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Antibiotic Resistance in the Clouds?

French and Canadian researchers discovered antibiotic resistant bacteria in clouds according to last month’s edition of the journal Science of The Total Environment. Between September 2019 and October 2021 high-flow rate impingers (vacuums) were deployed  at the meteorological station of the puy de Dôme summit (elevation 4,806 ft)where they collected samplings of twelve clouds and analyzed total airborne bacterial concentration. What they found out was concerning. 29 antibiotic resistance genes were discovered over marine and continental environments. Analysis of the bacteria revealed an average of  8,000 bacteria per milliliter of cloud water. In addition, the clouds contained, on average, 20,800 copies of antibiotic-resistance genes per milliliter of cloud water. The bacteria analyzed are a normal part of the environment and are found on plants and in soil. The bacteria are picked up by wind or human activity and are carried up to the atmosphere and distributed throughout the clouds, and disseminated back to the environment.

Between 5 and 50 percent of these bacteria could be alive and active, according to researchers.

“This is the first study to show that clouds harbor antibiotic resistance genes of bacterial origin in concentrations comparable to other natural environments,” says Florent Rossi, first author of the study and postdoctoral fellow in the team of Caroline Duchaine, a professor at Université Laval’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and a researcher at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute-Université Laval.

Widespread use of antibiotics in medicine and farm animals is speculated to contribute to the proliferation of these antibiotic resistant genes. Further research is needed to understand the health implications of this discovery.  

Bacteria resistant genes discovered in the cloud samples

Bacteria resistant genes discovered in clouds and antibiotic examples

  • Quinolone- ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, perfloxacin, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin
  • Sulfonamide- Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS.
  • Tetracycline- lymecycline, methacycline, minocycline, rolitetracycline, and doxycycline
  • Glycopeptide- vancomycin, teicoplanin, and ramoplanin
  • Aminoglycoside- gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, plazomicin, streptomycin, neomycin, and paromomycin
  • B-lactamase- oxacillin (IV), nafcillin (IV), dicloxacillin (PO)]
  • Macrolide- Azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin

How widespread is antibiotic resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat, killing at least 1.27 million people worldwide and associated with nearly 5 million deaths in 2019. In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year. More than 35,000 people die as a result, according to CDC’s 2019 Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Threats Report.

If antibiotics lose their effectiveness the ability to treat infections is lost.

How to fight antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance spreads in a variety of settings. From hospitals (nosocomial infections) to everyday life, veterinary use of antibiotics, antibiotics in the food supply (poultry, beef, etc) and now, as demonstrated, by soil and water through clouds.

  • Personal hygiene- wash hands after using bathroom and before eating or preparing food. After using bathroom, preparing food or coming home from being in public, immediately wash hands to prevent spread of infectious agents that you may have picked up while out of the house. Wash hands for at least 20-30 seconds.
  • Brush teeth after eating. Streptococcus mutans, a common bacteria found in the mouth, is the main cause of tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to infections throughout the body.
  • Practice safe sex. Antibiotic resistance to gonorrhea according to the CDC now needs to be treated with two antibiotics at the same time. In addition, there is evidence that chlamydia and syphilis are developing antibiotic resistance.
  • Keep your immune system in top shape. Reduce or eliminate sugar from your diet, exercise daily, reduce stress. Stress makes you more susceptible to infection. Quality sleep also promotes health.
  • Antibiotics kill bacteria and some fungal infections. They are ineffective with viral infections. Only use when needed.
  • Finish the complete course of prescribed antibiotic unless otherwise instructed by your care provider. Use only when needed don’t “save” meds for another round of illness. This practice can cause antibiotic resistance.
  • Avoid/sparingly use antibacterial hand sanitizers. These products have been found to cause antibiotic resistance.

 

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Silent Pandemic – Antibiotic Resistance

A dire warning from health leaders across the world are calling the silent pandemic- antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections. According to the World Health Organization AMR is one of the top ten leading global threats to health facing humanity in the world.

CDC estimates about 47 million antibiotic courses are prescribed for infections that don’t need antibiotics, like colds and the flu, each year. That adds up to approximately 28% of all antibiotics prescribed. In addition, A study published in the Lancet found that antimicrobial resistance was the direct cause of 1.27 million deaths worldwide.

An ever-increasing number of bacteria, fungi and parasites are becoming resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics, with some resistant to many different antibiotics.  In some cases, antibiotics are not effective, leading to impossible to treat infections. This is a chilling scenario we are facing.

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) occurs through either genetic mutation or by acquiring resistance genes- where the antibiotic resistance genes are transferred to the next generation.

Some of the most widespread and common examples include:

  • methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (The most common)
  • vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
  • multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
  • carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) gut bacteria

Broad spectrum antibiotics- The good and the bad

Broad spectrum antibiotics are being used in more and more AMR cases. These are antibiotics that act on the two major bacterial groups, gram-positive and gram-negative or any antibiotic that acts against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. They are lifesaving when no other antibiotic therapy is working.

 They do come, however with their own set of whole set of detrimental, long lasting health effects. Some of these include resistance to pathogens, altered gut microbiota and immune system dysfunction. This is especially detrimental in young children. Broad spectrum antibiotics can alter gut microbiota which in turn will disrupt and affect immune function and growth of the child.

