High levels of antibiotic resistance genes that could turn bacteria into superbugs have been detected in estuaries on China’s coastline. The discovery was made by a team led by the University of Hong Kong and published today in Nature Ecology & Evolution. Over 200 different resistance genes were detected overall in what was described as “just a microcosm of a worldwide problem”. The genes enter the environment through sewage and waste water released into lakes and rivers. Humans face potential exposure to the genes when eating seafood and fish from the affected estuaries. Antibiotic resistance causes around 700,000 deaths per year.
High levels of antibiotic resistance genes that could turn bacteria into superbugs have been detected in estuaries on China’s coastline. Scientists found evidence that the overwhelming majority of the bacteria had at least one gene that could help them to develop antibiotic resistance. Over 200 different resistance genes were detected overall in what was described as “just a microcosm of a worldwide problem”. The genes enter the environment through sewage and waste water released into lakes and rivers. Humans face potential exposure to the genes when eating seafood and fish from the affected estuaries. Antibiotic resistance causes around 700,000 deaths per year.