Why one infection is deemed a triple threat

Let this be your sign to start taking antibiotic use seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a 460% increase in cases related to a drug-resistant family of bacteria between 2019 and 2023.

The family of bacteria in question is called New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE), which recently has been referred to as “nightmare bacteria,” since it offers a triple threat toward public health: high mortality, limited treatment options and the potential to spread easily.

“This is concerning because NDM-CRE are resistant to commonly used antibiotics,” explains Dr. Saira Ajmal, an infectious disease physician at Advocate Health Care. “This leaves very limited treatment options, even fewer than for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), which has historically been the more predominant carbapenemase in the U.S. This results in an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.”

A CRE infection occurs if you are exposed to CRE bacteria, which can happen through traditional exposure, such as physical contact and contaminated objects. People who are immunocompromised may be at an increased risk of this infection, especially those in health care or long-term facilities.

NDM-CRE can cause the following infections, according to the CDC:

• Pneumonia
• Bloodstream infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Wound infections

You can help prevent a further uptick in NDM-CRE cases by practicing safe antibiotic practices:

• Always finish your prescribed antibiotics
• Only take antibiotics when it’s necessary
• Never use someone else’s prescription antibiotics

“When you misuse an antibiotic, it furthers drug-resistance by allowing the bacteria to survive and mutate – essentially allowing them to become smarter so that they won’t be killed by similar antibiotics in the future,” Dr. Ajmal explains.

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