Genomic analysis of sewage waste shows widespread antimicrobial resistance

As concerns persist over antibiotic resistance, a new genomic analysis of sewage waste details its international spread, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and health systems. In data from 74 cities across the world, samples from Asia, Africa, and South America tended to have the highest rates of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, such as tetracycline. Samples from North America, Western Europe, and Australia had the lowest incidence. The study’s authors say they examined sewage data because it allows for “real-time surveillance.” But not all antimicrobial resistance or resistance genes are equally important, the authors write, so further studies could benefit from looking at individual drugs and genes.