Antibiotic resistance genes found in Chinese estuaries
High levels of antibiotic resistance genes that could turn bacteria into superbugs have been detected in estuaries on China’s coastline. Scientists found evidence that the overwhelming majority of the bacteria had at least one gene that could help them to develop antibiotic resistance. Over 200 different resistance genes were detected overall in what was described as “just a microcosm of a worldwide problem”. The genes enter the environment through sewage and waste water released into lakes and rivers.  Humans face potential exposure to the genes when eating seafood and fish from the affected estuaries. Antibiotic resistance causes around 700,000 deaths per year. 

High levels of antibiotic resistance genes that could advance bacteria "along the path to becoming superbugs" have been detected in estuarine areas, with potentially serious consequences for human health.

International researchers tested 4000 kilometres of China's coastline, finding sediment from estuaries – where fresh water from rivers and streams meets the sea – had levels of antibiotic resistance gene pollution ranging from 1 million to 100 million genes per gram.

Widespread use of antibiotics in human and animal health, and to promote growth in animals farmed for food, has accelerated the process of microbes becoming resistant to them, threatening the ability to treat common infectious diseases.

The results of the research, published in Nature Microbiology, indicated that the vast majority of estuarine bacteria had at least one gene that helped them become resistant to antibiotics.