U.S. lost progress combating antimicrobial resistance in 2020
ATLANTA, GA (WHEC) – According to the CDC, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a surge in superbug infections and deaths in U.S. hospitals, pushing back years of progress made combating antimicrobial resistance in country.
A new report found in 2020, infections and deaths among several serious pathogens increased about 15% overall from 2019.
The CDC said infections of one especially dangerous drug-resistant bacteria that causes bloodstream and urinary tract infections skyrocketed 78% in one year.
The report found antibiotics were often the first option given to treat patients with fever and shortness of breath, which are symptoms of covid, and which antibiotics are not effective in treating.
The report also referenced the challenges hospitals faced, with overwhelmed staff having difficulty following infection prevention and control protocols.