CDC Investigates 461% Increase in Drug-Resistant NDM-CRE Bacteria
Previous research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated a substantial rise in NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE), a dangerous variety of drug-resistant bacteria, in the United States. These infections reportedly increased by 461% from 2019 to 2023. A new study, presented at ASM Microbe 2026, is now examining whether this surge is driven by closely related bacterial strains or by many different, unrelated bacteria.
Previous research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found a significant rise in a dangerous variety of drug-resistant bacteria across the United States. These bacteria, identified as NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE), are known to cause severe drug-resistant infections.
The CDC's findings revealed a 461% increase in NDM-CRE infections between 2019 and 2023, highlighting a considerable escalation in their prevalence nationwide.
In response to this concerning trend, a new study was presented at ASM Microbe 2026. Researchers involved in this study aim to better understand the underlying factors contributing to this rapid increase. Their investigation specifically seeks to determine if the surge is primarily caused by closely related bacterial strains or if it involves a diverse range of different, unrelated bacteria.
According to Phys.org, this new research builds upon the CDC's earlier findings to shed light on the mechanisms driving the rise of these critical drug-resistant infections.
