We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Association between microplastic exposure and macrolide resistance in mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia among younger children: A cross-sectional study in China
Summary
Researchers analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 195 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and measured microplastic levels alongside antibiotic resistance patterns. They found that higher microplastic concentrations in the lungs were associated with increased macrolide resistance in the bacteria causing the infection. The study suggests that microplastic exposure in the respiratory system may play a role in promoting antibiotic resistance in pediatric respiratory infections.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants that pose potential health risks through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. However, data on MP exposure and its impact on the pediatric respiratory system remain limited. This study aimed to assess MP levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and evaluate their associations with macrolide resistance in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). BALF samples from 195 children aged 1-16 years were analyzed using Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Six types of MPs were identified: Polyamide 66 (PA66) (92.31 %), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) (81.54 %), Polystyrene (PS) (78.97 %), Polyethylene (PE) (51.28 %), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) (21.02 %), and Polypropylene (PP) (11.28 %). MPs were detected in 194 out of 195 samples, with an overall detection rate of 99.48 %. Logistic regression showed that moderate exposure to PE (0.32-1.05 µg/mL) significantly increased the odds of macrolide-resistant MPP compared to low exposure (OR = 1.39; 95 % CI: 1.01-1.92; P < 0.05). Among children aged ≤ 6 years, high PE exposure was strongly associated with odds of macrolide-resistant MPP (OR = 2.62; 95 % CI: 1.37-5.02; P < 0.05), with a significant dose-response trend (P trend = 0.004). These findings provide the first evidence linking lower respiratory tract MP exposure with antibiotic resistance in pediatric MPP, particularly among younger children, and underscore the importance of minimizing environmental MP exposure in vulnerable populations.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics exposed by respiratory tract and exacerbation of community-acquired pneumonia: The potential influences of respiratory microbiota and inflammatory factors
Researchers found that microplastics were present in the lungs of pneumonia patients, and that patients with severe pneumonia had higher levels of microplastics in their airways than those with milder cases. The microplastics appeared to worsen lung infections by disrupting the balance of airway bacteria and increasing inflammation. This study provides early evidence that inhaled microplastics may make respiratory infections more dangerous in humans.
Microplastic-associated gut microbial profile and antibiotic resistance in preschool children: a multicentre cross-sectional study in China
In a multicentre study of 335 preschool children across three Chinese cities, researchers detected eight types of microplastics in fecal samples at a median concentration of 212.1 micrograms per gram. The study found that microplastic exposure was associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and function, including metabolic pathways related to macronutrients and vitamins, as well as a relationship with antibiotic resistance gene abundance.
Microplastics in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Chinese Children: Associations with Age, City Development, and Disease Features
Microplastics were detected in nearly 90% of lung fluid samples from Chinese children with respiratory diseases, with an average of about 4 particles per 10 milliliters. Younger children and those living in more developed urban areas had higher levels, likely due to more indoor crawling behavior and greater surrounding plastic use. This is significant because it confirms that children are inhaling microplastics into their lungs, and younger children may be especially vulnerable.
Microplastic exposure in the lungs of young children and its associations with allergic rhinitis: A cross-sectional study in China
Researchers measured microplastics in lung fluid collected from 207 children in China and found that higher concentrations of certain plastics, particularly polyamide 66, were associated with increased rates of allergic rhinitis. The association was strongest in children aged six and under. The study suggests that microplastic exposure in young lungs may be linked to a higher risk of allergic respiratory conditions in early childhood.
Bacterial Community under the Influence of Microplastics in Indoor Environment and the Health Hazards Associated with Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Researchers investigated how microplastics in indoor dust influence bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance genes. They found significant correlations between microplastic abundance and both bacterial community composition and the relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in dust samples. Notably, biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid harbored particularly high levels of antibiotic resistance genes, suggesting that indoor microplastics may serve as overlooked reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance.