Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens has been associated mainly with excessive use of antibiotics. Most studies of resistance have focused on clinical pathogens; however, microorganisms are exposed to numerous anthropogenic substances. Few studies have sought to determine the effects of chemical substances on microorganisms. Exposure to these substances may contribute to increased rates of AMR. Understanding microorganism communities in natural environments and AMR mechanisms under the effects of anthropogenic substances, such as pesticides, is important to addressing the current crisis of antimicrobial resistance. This report draws attention to molecules, rather than antibiotics, that are commonly used in agrochemicals and may be involved in developing AMR in non-clinical environments, such as soil. This report examines pesticides as mediators for the appearance of AMR, and as a route for antibiotic resistance genes and antimicrobial resistant bacteria to the anthropic environment. Available evidence suggests that the natural environment may be a key dissemination route for antibiotic-resistant genes. Understanding the interrelationship of soil, water, and pesticides is fundamental to raising awareness of the need for environmental monitoring programs and overcoming the current crisis of AMR.

BackgroundHealthcare workers are at increased risk of infection due to occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers in Colombia.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study focused on estimating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers from 65 hospitals in 10 cities in Colombia during the second semester of 2020. The seroprevalence was determined using an automated immunoassay (Abbott SARS-CoV-2 CLIA IgG). The study included a survey to establish the sociodemographic variables and the risk of infection. A multivariate model was used to evaluate the association between the results of seroprevalence and risk factors.ResultsThe global seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 35% (95% Bayesian CI 33% to 37%). All the personnel reported the use of protective equipment. General services personnel and nurses presented the highest ratios of seroprevalence among the healthcare workers. Low socioeconomic strata have shown a strong association with seropositivity.ConclusionThis study estimates the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers. Even though all the personnel reported the use of protective equipment, the seroprevalence in the general services personnel and nurses was high. Also, a significant difference by cities was observed.

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Introducción. La pandemia de COVID-19 ha ejercido una presión sin precedentes sobre los sistemas de salud, evidenciando las desigualdades a nivel mundial. Una de las preocupaciones durante esta situación ha sido la posible desigualdad para acceder a las pruebas diagnósticas relacionada con los recursos económicos de la población. En este estudio se analizaron los resultados de las pruebas para detección de COVID-19 en Bogotá y su asociación con el nivel de ingresos. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio ecológico con los reportes del SIVIGILA, entre el 6 de marzo y el 1 de julio de 2020, para los registros con pruebas positivas y negativas para COVID-19. Con las variables cuantitativas y cualitativas se realizó estadística descriptiva, adicionalmente se realizó un análisis bivariado y se calculó el coeficiente de Gini a partir de la curva de Lorenz. Resultados. El análisis incluyó 44.300 registros. Las pruebas se realizaron principalmente a hombres (51,4%) y de los estratos más altos 4, 5 y 6 (53,5%). Igualmente, el coeficiente de Gini evidenció la desigualdad en el acceso comparando por estratos socioeconómicos. Conclusión. El análisis evidenció desigualdad en el acceso a las pruebas diagnósticas para SARS-CoV-2, donde los estratos más altos tuvieron más acceso asociado con el mayor poder adquisitivo.