Infections caused by drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” surged nearly 70% in the US between 2019 and 2023, according to new findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published September 22 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The increase was largely fueled by bacteria carrying the NDM gene, which makes them extremely hard to treat. Only two antibiotics are effective against these infections, and both are costly and must be given intravenously.
Once seen only in rare cases tied to patients receiving care abroad, NDM-related infections have now increased more than fivefold in the US. Although overall numbers remain relatively small, CDC scientists warn the trend is deeply concerning. Health officials believe many carriers go undetected, raising the risk of wider community spread.
Pathogens like these highlight the growing threat of drug-resistant infections, which could turn routine illnesses into deadly conditions. But what, exactly, is this crisis that humans are facing? And what is being done to stop it? Click through this gallery to find out.