US Drug-Resistant Bacteria Infections Surge 460% CDC Reports

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a dramatic increase in infections caused by NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE), a highly drug-resistant bacterium, with cases surging over 460% in the U.S. between 2019 and 2023. These infections, which include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections, are extremely difficult to treat due to resistance to many of the strongest antibiotics, leading to high morbidity and mortality. The rise in NDM-CRE, now the most common carbapenemase in E. coli in the U.S., complicates treatment as most new antibiotics target specific carbapenemase classes, underscoring the need for timely and accurate carbapenemase testing in clinical labs. Experts attribute the surge partly to gaps in infection control and limited testing capacity, emphasizing the critical importance of healthcare providers having access to rapid diagnostic tools to select appropriate therapies. The CDC urges adherence to strict infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene and protective equipment, and calls for strengthened local surveillance and integration of carbapenemase testing into laboratory workflows to combat this growing threat. This increase in multidrug-resistant bacterial infections represents a significant challenge for patient safety and public health.