Superbugs on the Rise: A Growing Health Concern

In the United States, the number of infections caused by "nightmare bacteria" has been rising. These bacteria are tough to treat because they have a special gene called NDM. This gene makes them resistant to most antibiotics. Only two medicines can fight these infections, and they are expensive and must be given through an IV.

Increasing Cases

These bacteria were once rare and mostly found in people who had medical treatment abroad. However, in recent years, the number of cases in the U.S. has increased significantly. In 2023, there were 4,341 cases of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections in 29 states. Out of these, 1,831 were the NDM variety. The rate of these infections has gone up by 69% since 2019.

Expert Concerns

Experts are worried about this trend. They believe that many people may be carrying these bacteria without knowing it. This could lead to the spread of these superbugs in the community. Simple infections, like urinary tract infections, could become harder to treat.

Causes of Resistance

The misuse of antibiotics is a big reason for the rise of these superbugs. When people do not finish their antibiotics or take them unnecessarily, the bacteria become stronger and more resistant. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role. During the pandemic, there was a surge in antibiotic use, which likely contributed to the increase in drug resistance.

Underreported Cases

The data from the CDC is not complete. Many states do not test and report cases fully. Even in states that do, the cases are often among hospital patients who are very sick. Many hospitals also do not have the equipment to detect certain forms of genetic resistance. This means the actual number of infections in the U.S. is likely higher than reported.

Previous Reports

This is not the first time a rise in these cases has been reported. A previous CDC report noted an increase in NDM cases in New York City between 2019 and 2024. The situation is serious and needs attention.