The silent microbial shift: climate change amplifies pathogen evolution, microbiome dysbiosis, and antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Climate change is a primary driver of new infectious diseases. It affects pathogen evolution, vector ecology, and human susceptibility. Rising temperatures, changed rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events contributed to the spread of vector-borne, food-borne, and water-borne diseases. Furthermore, climate stressors promote antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and disrupt the human microbiome. This increases susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases. This review explores the complex relationships between climate change, microbial ecosystems, and public health focusing on how microbial dysbiosis and environmental changes interact to influence disease dynamics. We also highlight long-term solutions, such as One Health approaches, probiotics, and AI-powered early warning systems, as strategies for reducing future risks. Addressing these challenges requires global collaboration, climate-resilient health systems, and proactive actions to mitigate the health consequences of a rapidly changing environment.