Antiviral Oseltamivir Is not Removed or Degraded in Normal Sewage Water Treatment: Implications for Development of Resistance by Influenza A Virus
2007

Oseltamivir and Its Impact on Influenza Resistance in Sewage Treatment

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fick Jerker, Lindberg Richard H., Tysklind Mats, Haemig Paul D., Waldenström Jonas, Wallensten Anders, Olsen Björn

Primary Institution: Umeå University

Hypothesis

Does oseltamivir persist in sewage treatment and contribute to the development of drug resistance in influenza A virus?

Conclusion

Oseltamivir is not removed during normal sewage treatment, which may lead to environmental drug resistance in influenza A virus.

Supporting Evidence

  • The active form of oseltamivir is not removed in sewage treatment.
  • Environmental residues of oseltamivir may lead to drug-resistance in influenza A virus.
  • Oseltamivir is widely used for treating influenza, raising concerns about resistance.

Takeaway

The medicine oseltamivir doesn't get cleaned out of sewage water, which could help the flu virus become resistant to it.

Methodology

Batch experiments simulating normal sewage treatment were conducted to assess the fate of oseltamivir.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on the fate of oseltamivir in sewage treatment without considering other environmental factors.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000986

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