Occurrence and Removal of Antibiotic Resistance in Nationwide Hospital Wastewater Deciphered by Metagenomics Approach — China, 2018–2022

   New study reveals nationwide prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Chinese hospital wastewater A recent study conducted in China has shed light on the widespread occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in hospital wastewater across the country. The study used metagenomic analysis to investigate the patterns of antibiotic resistance and the bacterial hosts of ARGs in various provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs). The findings highlight the significant ecological and public health risks associated with the disposal of hospital wastewater. Hospital wastewater is known to contain higher concentrations of antibiotics and antimicrobials compared to municipal wastewater, making it a critical reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a potential source of resistant strains. The study also found that current hospital wastewater treatment systems are insufficient in effectively removing antibiotic resistance. The research utilized 78 metagenomic datasets of hospital wastewater collected from six Chinese PLADs between 2018 and 2022. The analysis revealed that clinically important antibiotic resistance genes are carried on plasmids, and regional differences in the presumed bacterial hosts of ARGs were identified at the genus level. This study highlights the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment measures and the responsible use of antibiotics to mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic resistance.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.193

Effect of CeO₂ Nanoparticles on the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in a Reclaimed Water-Soil-Radish System — Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, April 2023

   New study explores the potential of nanoparticles in reducing antibiotic resistance in vegetables irrigated with reclaimed water. The use of reclaimed water for irrigation in agriculture offers a solution to water scarcity but raises concerns about the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from soil to crops. The study focused on the effects of CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on radish seedlings irrigated with reclaimed water. Results showed a noticeable reduction in ARG genotypes in the soil, root, and leaf endophytes after NP application. CeO₂ NPs also appeared to mitigate the propagation of ARGs in the reclaimed water-soil-radish system. The method of NP application and soil treatment were found to be the most effective strategies for curbing the spread of ARGs. The study suggests that NPs may be effective in controlling the proliferation of ARGs and provides a foundation for nano-agricultural technologies to ensure food safety and public health in the face of water scarcity.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.194

Mitigating Antibiotic Resistance Emissions in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Global Governance and Available Techniques

   A new study highlights the urgent need to address the issue of antibiotic contamination in the environment, primarily caused by the pharmaceutical industry. The study emphasizes the importance of pretreatment processes in curbing the escalation of antibiotic resistance and discusses existing technologies for mitigating the effects of effluents from antibiotic production. The pharmaceutical sector is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and this poses considerable concerns for human health. Efforts to regulate antimicrobial discharges from antibiotic manufacturing have been made globally, with China implementing comprehensive technical and regulatory initiatives. These measures offer valuable insights that could enhance global AMR containment strategies. Moving forward, there is a pressing need to refine antibiotic emission standards and tailor environmental engineering practices specifically for the pharmaceutical sector. The United Nations and World Health Organization have already recognized the importance of evaluating pharmaceuticals based on their environmental impact and have called for environmentally responsible procurement practices. This study provides important insights into the dynamics and risks of antibiotic resistance in the pharmaceutical industry and offers potential solutions to mitigate emissions and tackle the AMR crisis.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2023.195