As a leader of efforts to stem the spread of antibiotic resistance, the Infectious Diseases Society of America recognizes both the important progress and the pressing needs reflected in the Vital Signs report, Containment of Novel Multidrug-Resistant Organisms and Resistance Mechanisms, released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today. Early aggressive action does slow the spread of resistant bacteria in health-care settings, thereby reducing such infections. The analysis details evidence that confirms the value of investments to identify, screen and coordinate responses geared to fight resistance. Despite this success, nationwide testing last year documented 221 cases of so-called “nightmare bacteria,” that can spread resistance to last-resort antibiotics. The report spells out the need to accelerate efforts to curb resistance or face an increasing burden including novel resistance mutations that threaten health.
Support for CDC activities to contain antibiotic resistance is vital to maintaining the strides made in many areas of modern medicine. The efforts detailed in the Vital Signs report were made possible through new congressional funding in 2016 to combat antibiotic resistance. We urge Congress to sustain and to grow that investment so that further progress will prepare us to meet the future challenges of antibiotic resistance from a position of strength.