New research has for the first time shown that pathogenic bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes can travel thousands of kilometers thanks to strong winds.
The study reveals that bacteria have attached themselves to dust particles, traveling approximately 2,000 kilometers via wind, from fields in northeastern China to Japan. Similar winds exist worldwide.
Clostridium difficile bacteria associated with diarrhea found in airborne dust particles – (Image: Getty Images).
The research indicates that the winds carry an astonishing diversity of bacteria and fungi, including known pathogens and some with multi-drug resistance genes. Notably, some bacteria remain viable after such a long journey.
Specifically, the research team recorded over 300 types of bacteria, around 260 types of fungi, and some unknown bacteria from 22 dust samples collected at altitudes of 1 to 3 kilometers in Tokyo, Japan. Analyses showed that these particles originated from China, according to the Guardian on September 9.
“About 30-40% of these bacteria have the potential to be pathogenic, including both known pathogens and opportunistic pathogens (which affect individuals with weakened immune systems),” said Professor Xavier Rodo, the lead researcher from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (headquartered in Spain).
According to the study, the bacteria traveling along these intercontinental wind routes are unlikely to directly cause illness in humans due to their low density, but they can introduce pathogens along with antibiotic resistance genes into new environments through this mode of travel.
Professor Rodo believes the study serves as a “wake-up call for us to change our perspective on the air,” particularly the notion that the higher you go, the cleaner the air is.
“We should employ new methods to sample and see what’s there. These bacteria and fungi often have high resilience to harsh environmental conditions,” he added.
