ATLANTA, GA– Infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” have risen nearly 70% from 2019 to 2023, according to a new report from CDC researchers published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The increase is primarily driven by bacteria with the NDM gene, with only two expensive, IV-administered antibiotics effective against them. While the number of patients infected by NDMs is “still small, the rate of U.S. cases jumped more than fivefold in recent years, the researchers reported.” The CDC’s data from 29 states showed 4,341 carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections in 2023, with 1,831 being NDM cases.
The scientists warned that it is likely that many people are unrecognized carriers of the drug-resistant bacteria, which could result in community spread.
The research, published on Monday, September 22, 2025, in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal, found that carbapenem-resistant infections rose from 2 to 3.2 cases per 100,000 people during the four-year period
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Increased Infection Rates:
Drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” increased by nearly 70% from 2019 to 2023.
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NDM Gene is a Major Driver:
The increase is largely due to NDM-positive bacteria, which are resistant to a broad range of antibiotics.
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Explosive Growth in NDM Cases:
The rate of U.S. cases involving NDM infections increased more than fivefold.
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High Resistance to Antibiotics:
These bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics, leaving only two expensive, intravenous drugs effective against them.
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Community Spread Risk:
Scientists warn that many people might carry these bacteria without knowing it, potentially spreading them in the community.
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Data from 2023:In 2023, CDC data from 29 states found 4,341 carbapenem-resistant infections, with 1,831 of those being NDM-related.
Media Release/AMA/CDC
