperatures and lower humidity allow bacteria to survive longer in the air</li></ul>

On the other hand, rainfall during the monsoon appears to clear bioaerosols from the air, reducing bacterial concentrations outdoors.

<h2>Who Is Most At Risk From Airborne Superbugs?</h2>

Many healthy people may breathe in these bacteria without becoming sick. However, the risk is much higher for:

<ul><li>People with weakened immune systems</li><li>Those living with chronic lung conditions</li><li>Individuals with open wounds</li><li>Older adults and young children</li></ul>

The researchers note that inhaling drug-resistant bacteria does not automatically lead to infection. Still, it raises the risk of infections that are harder to treat, especially if the bacteria manage to enter vulnerable parts of the body.

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Every winter, people in Delhi prepare themselves for stinging eyes, tight chests and coughs that refuse to go away as thick smog blankets the city. Now, fresh research from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suggests there is another hidden danger in the polluted air. According to the study, Delhi’s winter smog may also be carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria, adding to health worries in one of the most polluted cities on the planet.The research, titled Distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns of airborne staphylococci in urban environments of Delhi, India, was published in Nature – Scientific Reports. It found disturbingly high levels of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” in both indoor and outdoor air across the city, particularly in winter when pollution levels spike. The findings point to polluted air acting as a possible vehicle for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which experts already consider one of the gravest global health threats.Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs In Delhi Air Polluton: What Did The Study Investigate?As per Indian Express, to understand what people might be breathing in, the researchers collected air samples from a range of everyday locations across Delhi, such as:Crowded market areasUrban slum neighbourhoodsResidential apartmentsA sewage treatment plant located within the JNU campusBoth indoor and outdoor air samples were taken during summer, monsoon and winter to track how bacterial levels and resistance patterns shifted with the seasons.Across every setting, airborne bacteria levels were far above the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit for microbial exposure. In some winter samples, bacterial counts exceeded 16,000 colony-forming units per cubic metre, which is more than 16 times higher than the WHO guideline.What raised even greater concern was the type of bacteria detected. Many belonged to the Staphylococcus group, which includes strains linked to skin infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections and illnesses commonly acquired in hospitals.According to the researchers, a large share of the airborne bacteria were identified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), meaning they do not respond to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Among these:73 per cent were multidrug-resistant, showing resistance to several classes of antibioticsMany were resistant to macrolides, beta-lactams, trimethoprim, gentamicin and other commonly used drugsGenetic analysis confirmed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)Notably, 14 out of 36 multidrug-resistant samples carried the mecA gene, a well-known marker that makes bacteria resistant to methicillin and related antibiotics.Why Is Winter Smog Linked To Drug-Resistant Bacteria?The study showed that levels of airborne drug-resistant bacteria were highest in winter, while monsoon rains led to a sharp drop in outdoor contamination.Researchers point to a few likely reasons:Poor air movement in winter traps pollutants and microbes near ground levelHigh levels of particulate matter may give bacteria surfaces to cling to and spreadCooler temperatures and lower humidity allow bacteria to survive longer in the airOn the other hand, rainfall during the monsoon appears to clear bioaerosols from the air, reducing bacterial concentrations outdoors.Who Is Most At Risk From Airborne Superbugs?Many healthy people may breathe in these bacteria without becoming sick. However, the risk is much higher for:People with weakened immune systemsThose living with chronic lung conditionsIndividuals with open woundsOlder adults and young childrenThe researchers note that inhaling drug-resistant bacteria does not automatically lead to infection. Still, it raises the risk of infections that are harder to treat, especially if the bacteria manage to enter vulnerable parts of the body.

delhi air pollution could be carrying antibiotic-resistant superbugs, study suggests

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Delhi Air Pollution Could Be Carrying Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs, Study Suggests

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