Study suggests unnecessary antibiotics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions

News brief

A new study by researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine highlights the environmental impact of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

In the study, which was published yesterday in Antimicrobial Stewardship & Hospital Epidemiology, the researchers used the weight of sample waste from an outpatient antibiotic prescription (a paper bag, paper leaflet insert, and plastic prescription bottle), US Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas emission factors, and the estimated percentage of unnecessary outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in 2014 and 2015 (28%) multiplied by the total number of antibiotic prescriptions in 2022 to calculate the amount of waste emissions produced by unnecessary outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. They then used the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator to convert emissions into concrete greenhouse gas equivalents.

Quantifying the environmental impact of unnecessary antibiotics

The researchers estimated that, of the more than 236 million outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in 2022, roughly 66 million were likely unnecessary, resulting in 1,887.374 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent—the same as driving 4,838,375 miles, or 194.3 times around the equatorial circumference of the earth, in an average gas-powered car.

The study authors argue that quantifying antibiotic-associated greenhouse gas emissions can be another tool for promoting more judicious antibiotic prescribing.

Incorporating data on environmental waste and contributions to greenhouse gas emissions from unnecessary antibiotics could only strengthen antibiotic stewardship efforts.

"Traditional stewardship strategies have limited impact on certain providers and patients, and we believe incorporating data on environmental waste and contributions to greenhouse gas emissions from unnecessary antibiotics could only strengthen antibiotic stewardship efforts and inform public health policy," they concluded.

Vietnam reports its first fatal variant H1N1 flu case

News brief

Stephanie Soucheray, MA

Vietnam has reported its first variant H1N1 (H1N1v) flu case, which involves a 70-year-old woman who died from her illness, according to an update from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The laboratory-confirmed case of swine-origin influenza was reported in the province of Son La, on August 19, and marks the first ever variant H1N1 case in Vietnam. The source of the woman's infection isn't known.

According to the WHO, the patient developed fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite 1 week after returning from spending a month in her home village in Hung Yen province. She died on June 11 after seeking treatment for pneumonia and being admitted to a hospital on June 1.

No cases in contacts, animals

"Epidemiological investigations revealed that the patient lived alone and had limited contact with a few villagers and caregivers during her illness in Son La province," the WHO said. "There have been no reports of respiratory symptoms among contacts, including healthcare workers of the case, or outbreaks in the community in Son La where the patient lived."

There have been no reports of respiratory symptoms among contacts, including healthcare workers of the case,.

There have also been no disease outbreaks in animals, including livestock, near the case-patient's residence in Son La. The WHO said risk of spread from this case is currently low, and it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions to Vietnam at this time.