Nightmare Bacteria Latest News
According to scientists at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug-resistant ‘nightmare bacteria’ driven by the NDM gene are spreading faster than ever in the United States.
About Nightmare Bacteria
- The term “nightmare bacteria” is used to describe Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
- This group of bacteria, which includes Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli (E. coli), has developed resistance to carbapenems (a class of “last-resort” antibiotics usually reserved for severe infections).
- The CDC calls them “nightmare” because they: Spread resistance genes easily to other bacteria. Cause deadly infections in the bloodstream, lungs, or urinary tract.
- Do not respond to most antibiotics, making treatment difficult.
Symptoms of Nightmare Bacteria infections
- Urinary tract infections: Feeling a burning sensation, a constant urge to urinate or ‘cloudy’ urine
- Bloodstream infections: High fever, rapid heartbeat or very low blood pressure
- Pneumonia or lung infection: Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.
What is the NDM-1 gene?
- NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1) is an enzyme that makes bacteria resistant to a wide range of powerful antibiotics.
- The gene for NDM-1 encodes beta-lactamase enzymes called carbapenemases, which makes bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including carbapenem, which is used to treat other superbugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA).
Source: FE
Nightmare Bacteria FAQs
Q1: What is a common characteristic of Nightmare Bacteria?
Ans: They are resistant to multiple antibiotics
Q2: What are Bacteria?
Ans: These are microscopic single-celled prokaryotic organisms that play a crucial role in the ecosystem and have a significant impact on human health.
