The American nation is experiencing a health crisis due to a drastic increase in drug-resistant bacterial infections especially those with the New Delhi metallo-b-lactamase (NDM) gene. Such infections have risen nearly by 70 percent in the 2019-2023 period sending alarm to experts in public health.
Current Situation
Information on 29 states revealed 4,341 instances of carbapenem-resistant bacteria infections, but 1,831 cases were NDM-producing. These strains are especially hazardous, since they are resistant to carbapenems, which is generally regarded as the final provision of antibiotic defence. Worse still, the number of incidences associated with the NDM gene increased by 460 percent in a span of four years. Many persons have these bacteria without showing any symptoms making the spread of the bacteria a silent spread to the community.
How Resistance Develops
A bacterium resists by contracting genes which enable the bacterium to either neutralise or avoid the antibiotic. Misuse of antibiotics, over usage of antibiotics, e.g. failed to complete prescriptions and without reasons increase this rate. Insensitive bacteria survive, spread, and transfer their defence systems to other bacteria and consequently the infection becomes more difficult to control.
The COVID-19 Effect
The COVID-19 increased the severity of this crisis. Antibiotics were overprescribed during the pandemic--even in situations where they were not necessary--contributing to resistance. The overstretched hospitals and the increase in patient stays also provided those situations where provoking bacteria are easier to spread. Experts caution that the true toll might be greater, with underreporting and inadequate testing being still a problem in such large states as California and New York.
Recognising the Infections
Carbapenem-resistant infections have similar symptoms in many patients who have common bacterial conditions, and have not been diagnosed easily. Symptoms such as painful urination and cloudy urine in urary tract infections, fever and low pressure of the blood in bloodstream infections and constant cough or discomfort in the chest are included. The timely identification is an essential prerequisite to the elimination of the cure.
A Global Concern
NDM bacteria are a global health security threat. The high prevalence in South Asia is attributed to overuse of antibiotics and there are more cases in Southern Europe than the northern region. This is further complicated by weak healthcare systems in Africa and Latin America.
The Way Forward
As a tool to overcome this increasing menace, the health systems of the U.A but also those of the other nations need to make concerted efforts in improving their infection control, antibiotic stewardship, diagnostic tests and public education. Unless intervention is immediately adopted, the drug-resistant bacteria have become the next silent pandemic.
Month: Current Affairs - September 27, 2025
Category: current affairs daily