A new report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientists highlights a staggering 70% increase in infection rates from drug-resistant bacteria known as ‘nightmare bacteria’ between 2019 and 2023.
The driving force behind this alarming trend is bacteria carrying the NDM gene, which are notoriously difficult to treat. Only two antibiotics are effective against these infections, and they come with high costs and the need for intravenous administration, according to the CDC researchers in an article published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Previously viewed as exotic and primarily associated with a small number of patients who received medical care abroad, the incidence of NDM cases in the U.S. has surged more than fivefold in recent years. David Weiss, an infectious diseases researcher from Emory University, expressed grave concerns about this trend, labeling it “very worrisome.”
The researchers note that many individuals may unknowingly carry these drug-resistant bacteria, raising the possibility of community spread. This scenario could transform infections once deemed routine, such as urinary tract infections, into chronic health challenges, according to Dr. Maroya Walters, one of the authors of the report.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when germs, including bacteria and fungi, evolve to resist the effects of drugs meant to eliminate them. A significant factor contributing to this rise is the misuse of antibiotics, particularly unfinished or unnecessary prescriptions that fail to eradicate the responsible germs and subsequently empower them.
The CDC’s previous campaigns have drawn attention to ‘nightmare bacteria’ that exhibit resistance to various antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are generally regarded as a last resort for treating severe infections. In the latest assessment, the researchers collected data from 29 states that actively conduct testing and reporting for carbapenem-resistant bacteria.
In 2023, they documented 4,341 cases of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections, with 1,831 attributed to the NDM strain. Notably, the report did not provide information on mortality rates among the infected individuals.
The rate of these infections has risen from just under 2 per 100,000 people in 2019 to over 3 per 100,000 in 2023, marking an increase of 69%. Meanwhile, NDM cases skyrocketed from approximately 0.25 to around 1.35 per 100,000 people, representing a staggering 460% rise.
Dr. Jason Burnham, a researcher at Washington University, indicated that the spike in drug-resistant infections could be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, as there was a notable surge in antibiotic use during that time.
However, it’s important to note that the CDC’s count provides a partial view of the situation. Many states lack comprehensive testing and reporting capabilities, and even among states that do report, cases are often limited to hospital patients requiring advanced testing. Many hospitals are also not equipped to perform the necessary tests to detect certain genetic forms of resistance.
Furthermore, the absence of data from several populous states, such as California, Florida, New York, and Texas, suggests that the actual number of infections in the U.S. is likely underestimated, according to Burnham.
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