Promising research to fight antibiotic resistance

A protein in antibiotic resistant bacteria called DsbA helps fold resistance proteins into the right shapes to neutralize antibiotics. This was discovered by researchers, including experts from Imperial College London, led by Dr Despoina Mavridou assistant professor in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. By disrupting the DBsA protein the team was successful in neutralizing the antibiotic resistant protein. In addition the pathogen was more sensitive to common antibiotics. As of this writing, research has been limited to outside the human body. The team now plans on finding an inhibitor that can be safely used in humans providing the same effect.

How to prevent AMR

Until research can successfully develop therapies for AMR, staying healthy and using antibiotics only when necessary are our options. Also, avoid crowds during outbreaks. And if sick, stay home!

The most effective way to prevent AMR is to boost immune system through:

  • Quality sleep- Sleep is when the body actively heals and restores health. Practice sleep hygiene
  • Exercise- At least 30 minutes several times a week of active walking or other form of exercise can help boost immune system, regulate mood and decrease appetite
  • Avoid sugar-Sugar and refined carbohydrates help feed pathogenic bacteria
  • Vitamin D (with k2)- Vitamin D supports a strong immune system. Talk with your healthcare provider about vitamin D supplementation and checking vitamin D levels to make sure you are reaching optimum vitamin D levels
  • Avoid and manage stress- Deep breathing exercises can help when unable to avoid stressful situations.
  • Practice personal hygiene- wash hands after going to store, before eating, and any time your are exposed to anyone who is ill.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Keeping you informed and safe.

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After the Floodwaters Recede-Be Aware of Post-Flood Diseases

(Don’t be caught without your Jase Case)

California is again being slammed with record rainfall, mud and rockslides are forcing road closures. Widespread evacuations are still in place across the state. Snowfall is continuing to plague the Sierra mountains leaving many stranded without available help due to the amount of snow making roads impassable.

 In addition:

  • Water restrictions have ended for the 7 million residents in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. These residents had endured one of the most long and fierce droughts in recent history.
  • As of Tuesday, March 15, Santa Barbara County cancelled evacuation orders and issued warnings for residents to remain vigilant with some areas still flooding, rock and mudslide hazards and potential for more storm related damage.
  • However, evacuation orders remained in place for Monterey County after a 400-foot levee burst on the Pajaro River flooding communities and farms due to runoff after last week’s 10th atmospheric river. Crews are working diligently to repair the levee. Residents have been forced to seek shelter in local motels and evacuation centers.
  • Snowfall in the Sierra mountains near Donner Pass has totaled over 54 feet, along with another incoming storm expected to dump up to another 10 feet of snow in the mountains. This will result in the risk of further roof collapses, impassable roads and gas leaks and explosions.
  • Warm air in the mountains has triggered multiple avalanche and flash flood warnings.
  • Not to be outdone by the snow, rain, flooding and avalanches, an EF-1 tornado carrying with it 90 mph winds touched down in Tuolumne County on Saturday, uprooting trees, and producing 1 inch hail along with flash flooding.

The floodwaters will eventually recede, bringing with it post-flood disease outbreaks

Note: Follow your local health department and authorities’ instruction and guidance before reentering your flooded home or other buildings. Be sure to have gloves, mask (properly fitting N95 at the very least) and goggles along with protective boots or shoes when venturing into any post flood areas.

Receding floodwaters along with warmer air create an ideal breeding ground for disease outbreaks.

Sewage spills, contaminated waste floating in waters, livestock feces along with harmful chemicals settle in buildings, cars, and surrounding landscapes, polluting everything it touches. It will be almost impossible to not be exposed to some sort of health hazard post flood.

Local health departments, clinics and hospitals will have a high likelihood of being overrun with flood related disease outbreaks.

The following is a list of common disease outbreaks following a flood

Jase case antibiotics are listed in parenthesis- note that the antibiotics in the Jase Case can treat many of these diseases:

Viruses and bacteria– transmitted through contaminated water (ingestion or contact), food, items that hold food or water, or rodents.

C difficile- (Metronidazole)

Giardia-(Metronidazole)

Salmonella (Ciprofloxacin if symptoms are severe)

Skin infection (staph)- (Doxycycline)

Tetanus- (Doxycycline or metronidazole)

Tularemia- (Doxycycline or ciprofloxacin)

Typhoid fever- (Ciprofloxacin)

Hepatitis A- no known treatment, it usually runs its course

Vector borne diseases (mosquitos)

West Nile Virus- Supportive treatment only

Rotavirus- Supportive treatment only

Mold

Mold is a major health concern following a flood. It can be invisible and spread within a matter of days. If you have a weakened immune system, you can become seriously ill from mold.

At risk populations include

  • Those receiving chemotherapy
  • Have had an organ transplant
  • Using corticosteroids

In addition, if you have any respiratory issues such as asthma, don’t enter any building after a flood without proper safety equipment (this goes for everyone including at risk persons)

  • Properly fitting N-95 mask or higher level protection
  • Gloves
  • Goggles

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

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(Heart healthy hacks series)According to the American Heart Association. the 3 deadliest days in the calendar year for cardiac deaths are: in first place, December 25th, second is December 26th  and third deadliest is January 1st . There are several possible reasons...

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!