Drug-resistant infections surge in the US

Infections from "nightmare bacteria," largely resistant to antibiotics, have surged by nearly 70% in the U.S. between 2019 and 2023. These infections involve Enterobacterales resistant to critical antibiotics like carbapenems, with a specific strain showing a 461% increase due to the NDM gene that destroys antibiotics. This rise in drug-resistant bacteria, potentially spread through poor hygiene and increased antibiotic use during COVID-19, poses a significant public health threat.