CDC’s Vital signs publication recently highlighted unusual antibiotic resistance germs, which are resistant to all or most antibiotics tested and are uncommon or carry special resistance genes. Antibiotic-resistant germs can spread very easily. Germs constantly develop resistance against new and older antibiotics. Examples of unusual resistance include: Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), Candida auris and certain types of “nightmare bacteria” such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). New nationwide testing in 2017 uncovered 221 instances of unusual resistance genes in “nightmare bacteria.”
Our Healthcare-Associated Infections Program and the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory are working closely with federal and local health partners to control these unusual resistance germs. This includes increased surveillance, communication and education concerning the need to prevent the resistance germs among the public and healthcare providers throughout Arizona, providing timely lab results and recommendations to affected healthcare facilities, and working with local health agencies and healthcare facilities on containment strategies.
Healthy people usually do not develop infections from these “nightmare bacteria.” The bacteria primarily affect patients in acute and long-term healthcare settings, who are being treated for another condition. The main risk factors for infections from “nightmare bacteria” in the US include exposure to healthcare and exposure to antimicrobials, use of devices (e.g., central venous catheters, endotracheal tubes, and urinary catheters), and travel history or receiving healthcare outside the US.
To control unusual resistance germs, you can:
- Inform your health care provider if you recently received health care in another country or facility.
- Talk to your health care provider about preventing infections, taking good care of chronic conditions and getting recommended vaccines.
- Practice good hygiene, such as keeping hands clean with handwashing or alcohol-based hand rubs, and keep cuts clean until healed.
For more information about containment of unusual resistance, visit the CDC website.
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S. became Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide. Dr. Christ obtained her master's degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Follow the Director on Twitter @DrCaraChrist.
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