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Can microplastics facilitate the emergence of infectious diseases?
Summary
Researchers propose that microplastic pollution may facilitate the emergence of infectious diseases through two mechanisms: by altering exposure to pathogens such as multi-drug resistant bacteria, and by modifying the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. They note that microplastics can impair immune function and disrupt commensal microorganisms, potentially increasing susceptibility to infection. The study argues that microplastics should be considered a ubiquitous environmental hazard with implications for infectious disease emergence.
Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Small plastic particles (called microplastics) have been reported to have pernicious effects on human and wildlife health, by altering physiological functions (e.g., immunity, metabolism) and interfering with commensal microorganisms. However, in addition to these direct toxic effects, we suggest that microplastic pollution might also exert deleterious effects, modifying (i) the exposure to pathogens (e.g., multi-drug resistant bacteria) and (ii) the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Therefore, we argue that microplastics should be considered as a ubiquitous environmental hazard, potentially promoting the (re)emergence of infectious diseases. The implementation of multi- and interdisciplinary research projects are crucial to properly evaluate if microplastic pollution should be added to the current list of global health threats.