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Drug-Resistant Infections on the Rise, CDC Reports
A recent CDC report reveals a concerning increase in infections resistant to antibiotics, often referred to as “nightmare bacteria.” Between 2019 and 2023, infection rates from these drug-resistant bacteria climbed by nearly 70%, according to CDC scientists publishing in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The surge is largely attributed to bacteria carrying the NDM gene, which makes them impervious to most antibiotics. Currently, only two expensive intravenous antibiotics are effective against these infections.
While once linked primarily to patients who received medical care abroad, NDM-carrying bacteria are now increasingly found in the U.S., with cases jumping more than fivefold in recent years. Experts express serious concern, noting the “grave danger” this poses.
The CDC scientists suggest many individuals may be unknowingly carrying these bacteria, increasing the risk of community spread. This raises the alarming possibility of common infections, like urinary tract infections, becoming difficult-to-treat, chronic conditions.
Antimicrobial resistance develops when bacteria and fungi evolve to withstand the drugs designed to eliminate them. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, such as incomplete prescriptions or unnecessary use, contribute significantly to this growing problem. The CDC has been highlighting the threat of “nightmare bacteria” resistant to even last-resort antibiotics like carbapenems.
The CDC study analyzed data from 29 states capable of the specialized testing and reporting needed to track these infections. While researchers identified 4,341 cases of carbapenem-resistant infections in 2023, with 1,831 linked to the NDM gene, they did not report mortality data.
The overall rate of carbapenem-resistant infections increased by 69%, rising from approximately 2 to over 3 cases per 100,000 people. However, NDM cases experienced a staggering 460% jump, increasing from about 0.25 to 1.35 cases per 100,000 people.
Experts believe the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated surge in antibiotic use likely contributed to this rise in drug resistance. It is also important to note that the CDC’s findings likely underestimate the true scale of the problem, as many states lack the resources for comprehensive testing and reporting.
Data from populous states like California, Florida, New York, and Texas were not included, further obscuring the complete picture. This recent report echoes previous studies, including a June CDC publication documenting a rise in NDM cases in New York City.