Are you a surfer or do you know someone who is?
A new study from the UK says that surfers are three times more likely to have antibiotic resistant e. coli bacteria in their guts than people who just go for a swim, because a surfer swallows 10 times more sea water.
The researchers also found that surfers were four times more likely to harbor the type of bacteria with genes that can be passed between bacteria; which can potentially spread the ability of bacteria to resist antibiotic treatment.
This is a big concern because the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment is considered one of the world's greatest emerging health concerns.
The World Health Organization has warned that we may be entering an era where antibiotics are no longer effective to kill simple bacterial infections.
A report commissioned by the UK government in 2016 estimated that antimicrobial resistant infections could kill one person every three seconds by the year 2050 if current trends continue.
Lest you think that maybe the water in the UK is really polluted, its’ actually among the cleanest in Europe, so I would think the same problem is here in the US.
A study like this shows us see how coastal waters might be a pathway for antibiotic resistance and can help policy makers make changes to protect the public from this threat.
This is Joan Trimble wishing you wellness.
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