Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant airborne bacteria along roadsides in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Abstract

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant airborne bacteria was examined at seven different localities along the urban roads of Rahim Yar Khan. Airborne bacteria from the respiratory zone were sampled three times a day and five times a year using gravity deposition on nutrient agar plates. Six antibiotics - ampicillin, penicillin, streptomycin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone - were used to screen antibiotic-resistant airborne bacteria. In this study, antibiotic-resistant airborne bacteria were detected at all sampling sites, with the highest antibiotic resistance observed in a residential area (RA). The airborne bacteria showed maximum resistance to streptomycin. The airborne bacteria of winter season were more resistant (43%) to tested antibiotics than airborne bacteria of any other season. These results specify that the pollutant exposure risk factor is different at each sampling site because of the potential contribution of various point sources. These findings of the study will be helpful to public health professionals and policy makers to develop effective interventions to combat adverse health impacts of bio-aerosols on the local population.