Microplastics linked to rising antibiotic resistance, study finds

A recent study from Boston University has unveiled a troubling connection between microplastics (MPs) and the growing issue of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the research highlights how MPs may not only pollute the environment but also facilitate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria.  

Microplastics, tiny particles formed from the degradation of larger plastic items, are pervasive in aquatic environments and wastewater systems. Composed of various polymers—like polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) —these particles can harbor biofilm communities, chemical pollutants, and genetic material that carries AMR genes.  

The study explored how different types, sizes, and concentrations of microplastics affect the growth and resistance of Escherichia coli. Their findings indicated that bacteria adhered to microplastics exhibited significantly higher levels of multidrug resistance compared to those growing on standard surfaces like glass. This enhanced resistance is largely attributed to the unique properties of microplastics, including their hydrophobic nature and superior adsorption capacities, which create an ideal environment for biofilm formation. These controlled laboratory experiments demonstrated significant resistance of E.coli to antibiotics such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and streptomycin.  

Moreover, the study revealed a concerning trend: once microplastics were removed, the bacteria that had interacted with them continued to produce stronger biofilms. This suggests that exposure to microplastics not only leads to immediate resistance but also induces long-term adaptations in bacterial behavior, potentially complicating future treatment efforts.  

As microplastics persist in the environment, they pose a dual threat: they can act as vectors for resistant bacteria while also complicating existing public health challenges. This is particularly critical in areas with inadequate wastewater treatment systems, where the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections could become more prevalent.  

The authors of the study emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to monitor and mitigate microplastic pollution. They call for integrated approaches that combine effective waste management with efforts to combat AMR.  

This study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the dangers posed by microplastics, not only as environmental pollutants but also as facilitators of public health threats. As researchers continue to explore the complex dynamics between microplastics and bacterial resistance, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing this issue is vital for safeguarding public health and ensuring the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.    

Source:  

ASM Journals