Nightmare Bacteria

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.

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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