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Personal Care Products as a Contributing Factor to Antimicrobial Resistance: Current State and Novel Approach to
Giulia Caioni1, Elisabetta Benedetti1, Monia Perugini2
1Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world's industrialized nations' biggest issues. It has a significant influence on the ecosystem and negatively affects human health. The overuse of antibiotics in the healthcare and agri-food industries has historically been defined as a leading factor, although the use of antimicrobial-containing personal care products plays a significant role in the spread of AMR. Lotions, creams, shampoos, soaps, shower gels, toothpaste, fragrances, and other items are used for everyday grooming and hygiene. However, in addition to the primary ingredients, additives are included to help preserve the product by lowering its microbial load and provide disinfection properties. These same substances are released into the environment, escaping traditional wastewater treatment methods and remaining in ecosystems where they contact microbial communities and promote the spread of resistance. The study of antimicrobial compounds, which are often solely researched from a toxicological point of view, must be resumed considering the recent discoveries, to highlight their contribution to AMR. Parabens, triclocarban, and triclosan are among the most worrying chemicals. To investigate this issue, more effective models must be chosen. Among them, zebrafish is a crucial study system because it allows for the assessment of both the risks associated with exposure to these substances as well as environmental monitoring. Furthermore, artificial intelligence-based computer systems are useful in simplifying the handling of antibiotic resistance data and speeding up drug discovery processes.
Insights
Personal care products contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global health threat. Research highlights the need to study these chemicals
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Toxicology
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Public Health and Epidemiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health and ecosystems.
- While antibiotic overuse in healthcare and agriculture is recognized, antimicrobial agents in personal care products (PCPs) are increasingly implicated in AMR spread.
- These antimicrobials, used as preservatives and disinfectants in everyday items, enter the environment via wastewater, bypassing treatment and promoting resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of antimicrobial compounds in personal care products to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.
- To emphasize the need for a renewed focus on the environmental and resistance-inducing aspects of these chemicals, beyond traditional toxicological assessments.
- To highlight the utility of zebrafish models and artificial intelligence in studying AMR and accelerating drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing research on antimicrobial compounds in personal care products.
- Discussion of the environmental pathways and ecological impact of these substances.
- Proposal of zebrafish as a model organism for assessing exposure risks and environmental monitoring.
- Mention of artificial intelligence for data analysis and drug discovery in AMR research.
Main Results:
- Personal care products contain antimicrobial additives that contribute to environmental antimicrobial resistance.
- Common chemicals like parabens, triclocarban, and triclosan are of particular concern.
- Current wastewater treatment methods are insufficient to remove these compounds effectively.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial agents in personal care products are a significant, underappreciated driver of antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research using advanced models like zebrafish and AI is crucial for understanding and mitigating this threat.
- A comprehensive approach is needed, considering both human health and environmental impacts of antimicrobial use.
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