A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals an alarming surge in infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, often referred to as 'nightmare bacteria.' Between 2019 and 2023, infection rates increased by nearly 70%, driven primarily by bacteria carrying the NDM gene. This gene renders bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, leaving only two expensive and intravenously administered options for treatment.
These bacteria, once considered rare and primarily associated with patients receiving medical care overseas, have experienced a dramatic rise in US cases. The increase is far from insignificant; the rate of US cases jumped more than fivefold during this period. Experts like Emory University's infectious diseases researcher David Weiss express grave concern, highlighting the significant danger posed by this escalating trend.
The CDC's findings suggest a concerning possibility: many individuals may unknowingly carry these drug-resistant bacteria, potentially leading to widespread community transmission. This silent spread could transform common infections, such as urinary tract infections, into chronic and difficult-to-treat conditions, according to Dr. Maroya Walters, a report author. The root cause is largely attributed to antibiotic misuse – incomplete or unnecessary prescriptions allowing bacteria to develop resistance.
The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed data from 29 states that conduct comprehensive testing and reporting of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. In 2023, these states reported 4,341 cases of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections, with 1,831 being the NDM-producing variety. While the exact number of fatalities remains unreported, the sheer increase in infection rates is deeply troubling.
The rate of carbapenem-resistant infections increased from nearly 2 per 100,000 people in 2019 to over 3 per 100,000 in 2023 – a 69% jump. However, the increase in NDM cases is even more startling, soaring from approximately 0.25 to 1.35 per 100,000, representing a staggering 460% increase. Some researchers, like Dr. Jason Burnham of Washington University, hypothesize a link to the increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is crucial to understand that the CDC's data likely underrepresents the true scale of the problem. Many states lack comprehensive testing and reporting systems, and testing often focuses on hospitalized patients exhibiting severe symptoms. The absence of data from populous states like California, Florida, New York, and Texas underscores this limitation, leading to significant underestimation of the actual number of infections nationwide.
This alarming trend isn't new; a prior CDC report already indicated a rise in NDM cases in New York City between 2019 and 2024. The current findings reinforce the urgent need for increased vigilance, improved antibiotic stewardship, and expanded surveillance efforts to combat this growing threat of drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria.'
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nightmare-bacteria-cases-are-increasing-us-rcna233398
