CDC releases updated report on antibiotic resistance threats

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi cause more than 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since CDC’s first report on antibiotic resistance threats in 2013, prevention efforts have reduced deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections by 18% overall and by nearly 30% in hospitals, the agency said. However, certain antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise in the community, such as drug-resistant gonorrhea and Erythromycin-resistant streptococcus.
 
“The 2013 report propelled the nation toward critical action and investments against antibiotic resistance,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield, M.D. “Today’s report demonstrates notable progress, yet the threat is still real. Each of us has an important role in combating it.”
 
The AHA released an antibiotic stewardship toolkit in 2014 to help hospitals and health systems enhance their antimicrobial stewardship programs based on the CDC core elements, and in 2017 partnered with CDC on guidance to help small and critical access hospitals implement programs to improve antibiotic prescribing and use and reduce the threat of antibiotic-resistant infections. For more AHA resources to promote appropriate use of medical resources, visit www.aha.org.