An integrated framework for antimicrobial resistance: links with climate change and vulnerability

Area of Science:

• Environmental science and public health research.
• Focus on the intersection of climate change, environmental health, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research traditionally focuses on clinical settings, with environmental aspects and climate change links being nascent fields.
• Limited evidence currently connects climate change, environmental AMR transmission, and population vulnerabilities.
• Understanding how climate change exacerbates AMR risks and impacts health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review recent research on climate change's role in exacerbating AMR risks.
• To develop an integrated framework connecting climate change impacts to AMR risk using the modified DPSEEA (mDPSEEA) model.
• To incorporate the IPCC's vulnerability concept (susceptibility and coping capacity) into the AMR risk assessment framework.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on climate change and AMR.
• Development of a conceptual framework integrating the mDPSEEA model with the IPCC vulnerability framework.
• Systemic analysis of the driver-pressure-state interface for combined climate change and AMR risks.

Main Results:

• The integrated framework highlights the interconnectedness of climate change drivers and AMR.
• Identified vulnerable groups include the elderly, children, those with chronic conditions, and populations in contaminated environments.
• The analysis underscores the need for coordinated public health strategies beyond isolated interventions.

Conclusions:

• Combating AMR necessitates a holistic approach addressing climate change, pollution, and social inequalities.
• Public health planning must integrate infectious disease, chronic disease, and environmental hazard strategies.
• Systemic analysis and policy coordination are essential for mitigating combined climate change and AMR risks.