Climate Change Linked to Rising Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Globally
Climate Change Linked to Rising Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Globally
US · Published May 27, 2026
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health has revealed a significant link between climate change and the global increase in antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in Salmonella. Researchers from institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Cambridge analyzed over 480,000 Salmonella genomes collected from 139 countries between 1940 and
The findings indicate that rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are contributing to a 10% global increase in ARGs. These genes enable bacteria to resist antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. The study highlights that higher temperatures accelerate bacterial growth and gene exchange, while extreme weather events like flooding and drought exacerbate the spread of ARGs in water systems. Over the study period, ARG abundance in Salmonella has risen by 38%, with climate change accounting for a notable portion of this increase. The strongest climate-linked surges were observed in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Why It's Important?

The rise in antibiotic-resistant Salmonella poses a significant public health risk, as it complicates the treatment of infections that already affect tens of millions of people annually. The study underscores that climate change is amplifying the spread of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in vulnerable regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Extreme weather events, such as flooding and drought, further exacerbate the issue by spreading resistant bacteria through water systems or concentrating antibiotic residues in compromised water sources. Without intervention, the abundance of ARGs in Salmonella is projected to continue rising, potentially undermining the effectiveness of current antimicrobial therapies and increasing the global burden of hard-to-treat infections.

Related News