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New Delhi, Dec 31: A recent study has revealed alarming levels of antibiotic-resistant superbugs in both indoor and outdoor environments across Delhi, raising significant public health concerns.

The contamination of air by microbes, particularly antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes, is becoming an increasing threat in urban areas.

Conducted by researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University, the study examined the prevalence and variety of staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRS), found in bioaerosols from different urban locations in Delhi.

Samples collected from both indoor and outdoor settings showed staphylococcal counts that exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended limits for microbial exposure.

Seasonal analysis indicated that airborne MRS levels peaked during the winter months, while the monsoon season helped decrease outdoor bioaerosol contamination.

The research evaluated staphylococci diversity in bioaerosols from various urban sites, including Vasant Vihar Urban Slum (VVUS), Munirka Market Complex (MMC), Munirka Apartment (MA), and the Sewage Treatment Plant at Jawaharlal Nehru University (STP, JNU).

According to researchers Himani Kumari and Madhuri Singh from JNU’s School of Environmental Sciences, eight different staphylococcal species were identified, with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus arlettae being the most common among humans and animals, respectively.

Alarmingly, 73% of the MRS isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR), showing resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as macrolides and beta-lactams.

Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among airborne MRS, which encode resistance to beta-lactam, trimethoprim, gentamicin, macrolides, chloramphenicol, and lincosamides.

Out of 36 MDR isolates, 14 were found to carry the mecA gene, which is responsible for methicillin resistance.

The researchers emphasized that this study highlights the health risks associated with airborne antibiotic resistance in urban settings and calls for urgent environmental surveillance to develop effective strategies for mitigation.

Furthermore, the study underscores the necessity for thorough monitoring and reporting of environmental antibiotic resistance, including both resistant bacteria and their genetic markers.

Such initiatives are crucial for accurately evaluating the extent of the antibiotic resistance threat and for formulating integrated action plans to address the growing challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in urban environments.