"Nightmare bacteria" refers to a group of dangerous bacteria known as Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). These bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli (E. coli), have developed resistance to carbapenems, which are considered last-resort antibiotics used to treat severe infections. The resistance makes these bacteria very difficult to treat because they do not respond to most antibiotics, leading to deadly infections in the bloodstream, lungs, or urinary tract. The term "nightmare" is used because these bacteria:
- Spread resistance genes easily to other bacteria,
- Cause severe, sometimes deadly infections,
- Resist nearly all available antibiotics, making treatment very challenging.
A key factor driving the rise of nightmare bacteria is the presence of the NDM gene (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase), which produces an enzyme that neutralizes many antibiotic drugs, rendering them ineffective. The infections caused by nightmare bacteria have surged recently, with a nearly 70% increase in cases reported in the US between 2019 and 2023. These bacteria mainly spread in healthcare settings and pose a serious public health threat, especially to people with weakened immune systems, hospitalized patients, and those with invasive medical devices. Symptoms vary based on the infection site but can include fever, chills, urinary problems, pneumonia symptoms, or wound infections. Prevention includes good hygiene, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, and infection control measures in medical settings.
