The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new report that examined the threat of antibiotic resistance in the U.S. in 2013. The CDC describes the issue as a complex problem of antibiotic resistance and inaction has potentially catastrophic consequences.  The primary purpose of the CDC’s report is to increase awareness of the threat that antibiotic resistance poses.  The CDC also hopes to encourage immediate action to address the threat.

In the report, the CDC estimates that in the United States, more than two million people are sickened every year with antibiotic-resistant infections.  As a result, the report estimates that at least 23,000 dying. The CDC notes that estimates are based on conservative assumptions and are likely minimum estimates of the impact of antibiotic resistant infection in the U.S.

There are currently a number of antibiotic-resistant threats that the CDC warns the public of in the new report.  These strains are separated based on the level of their threat.  Urgent threats include Clostridium difficile, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.  Some of the well-known items on the list of serious threats includes Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and a number of other conditions.  Finally, there are some concerning threats from particular diseases.

The CDC recommends four core actions in order to be able to that fight the spread of antibiotic resistance, including 1) preventing infections from occurring and preventing resistant bacteria from spreading, 2) tracking resistant bacteria, 3) improving the use of antibiotics, and 4) promoting the development of new antibiotics and new diagnostic tests for resistant bacteria.  As part of the efforts to address antibiotic-resistant infections, the CDC looks to reach widespread engagement, especially among leaders in clinical medicine, healthcare leadership, agriculture, and public health. Although some people are at greater risk than others, no one can completely avoid the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections,

In an analysis of the report, the USA Today notes that failing to use antibiotics carefully exacerbate the problem.  As antibiotics are used and the body develops a resistance, doctors must move on to newer and stronger antibiotics.  Using antibiotics to the point of resistance means that the antibiotics can no longer be used for treating other infections.  The doctor will have to move on to something newer and potentially stronger.  If this cycle continues, it will mean that patients will have fewer and fewer options for treating infections.  Eventually, the medicine cabinet may be completely devoid of any options to treat