Combat Antimicrobial Resistance with Effective Strategies - Health

Antimicrobial - Resistant Pathogens on the Rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recently published a fact sheet in July 2024 detailing the increasing burden of antimicrobial - resistant pathogens in healthcare settings in the United States . The fact sheet provides updated data on seven specific pathogens , including Carbapenem - resistant Enterobacterales ( CRE ) , Methicillin - resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ) , Candida auris , and others . These pathogens have been a growing concern , with the burden rising significantly in recent years.

 The new data reveal a 20 % increase in hospital - onset infections caused by antimicrobial - resistant pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre - pandemic levels . This surge peaked in 2021 and remained high in 2022 , with rates for most pathogens staying above pre - pandemic levels.

Call for Continued Investment in Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance

Combat Antimicrobial Resistance with Effective Strategies

Following the release of the CDC fact sheet , the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America ( SHEA ) issued a statement emphasizing the importance of continued investment in programs that combat antimicrobial resistance ( AMR ) . The fact sheet highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare facilities , which faced significant challenges in managing antimicrobial - resistant infections.

 The CDC 's latest report in 2020 warned about the rising threat of AMR pathogens , including CRE , MRSA , VRE , and others . The 20 % increase in these pathogens during the pandemic strained healthcare facilities , leading to longer hospital stays and increased inappropriate antibiotic use.

CDC 's Efforts and Future Plans

With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act , the CDC has supported efforts to prevent AMR through various programs targeting healthcare - associated infections and antibiotic stewardship . The agency has emphasized the importance of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use , accurate lab detection , and effective infection prevention and control.

 Starting in 2025 , the CDC will provide estimates for 19 or more AMR threats and updates on US AMR threats regularly . The agency is committed to providing high - quality data to guide efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance.

Advocating for Continued Funding

SHEA President Thomas Talbot III stressed the need for continued funding to advance AMR - prevention strategies . He highlighted the importance of effective infection monitoring practices , accurate laboratory detection , and rapid response to limit the spread of harmful resistant infections . It is crucial to invest in strategies that can effectively combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.