[Antibiotic resistance in conflict areas, a neglected issue]

Armed conflicts generate a specific microbiology linked to a toxic ecosystem, of which bacteria are the markers. This phenomenon is not sufficiently recognized or taken into account. In the geopolitical context of wars, a combination of factors creates a favorable environment in which antibiotic resistance explodes: collapse of health systems, over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, drug smuggling, nature of the weapons used, type of trauma. In addition, there are supply difficulties, failure of states, The type of injuries, treated in suboptimal conditions and in environments contaminated by heavy metals from bombs, also contributes to the phenomenon. A better understanding of the phenomenon is imperative in a world where populations exposed to conflicts are increasingly numerous.