CDC Report Finds Sharp Rise in Dangerous Drug-Resistant Bacteria
A new report reveals a significant surge in NDM-CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales producing New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase), a family of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, detail changes observed between 2019 and 2023, indicating a rapid increase in the prevalence of these infections.
NDM-CRE poses a serious threat due too it’s potential for rapid spread,particularly within healthcare settings and into the community,if appropriate infection prevention and control measures aren’t followed.Contributing factors to the surge include gaps in infection control practices – specifically hand hygiene, proper use of gloves and gowns, and thorough cleaning/disinfection – as well as limited testing capabilities in many hospitals and clinics. Delayed identification of NDM-CRE infections hinders timely treatment, increases transmission rates, and reduces opportunities for effective infection control.
The Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare providers to stay informed about the national threat and understand local epidemiology of CRE. the CDC recommends prompt testing to identify the specific carbapenemase present,utilizing clinical or public health laboratories when necessary,to guide effective treatment. Careful antibiotic selection, based on the specific resistance mechanism, is also crucial.
To combat the spread, the CDC emphasizes strengthening infection prevention protocols, including adherence to Contact Precautions in acute care settings and Enhanced Barrier Precautions in long-term care facilities. Collaboration with state/local Healthcare-associated infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Programs is also encouraged.
The full report,Changes in Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales,2019-2023,is available at https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-02404. Additional information on NDM-CRE and prevention strategies can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/cre/about/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance-laboratory-networks/php/about/domestic.html.
