CDC

CDC warns of surge in deadly drug-resistant bacteria

September 26, 2025

A dramatic rise in NDM*-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE) signals a growing public health threat, according to a new CDC report published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Using data from CDC’s Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network, researchers tracked carbapenemase-producing CRE trends across U.S. jurisdictions from 2019 to 2023. While overall CRE infections rose by nearly 70%, those linked to the NDM gene saw the steepest increase, jumping from 0.25 to 1.35 cases per 100,000 people, a surge of over 460%. NDM-CRE organisms are resistant to nearly all available antibiotics, and many clinical laboratories lack the capacity to detect them promptly, delaying appropriate treatment. The rise in NDM-CRE is outpacing other carbapenemase types and may be significantly underreported due to gaps in diagnostic testing.

CDC urges clinicians to test promptly for carbapenemase mechanisms, select antibiotics based on resistance profiles, and reinforce infection control practices. The rise of NDM-CRE poses a major public health threat, limiting therapeutic options and increasing the risk of severe outcomes and community spread.

* NDM = New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase.

Sources:

(2025, September 23). CDC. CDC Report Finds Sharp Rise in Dangerous Drug-Resistant Bacteria [News release]. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdc-report-finds-sharp-rise-in-dangerous-drug-resistant-bacteria.html

Rankin DA, et al. (2025, September 23). Ann Intern Med. Changes in Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales, 2019 to 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40982973/