US 'Nightmare Bacteria' Cases Rise
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Sep 23, 2025 · Last updated Sep 24, 2025
The rise of drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria' in the United States poses a significant long-term risk to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, potentially increasing demand for new, expensive antibiotics while also raising concerns about the efficacy of existing treatments. This could lead to increased healthcare costs and a shift in investment towards novel antimicrobial research and development.
A new report from the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals an alarming increase in drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria' infections in the United States. Between 2019 and 2023, the overall rate of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections rose by 69%, while cases driven by the NDM gene skyrocketed by 460%. Experts like David Weiss of Emory University School of Medicine and Dr. Maroya Walters of the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that this trend presents a grave danger, potentially turning routine infections into chronic problems. The misuse of antibiotics and a surge in antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic are cited as contributing factors. The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's data, collected from 29 states, is likely an underestimate as populous states like United States — California, United States — Florida, United States — New York (state), and United States — Texas were not fully included.
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