CDC Report: Drug-Resistant Germs Cause 9.7 Million US Infections Annually

Key points

• Drug-resistant pathogens cause an estimated 9.7 million infections and 50,800 deaths in the US each year, up from 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths in 2019.
• The CDC classifies four germs as 'urgent' threats: Candida auris, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter.
• Candida auris cases increased tenfold since 2019, with 4,523 infections reported in 2023, primarily affecting vulnerable patients in healthcare settings.
• Hospital-acquired drug-resistant infections cost the US healthcare system over $12 billion in 2023, with 42,000 associated deaths.
• Clostridioides difficile was downgraded from an 'urgent' to a 'serious' threat due to a 9% decline in infections since 2018, attributed to improved infection control and antibiotic stewardship.

Background

This report follows earlier CDC data highlighting rising drug-resistant Shigella cases, which jumped from 0% to 8.5% of tested samples between 2011 and 2023. The current findings expand on previous concerns about antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the broader impact on modern medicine and public health infrastructure.

How outlets are covering it

ABC News and NBC News focus on the overall rise in drug-resistant infections and the CDC’s warning about their threat to public health. CIDRAP provides detailed comparisons with 2019 data, noting that while infection numbers have risen, methodological changes limit direct comparisons. Yahoo highlights MRSA as a 'serious' threat, detailing state-level variations in cases, with California, Pennsylvania, and Texas reporting the highest numbers. All sources agree on the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance but differ in emphasis: ABC and NBC stress the human toll, CIDRAP focuses on data trends, and Yahoo highlights geographic disparities and prevention measures.

Why it matters

Drug-resistant germs undermine the effectiveness of antibiotics, which are essential for treating infections and supporting modern medical procedures like surgeries and joint replacements. The rising number of infections and deaths highlights the need for better antibiotic stewardship, new drug development, and infection control measures to mitigate the growing threat to public health.

What to watch

The CDC will continue monitoring drug-resistant pathogens, including those on its 'watch list,' such as drug-resistant ringworm and Bordetella pertussis. Experts call for increased investment in new antibiotics and improved infection prevention strategies to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.