The research marks the first study of its kind in Delhi and points to alarmingly high levels of staphylococcal bacteria in both indoor and outdoor air samples across the city.
City
M
Moneycontrol06-01-2026, 11:58

Delhi's Winter Air Carries 'Superbugs': JNU Study Reveals Alarming Antibiotic Resistance

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University study reveals Delhi's winter air contains "superbugs" (antibiotic-resistant bacteria).
  • 73% of bacterial isolates were single-drug resistant, 36% showed multi-drug resistance.
  • Bacterial load exceeded 16,000 CFU per cubic metre, far surpassing WHO's recommended limit of 1,000 CFU per cubic metre.
  • Alarmingly high levels of staphylococcal bacteria found in both indoor and outdoor air samples, peaking in winter.
  • Study calls for urgent systematic monitoring and public reporting of environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Why It Matters: Delhi's winter air is a carrier of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a serious health risk.

More like this

Loading more articles...