In July 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new fact sheet, Antimicrobial Resistance Threats in the United States, 2021–2022, using updated data on antimicrobial-resistant pathogens commonly found in healthcare settings in the United States. These pathogens include:
- Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)
- Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter
- Candida auris (C. auris)
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
- Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The new data shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, six bacterial antimicrobial-resistant infections originating in hospitals increased by a combined 20 percent compared to the pre-pandemic period. These rates peaked in 2021 and remained elevated in 2022. In addition, the number of reported clinical cases of C. auris—a resilient yeast that spreads in healthcare facilities—rose nearly fivefold from 2019 to 2022.
The CDC also announced that starting in 2025, they plan to release estimates for at least 19 antimicrobial resistance threats and provide an updated assessment of the US burden of antimicrobial resistance by pathogen in a new electronic format.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Infection prevention and control is a critical issue for nursing homes because of the high number of healthcare-associated infections, residents’ increased susceptibility to infections, and the significant exposure to healthcare-associated infections residents face. Nursing home residents are also at risk for adverse outcomes associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics such as serious diarrheal infections from C. difficile; and colonization and/or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms such as MRSA, VRE, and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Federal regulations on infection control require nursing homes to establish and maintain an Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections. As part of their IPCP, facilities must develop an antibiotic stewardship program that promotes the appropriate use of antibiotics and includes a system of monitoring to improve resident outcomes and reduce antibiotic resistance. This means that the antibiotic is prescribed for the correct indication, dose, and duration to appropriately treat the resident while also attempting to reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures and the IPCP to ensure they include the most effective strategies and interventions to prevent and control the spread of infections, including C. auris and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
- Train all staff to follow the facility’s policies and procedures for infection prevention and control. Train appropriate staff on antibiotic stewardship protocols.
- Periodically audit to ensure that your facility’s IPCP contains the most current CDC guidance and is being followed by all staff members. Also audit to ensure that antibiotic stewardship protocols are being followed. Provide additional education as needed.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
