Study reveals unequal gender impact of ‘Superbugs' across the globe
AMR occurs when microorganisms (Superbugs) like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to become less susceptible or completely resistant to antimicrobial medicines, including antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-fungals, and anti-parasitics.
Led by Professor Leo Lahti at the University of Turku, the study analysed the DNA of over 14,000 gut metagenomes from 32 countries and it found that women in high-income countries carry, on average, 9% more antibiotic resistance genes than men, suggesting they may be more frequently exposed to antibiotics or resistant bacteria.
In contrast, men in low- and middle-income nations showed higher resistance gene loads, though these differences were not statistically significant when factors like age and living conditions were accounted for.
The study titled 'Gender Differences in Global Antimicrobial Resistance', published in the latest issue of npj Biofilms and Microbiomes also found that women in wealthier nations had a broader diversity of resistance genes, possibly due to differences in gut microbiota, and that age and country of residence were major factors in resistance levels.
The highest resistance was noted in infants and the elderly, while poor sanitation and high antibiotic use in low-income countries also contributed to higher resistance levels.
These findings highlight the intricate interaction of gender, socio-economic status, geography, and age in the spread of antibiotic resistance. With AMR already responsible for over 1.3 million deaths annually, researchers argue that understanding these gender differences is crucial for developing equitable and effective healthcare strategies to combat this escalating threat.
The study observation is especially critical for India, as it bears the world's highest burden of antibiotic-resistant TB. In 2019 alone, nearly 300,000 people in the country died from AMR-related infections, as per various reports.
"By recognising these disparities, we can tailor interventions that address the specific needs of different populations and help reduce health inequalities related to antibiotic resistance," said Katariina Parnanen, one of the study's lead researchers. As per various reports, AMR is predicted to contribute to 39 million deaths by 2050.
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