In the study conducted by JNU researchers, air samples were collected and analyzed from various urban areas of Delhi.
Jagran correspondent, New Delhi. Delhi's air now carries not only pollution but also serious health hazards. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, commonly known as 'superbugs', have reached worrying levels in both indoor and outdoor environments of Delhi, a recent study has revealed. This situation is becoming a big challenge for public health, especially during the winter season.
In this study conducted by researchers of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), air samples were collected and analyzed from various urban areas of Delhi. The study examined the presence and diversity of Staphylococcus bacteria, including dangerous bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS).
The research found that bacteria levels in both indoor and outdoor spaces far exceeded the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to researchers, antibiotic-resistant bacteria present in the air and their associated genes are spreading rapidly in urban areas.
Seasonal analysis also revealed that the highest amount of MRS bacteria was found in the air during winter, which increases the risk of people falling ill and getting respiratory infections during this season. At the same time, due to rain during monsoon, some decrease was recorded in the amount of organic particles in the external environment.
The study also highlights that there is an urgent need for holistic monitoring and reporting of environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this, it is necessary not only to identify the bacteria but also to monitor the genetic markers associated with them, so that the seriousness of the threat can be understood correctly. Researchers say that with such monitoring, integrated action plans can be prepared to deal with AMR in urban areas.
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