Drug Resistant 'Bugs'

There is a deadly bacteria that has become known as the drug resistant superbug. The name of this bacteria is Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and it is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem in hospitals, nursing homes, and doctor's offices. This bacteria was named this CRE because it has the ability to ward off carbapenem antibiotics. Even though this bacteria was first reported in 2001 it has made a big appearance in health care settings lately. Unlike other infections such staph and MRSA, CRE has a death rate of 40% which is considerably higher than most infections. Because CRE is drug resistant there is a fear that it will continue to spread at a fast rate and it will not be able to be stopped. Also, some cases of CRE go undetected in smaller health facilities because they do not have the technology to detect the bacteria. CRE also mutates and becomes resistant to new antibiotics that drug companies produce so at this point there is no way of controlling this superbug. For now the only way to fight this superbug is to try to prevent the spreading of it by using sterile techniques.