CRE Superbug in the USA
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is the new concern. Carbapenem is an antibiotic, that is losing its powers rapidly, and there is no alternative yet:
Carbapenems are one of the antibiotics of last resort for many bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Recently, alarm has been raised over the spread of drug resistance to carbapenem antibiotics among these coliforms, due to production of an enzyme named NDM-1. There are currently no new antibiotics in the pipeline to combat bacteria resistant to carbapenems, and worldwide spread of the resistance gene is considered a potential nightmare scenario.
Enterobacteriaceae are a family of bacteria. The new resistant strain can cause Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, especially in the elderly. This is a sad example of how antibiotics are no longer effective in saving lives:
A dangerous drug-resistant bacterium has spread to patients in Southern California, according to a study by Los Angeles County public health officials.
More than 350 cases of the Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, or CRKP, have been reported at healthcare facilities in Los Angeles County, mostly among elderly patients at skilled-nursing and long-term care facilities, according to a study by Dr. Dawn Terashita, an epidemiologist with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
It was not clear from the study how many of the infections proved fatal, but other studies in the U.S. and Israel have shown that about 40% of patients with the infection die.
If you saw After Armageddon on the History Channel last year, you’ll understand the ramifications of a major pandemic. All sorts of problems can emerge, such as food shortages and crime. If enough people die, then it becomes as bad as the worst of natural disasters. Fingers-crossed our own stupid overuse and misuse of antibiotics doesn’t send us back to the dark ages.
