Daily UPSC Current : 13 Nov 2026/URBAN MICROBIOME AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)

 Why in News?

Researchers from IIT Madras conducted a study on the Urban Microbiome and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Chennai Metro Rail system.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Transit Biome: Researchers identified a distinct microbial ecosystem in Chennai Metro, influenced by its coastal climate, humidity and urban population density.
• AMR Genes: Antibiotic resistance genes were detected in over 80% of the samples, particularly those associated with resistance to sulfonamides and rifamycin. However, their abundance was low.
• Microbial Diversity: Nine unique core microbial species were identified, including salt-tolerant bacteria and bacteria associated with human skin.
• Sample Collection: Researchers collected 96 samples from 12 metro stations and trains on the Blue and Green Lines.
• Most Diverse Surface: Ticket-vending kiosks showed greater microbial diversity than train handrails.
• Research Method: Whole-genome metagenomic sequencing was used to analyse the microbial communities. The analysis covered 47 quality-controlled samples.
• Public Health Concern: The presence of AMR genes, even at low levels, highlights the potential risk of spreading antimicrobial resistance in crowded public spaces.

Global Initiatives:

• PathoMap Project: Maps microbial communities in public spaces in New York City.
• MetaSUB International Consortium (2013): A global initiative to create geospatial maps of urban microbiomes and monitor antimicrobial resistance markers.

Significance of the Study:

• Helps understand the spread of microorganisms in crowded public places.
• Supports monitoring of antibiotic-resistant genes in urban environments.
• Helps identify potential public health risks and disease transmission pathways.
• Provides baseline data for future microbial surveillance in Indian cities.
• Can support better public health policies and infection-control measures.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:

Microbiome:

The microbiome refers to the entire community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes, living in a particular environment, such as the human body, soil, water or public transport.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

AMR is the ability of microorganisms to survive medicines designed to kill them or stop their growth.

• Makes infections difficult to treat.
• Reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines.
• Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are major causes of AMR.

Metagenomics:

Metagenomics is the study of genetic material (DNA) collected directly from environmental samples to identify and analyse different microorganisms without growing them individually in laboratories.

Transit Biome:

Transit Biome refers to the distinct community of microorganisms found in public transportation systems, such as metro trains, buses and railway stations.

Conclusion:

Regular monitoring of urban microbiomes can help identify potential public health risks, track antimicrobial resistance and strengthen public health preparedness in densely populated cities.