'Nightmare bacteria' cases are increasing in the US
12 hours ago
- #antibiotic resistance
- #public health
- #infectious diseases
- Infection rates from drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria' rose almost 70% between 2019 and 2023 in the US.
- Bacteria with the NDM gene, resistant to most antibiotics, drove the increase, with only two expensive IV-administered drugs effective against them.
- Cases of NDM gene bacteria in the US jumped more than fivefold in recent years, posing a significant public health threat.
- Many people may be unrecognized carriers of these drug-resistant bacteria, leading to potential community spread.
- Common infections like urinary tract infections could become chronic due to rising antimicrobial resistance.
- Antimicrobial resistance is fueled by misuse of antibiotics, including unfinished or unnecessary prescriptions.
- Carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections increased by 69%, with NDM cases rising by 460% from 2019 to 2023.
- The COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to the surge in antibiotic use and subsequent resistance.
- The CDC's data is incomplete, missing reports from populous states like California and Texas, suggesting underestimation of cases.
- A previous CDC report noted an increase in NDM cases in New York City between 2019 and 2024.