Study Reveals Persistent Burden of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in the US
TL/DR –
Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that despite a decrease in inpatient admissions related to antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens between 2012 and 2022, the overall AMR burden remains substantial in the United States. The study found a decline in AMR-related admissions from 209.6 per 10,000 hospitalizations in 2012 to 179.6 in 2022, with six pathogens representing most of these hospitalizations. The study has highlighted the need for innovative prevention strategies as the current interventions for reducing the burden of antimicrobial resistance may be insufficient.
Urgent Need for Innovative Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance in the US
Despite a decrease in inpatient admissions due to antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens from 2012 to 2022, the overall AMR burden in the United States remains significant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions may have altered AMR transmission patterns.
CDC Examines AMR-related Inpatient Admissions
CDC researchers examined national rates of AMR-related hospitalizations from 2012 to 2022 to assist in targeted public health efforts. The study focused on six pathogens, including MRSA, VRE, ESCR-EK, CRE, CRAsp, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Data Sourced from Diverse Hospitals
The analysis included data from 332 to 606 hospitals annually, representing 11% to 18% of all US hospitalizations. The data predominantly came from urban, nonteaching hospitals with fewer than 300 beds.
“There’s a pressing need for innovative prevention strategies. Current interventions may be insufficient to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance.”
AMR-related Admissions Vary Over the Decade
The rate of AMR-related inpatient admissions varied from 209.6 in 2012 to 179.6 in 2022, peaking at 197.0 in 2020. Over 75% of the 569,749 AMR-related hospitalizations in 2022 were due to community-onset disease.
Discernible Changes in AMR-related Admissions
The incidence of MRSA, VRE, and MDR P aeruginosa decreased between 2012 and 2020. However, community-onset ESCR-EK showed an increase in both sterile and nonsterile sites. A similar trend was observed with E coli and Klebsiella species.
Hospital-onset AMR Infections
Hospital-onset AMR infections decreased from 48.6 in 2012 to 41.6 in 2022. However, hospital-onset ESCR-EK infections in both nonsterile and sterile body sites saw a continual increase.
COVID-19 Impact on AMR Infections
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased rates of hospital-onset AMR infections.
Results of a sensitivity analysis that included only hospitals with consistent reporting practices were similar to the main analysis findings.
The study’s limitations were the ability to verify clinically diagnosed infections, varying culturing practices across hospitals, and lack of data on AMR infections outside of inpatient settings.
“Our findings underscore the urgent need for innovative prevention strategies. Current interventions seem insufficient to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance.”
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