A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant rise in cases of drug-resistant bacteria, commonly referred to as "nightmare bacteria," in the United States. Between 2019 and 2023, infections caused by these bacteria increased by nearly 70%. The primary concern is bacteria that carry the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) gene, which makes them resistant to most antibiotics. Currently, only two intravenous antibiotics remain effective against these infections.

The incidence of NDM infections has surged more than fivefold in recent years. In 2023, there were 4,341 reported cases of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections across 29 states, with 1,831 classified as NDM type. The rate of carbapenem-resistant infections rose from just under 2 per 100,000 people in 2019 to over 3 per 100,000 in 2023—a rise of approximately 69%. Specifically, NDM cases increased from around 0.25 per 100,000 people to about 1.35 per 100,000—a staggering increase of approximately 460%.

Experts have raised concerns that many individuals may unknowingly carry these drug-resistant strains and could potentially spread them within communities. Misuse and over-prescription of antibiotics are significant factors contributing to this growing resistance. Additionally, the CDC's findings suggest that increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the situation.

Despite these alarming trends, experts caution that actual infection numbers may be underestimated due to incomplete testing and reporting practices across various states. Some large states like California and Texas did not report data on these cases. This situation raises serious public health concerns as common infections could become increasingly difficult to treat if current patterns continue unchecked.

Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (cdc)

The article discusses the rise of drug-resistant bacteria, specifically those carrying the NDM gene, and highlights significant trends in infection rates. However, it lacks actionable information for readers. There are no clear steps or recommendations provided that individuals can take to protect themselves or their communities from these infections. While it mentions the importance of responsible antibiotic use and improved monitoring, it does not offer specific actions that people can implement in their daily lives.

In terms of educational depth, the article provides some context about the increase in drug-resistant infections and attributes this trend partly to increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it does not delve deeply into how these bacteria develop resistance or what specific mechanisms are at play. The statistics presented are alarming but lack thorough explanation or analysis that would help readers understand their significance better.

The topic is relevant to public health and personal safety; however, it does not provide practical advice on how individuals can mitigate risks associated with drug-resistant infections. It raises awareness about a serious issue but fails to connect this issue directly to everyday actions that could affect readers' lives.

Regarding public service function, while the article informs readers about a growing health concern, it does not offer official warnings or safety advice that could be immediately useful. It primarily serves as an informational piece without providing tools for action.

The practicality of any advice is non-existent since there are no actionable tips given. Readers cannot realistically apply any guidance because none is provided.

In terms of long-term impact, while raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance is important for future public health strategies, the article does not suggest any lasting solutions or preventive measures that individuals can adopt over time.

Emotionally, while the topic may evoke concern regarding health risks associated with antibiotic resistance, it lacks elements that empower readers with hope or proactive strategies to address these fears effectively. Instead of feeling equipped to deal with potential issues related to drug-resistant bacteria, readers might feel anxious without knowing what steps they can take.

Lastly, there are elements of clickbait in how "nightmare bacteria" is presented; such dramatic language may attract attention but doesn't contribute positively to understanding or addressing the issue at hand.

Overall, while the article raises awareness about an important public health issue—drug-resistant bacteria—it fails to provide real help through actionable steps or deeper educational content. To find better information on this topic and learn more about prevention measures against antibiotic resistance, individuals could consult trusted medical websites like those from the CDC or WHO and consider speaking with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on responsible antibiotic use and infection prevention strategies.

The text uses the phrase "nightmare bacteria" to create a strong emotional response. This term evokes fear and urgency, which may lead readers to feel more alarmed about the situation than necessary. By using such dramatic language, the text could be seen as manipulating readers' emotions rather than presenting information in a neutral way.

The report states that "only two antibiotics are effective against these infections." This wording suggests a dire situation without providing context about how common or rare these infections are compared to other health issues. It can mislead readers into believing that there is an immediate crisis when the overall number of cases is still relatively small.

The phrase "drug-resistant bacteria" implies that bacteria themselves are actively resisting treatment, which anthropomorphizes them and may mislead readers about their nature. This choice of words can create a sense of conflict between humans and bacteria, framing it as an ongoing battle rather than a complex scientific issue involving medical practices and antibiotic use.

When discussing increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic, the text states this "may have contributed to greater drug resistance." The use of "may have" introduces uncertainty but presents it as if it were a likely cause without definitive evidence. This speculative language can lead readers to believe there is a stronger connection than what might actually exist.

The statement mentions that many individuals may unknowingly carry drug-resistant bacteria, raising concerns about potential community spread. Here, the word "may" creates speculation without concrete evidence or statistics on how often this occurs. This could lead to unnecessary fear among readers regarding their own health and safety.

The report notes that actual numbers might be underestimated due to incomplete testing and reporting practices across various states. While this acknowledges limitations in data collection, it also casts doubt on existing reported figures without providing specific examples or data from those states. This could skew public perception by suggesting that the problem is worse than indicated by available data.

In describing carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections across 29 states in 2023, the text emphasizes “a significant portion being of the NDM variety.” However, it does not clarify what “significant” means in numerical terms or how it compares with other types of infections. This vagueness can manipulate reader understanding by implying importance without clear metrics for evaluation.

Experts caution that actual numbers may be underestimated due to incomplete testing and reporting practices across various states. By framing experts’ warnings in this way, it implies authority while lacking specific details on who these experts are or what their qualifications entail. Readers might accept these claims at face value without questioning their validity or context.

Lastly, stating there has been “a fivefold increase” in U.S. cases linked to this gene presents an alarming statistic but lacks context regarding total case numbers over time or comparisons with other health issues. Without additional information about what fivefold means numerically within broader trends, this statistic could exaggerate perceived urgency around drug-resistant bacteria while obscuring more comprehensive public health narratives.

The text conveys a range of emotions that shape the reader's understanding of the serious issue surrounding drug-resistant bacteria, particularly those referred to as "nightmare bacteria." One prominent emotion is fear, which emerges from phrases like "surged," "difficult to treat," and "community spread." This fear is strong, as it highlights the potential dangers posed by these infections. The mention of a nearly 70% rise in infection rates and the fivefold increase in cases linked to the NDM gene amplifies this emotion. By presenting such alarming statistics, the writer aims to evoke concern among readers about their health and safety.

Another significant emotion present in the text is urgency. Words such as "urgent need for improved monitoring" indicate a pressing situation that requires immediate attention. This urgency serves to motivate readers to consider actions that could help combat antimicrobial resistance, fostering a sense of responsibility toward public health.

Sadness also permeates the narrative, particularly when discussing how common infections that were once easily treated may become more challenging due to rising resistance. This sadness reflects a loss of control over previously manageable health issues and evokes sympathy for those affected by these infections.

The writer skillfully uses emotional language throughout the piece to persuade readers about the gravity of this public health crisis. For instance, describing these bacteria as “nightmare bacteria” creates an extreme image that captures attention and emphasizes their threat level. The choice of words like “surged” and “alarming trend” further heightens emotional impact by suggesting rapid deterioration rather than gradual change.

Additionally, repetition plays a role in reinforcing key ideas; terms related to rising infection rates are reiterated throughout the text, ensuring that readers grasp both the scale and significance of this issue. By framing antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic as partly responsible for increased drug resistance, it draws connections between past behaviors and current consequences—inviting reflection on personal choices regarding antibiotic use.

Overall, these emotions guide readers toward feeling worried about their health while simultaneously inspiring them to take action against antimicrobial resistance. By employing emotionally charged language and emphasizing urgent calls for change, the writer effectively steers public perception towards recognizing this issue's seriousness and encourages proactive measures in response.