Infections involving treatment resistant bacteria jumped by 70% between 2019 and 2023. A growing percentage of these so-called “nightmare bacteria” have a gene that allows them to evade most antibiotics. As a result, there are only two drugs left that kill these bacteria, and both medications are costly and must be given intravenously. Treatment resistant bacteria are surging globally, largely because of antibiotic overuse and misuse.
“The rise of NDMs in the U.S. is a grave danger and very worrisome,” said David Weiss, an Emory University infectious diseases scientist.
Full Story: The Associated Press
