Superbugs on the Rise: A Alarming 69% Increase Recorded

New research from a network of U.S. laboratories uncovers a shocking spike in the incidence of a dangerous multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. According to a recent analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alongside state health departments, the incidence of carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CP-CRE) has skyrocketed by 69% from 2019 to 2023.

The Threat of CP-CRE Infections

This significant increase is particularly alarming given that CP-CRE infections are already notoriously difficult to treat and carry a high risk of mortality. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, shine a critical spotlight on a rising health crisis that could complicate treatment protocols for patients.

Diversity of Superbugs: More Than Just Numbers

The data, gathered from 29 states as part of the CDC's Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network, reveals that a specific type of carbapenemase gene, once considered rare in the U.S., has seen a staggering four-fold increase. This troubling trend could facilitate the further spread of these resistant pathogens across the healthcare system.

CRE Infections: A Deadly Concern for Hospitals

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, which includes strains like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are prime examples of superbugs that pose significant threats to hospital patients. In 2017 alone, these infections led to an estimated 13,100 cases and 1,100 deaths in the U.S. Effectively treating these infections is becoming increasingly challenging.

The NDM Strain: A New Contender Among Superbugs

From 2019 to 2023, the overall incidence of CRE rose by 18%, driven primarily by a staggering 461% increase in CRE infections carrying New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) genes. NDM strains are particularly problematic, showing resistance to many of the newer antibiotics developed for treating carbapenem-resistant infections.

Evolving Resistance Patterns and Treatment Complications

Historically, KPC (K pneumoniae carbapenemase) was the most prevalent carbapenemase in the U.S., but recent data suggest a decline in KPC incidence, with NDM now competing for dominance. By 2023, NDM had become the most common carbapenemase in E. coli, complicating treatment strategies.

Call to Action: Adapt and Overcome?

The CDC emphasizes that the growing diversity of carbapenemases makes tailored treatment increasingly essential. Guidelines suggest that clinicians adapt their treatment plans to the specific carbapenemase type. However, limitations in carbapenemase testing in clinical labs may hinder timely clinical decisions.

Urgently integrating carbapenemase testing into lab workflows could be a game-changer, ensuring patients receive the appropriate antibiotic therapy in a timely manner. As we face these evolving superbugs, a proactive approach is crucial in safeguarding public health.