Cigarette smoke promotes dangerous antibiotic resistance!

Cigarette smoke promotes dangerous antibiotic resistance!

Antibiotic resistance represents one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. This health threat is exacerbated by the excessive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Millions of people die every year as a result of infections with resistant bacteria, and in 2019, 1.27 million deaths worldwide were attributed to such pathogens OpenScience reported. According to forecasts, this number could rise to 10 million by 2050.

A new study from the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) shows that environmental factors, particularly the influence of cigarette waste, also contribute to the spread of resistant germs. Cigarette filters contain numerous toxic substances that are increasingly colonized by resistant bacteria in water. These findings were published by an interdisciplinary and international research group in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The research was carried out in collaboration with the university hospitals in Dresden and Heidelberg as well as Tsinghua University in China, such as TU Dresden explained.

The influence of cigarette waste on resistant germs

The study highlights that cigarette smoke and waste promote the growth of resistant germs. Colonized cigarette butts can be carried into rivers and other bodies of water, contributing to the spread of dangerous bacteria. These substances trigger a stress response in bacteria and double the transmission of resistance genes via plasmids. What is particularly alarming is that smoking also increases the spread of resistant bacteria in the lungs, which can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics in lung infections, according to the results of the TUD study.

Resistant bacteria develop by acquiring DNA mutations through cell division and horizontal gene transfer. These mechanisms enable bacteria to actively pass on resistance genes, regardless of species boundaries. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as in viral infections, accelerates this process, placing increasing strain on healthcare.

Global action to combat antibiotic resistance

The global dimension of the problem is further exacerbated by the massive use of antibiotics, poor hygiene and the challenges of globalization. The World Health Organization (WHO) is therefore calling for comprehensive measures to combat antibiotic resistance. The “German Antibiotic Resistance Strategy” (DART 2020) has existed in Germany since 2008, which includes the expansion of surveillance systems and the education of the population and medical staff Medical Journal reported.

An important aspect of DART 2020 is raising awareness among doctors and promoting research into new antibiotics. However, developing new antibiotics remains an expensive and time-consuming challenge, reducing the incentive for pharmaceutical companies. Politicians are therefore calling for more intensive measures and a “One Health approach” to improve hygiene and health conditions in animal husbandry and thus also contribute to combating resistance.

The fight against antibiotic resistance requires both individual responsibility and government action. Everyone can contribute to combating resistance by using antibiotics responsibly and maintaining hygiene standards. The development of antibiograms to test the effectiveness of antibiotics against specific bacteria is another important step in combating this insidious pandemic.