Climate change may accelerate the spread of drug-resistant infections, with developing nations facing the greatest risk, according to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, as reported by Bloomberg.
The researchers analysed at more than 4,500 monitoring records collected between 1999 and 2022, and used computer models to identify the influence of climate change on the global burden of antimicrobial resistance.
Under a high-emissions scenario, the researchers found that while rich countries would experience an increase in drug-resistant infections of less than 1% through 2050, low-income countries could see a rise of up to 4% of global emissions increase.
Factors Driving Resistance
The study also underscored other factors in combating antimicrobial resistance, particularly in poorer countries. Measures like reducing out-of-pocket treatment expenses and improving immunisation rates were found to be more effective. These often overlooked measures may bring greater benefits than just curbing over-prescription of common antibiotics such as Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, according to the authors.
“The research underscores that focusing solely on antibiotic overuse is insufficient,” Chaojie Liu, co-author of the study and professor at School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University told Bloomberg.
“Without embedding AMR management into broader sustainable development efforts, the global burden of resistance is projected to worsen dramatically,” added Liu.
The study challenges the belief that the rise of antimicrobial resistance is solely due to the overconsumption of antibiotics. It puts a spotlight on other critical factors such as healthcare spending, air pollution and raising temperatures, reported Bloomberg.
Drug-resistant bacteria that were responsible for an estimated 1.1 million deaths globally in 2021, and this toll could nearly double, reaching 2 million by mid century.
Another significant threat in this scenario is the climate-related displacement or human migration due to extreme weather events. As people, animals and goods move more frequently across regions, the spread of antimicrobial resistance is facilitated, compounding the threat posed by climate change.
A 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine underscored how these migration patterns are increasingly linked to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance, making the management and containment of resistant infections even more challenging.
