• Infections from drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria' have increased by almost 70% from 2019 to 2023.
• Carbapenem-resistant infections include the NDM gene, with cases jumping significantly across the U.S.
• The misuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to rising drug resistance.
• Many states are not fully reporting infections, suggesting the issue may be underestimated.
• Healthcare professionals are concerned about the spread leading to harder-to-treat common infections.

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infection rates from drug-resistant "nightmare bacteria" rose almost 70% between 2019 and 2023. The resistance is primarily driven by bacteria that carry the NDM (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase) gene, making them resistant to many frontline treatments. The report indicates that although the figures remain relatively small, the rate of U.S. cases has increased more than fivefold in recent years, indicating a rising threat to public health.

Researchers analyzed data from 29 states that conduct necessary testing and reporting for carbapenem-resistant bacteria. In 2023, there were 4,341 cases recorded, including 1,831 linked to the NDM variety. The increase from just under 2 to more than 3 carbapenem-resistant infections per 100,000 people marks a 69% increase, while NDM cases surged from approximately 0.25 to about 1.35 per 100,000, reflecting an increase of 460%.

Experts warn that this rise is concerning for community health, as many individuals may be unrecognized carriers of drug-resistant bacteria, potentially leading to more widespread infections. "The rise of NDMs in the U.S. is a grave danger and very worrisome," said David Weiss, an infectious diseases researcher at Emory University, highlighting the risks involved in the spread of these bacteria.

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been identified as key factors driving this rise in drug-resistant pathogens. Practices such as incomplete prescriptions and the unnecessary use of antibiotics for non-bacterial illnesses can enable bacteria to develop resistance. Dr. Maroya Walters, a CDC report author, noted that even typically manageable infections like urinary tract infections could become chronic problems in the years ahead if these bacteria spread unchecked.

The surge in infections has been linked to a major increase in antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Jason Burnham, a researcher at Washington University, stated, "We know that there was a huge surge in antibiotic use during the pandemic, so this likely is reflected in increasing drug resistance." Furthermore, the CDC's numbers may not fully represent the scope of the problem, as many populous states, including California and Texas, have not completely reported their data, leading to an underestimation of the issue.

The implications of rising drug-resistant infections extend beyond national borders. Although the current crisis is stark in the U.S., the NDM-carrying bacteria are also an issue globally, particularly in countries with weaker healthcare systems and less regulation of antibiotic use. As infections spread easily through various means, efforts to combat this rise will require coordinated international action alongside improved surveillance and responsible antibiotic stewardship.