Cases of drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” are rising in the U.S., CDC researchers say

In a recent report by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientists, it was revealed that infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” have increased by almost 70% between 2019 and 2023. The primary driver of this increase is bacteria with the NDM gene, which are difficult to treat as only two antibiotics are effective against them. These antibiotics are costly and must be administered intravenously.

Initially, bacteria carrying the NDM gene were considered rare and were mostly associated with patients who had received medical care overseas. However, the number of cases in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns among infectious diseases researchers like David Weiss from Emory University.

One of the major worries is that many people could unknowingly be carriers of these drug-resistant bacteria, leading to potential community spread. This could result in common infections like urinary tract infections becoming more challenging to treat, as highlighted by Dr. Maroya Walters, one of the authors of the report.

The rise in antimicrobial resistance is largely attributed to the misuse of antibiotics, where unfinished or unnecessary prescriptions contribute to the development of stronger germs. The CDC has been focusing on addressing “nightmare bacteria” that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are typically used as a last resort for serious infections.

Data collected from 29 states revealed a significant increase in carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections, with 1,831 cases of the NDM variety reported in 2023. The overall rate of carbapenem-resistant infections rose by 69%, while NDM cases saw a staggering 460% increase.

Some experts believe that the surge in antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the rise in drug resistance. However, the CDC’s data is only a partial representation as many states do not fully test and report cases, leading to an underestimation of the actual number of infections in the U.S.

Despite the limitations in data collection, multiple studies, including one by the CDC in June, have highlighted the concerning trend of increasing NDM cases. This emphasizes the urgent need for continued surveillance, research, and public health interventions to address the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria.