A dangerous drug-resistant bacteria known as NDM-CRE is rapidly spreading across the U.S., posing significant treatment challenges and increasing the risk of severe illness and death.
A concerning rise in drug-resistant bacterial infections is currently being observed in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing warnings about the escalating threat posed by NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE). This particular strain of bacteria is known for its resistance to most antibiotics, making it increasingly difficult for healthcare professionals to treat infections effectively.
The CDC’s laboratory tests indicate a dramatic increase in NDM-CRE infections, which are part of a larger group known as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). These bacteria have shown a troubling ability to withstand some of the most potent antibiotics available today. The term “NDM” refers to an enzyme called New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase, which contributes to this resistance.
In 2020, NDM-CRE was responsible for approximately 12,700 infections and 1,100 deaths in the U.S. The current surge in cases could lead to even higher numbers, as the CDC reports that NDM-CRE infections have increased by more than 460% between 2019 and 2023. These infections can manifest in various forms, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and wound infections. Due to their antibiotic resistance, NDM-CRE infections are notoriously difficult to treat and can sometimes be fatal.
One of the challenges in addressing NDM-CRE infections is their potential for misdiagnosis or oversight. The CDC notes that these infections have not been common in the U.S., which may lead healthcare providers to overlook them in their diagnoses. Danielle Rankin, an epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “This sharp rise in NDM-CRE means we face a growing threat that limits our ability to treat some of the most serious bacterial infections,” she stated in a press release. “Selecting the right treatment has never been more complicated, so it is vitally important that healthcare providers have access to testing to help them select the proper targeted therapies.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, described the trend as “very concerning,” highlighting the high risk of severe illness or death associated with these infections. He attributed part of the problem to the overuse of antibiotics, which contributes to the global trend of increasing antibiotic resistance. “It’s partly due to overuse of antibiotics, and part of a worldwide trend that breeds more and more resistance,” he explained.
Treatment options for carbapenem-resistant infections include novel antibiotics such as ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, plazomicin, and eravacycline. However, Dr. Siegel noted a significant issue: the lack of sufficient antibiotics available for treatment due to profitability concerns in the pharmaceutical industry.
Infectious disease expert David Perlin, Ph.D., who serves as the chief scientific officer and executive vice president at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation in New Jersey, expressed his concerns about the current state of drug resistance in America. Although he was not involved in the CDC’s study, he shared his insights with Fox News Digital. “This is one of the many drug resistance concerns right now for Americans — especially since we are seeing that surveillance is not keeping up with the evolution of the pathogens,” he remarked. “We can certainly do better, once we realize the stakes here.”
Perlin confirmed that NDM-CRE infections are serious and can be life-threatening. “They’re constantly adapting to their environment and can acquire a range of drug resistance mechanisms that make them difficult to treat,” he noted. He also pointed out that some strains carry special carbapenemase genes, which enable them to resist treatment with the most common class of antibiotics. This characteristic makes them particularly dangerous for patients with compromised immune systems.
To combat the threat posed by NDM-CRE, Perlin recommends that patients remain proactive in discussing any persistent infections with their healthcare providers. “Healthcare providers can, and must, do better to provide testing closer to the point of care, especially in emergency departments, so these infections can be identified rapidly for effective treatment and infection control,” he advised. He cautioned that these infections can spread easily in hospital, nursing home, and community settings.
Dr. Siegel echoed the importance of early diagnosis and sanitation in healthcare settings, particularly for immunocompromised patients, where the risk of rapid spread is heightened. “The key is sanitizing settings and early diagnosis,” he stated.
The alarming rise in NDM-CRE infections underscores the urgent need for improved surveillance, testing, and treatment options to combat this growing public health threat.
Source: Original article