ATLANTA ( KVOA ) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant rise in NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant...
ATLANTA (KVOA) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant rise in NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE), a drug-resistant bacteria, posing a serious public health threat.
Between 2019 and 2023, NDM-CRE infections in the U.S. surged by more than 460%, making them difficult to treat and potentially deadly. Limited testing capabilities in many labs further complicate detection.
“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,” said Danielle Rankin, an epidemiologist in CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion.
NDM-CRE bacteria are resistant to strong antibiotics due to the enzyme "NDM," leaving few treatment options. The increase in infections is linked to gaps in infection control and limited testing tools in healthcare settings.
The CDC urges healthcare providers to stay informed, test promptly to identify infections, and carefully select treatments. Strengthening prevention and control practices is essential to protect patients and prevent the spread of these bacteria.
As NDM-CRE presents a global challenge, the CDC emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts to address this growing threat.
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