New Genetic Data on Antibiotic Resistance

Genetic data on antibiotic-resistant infections

About 100,000 illnesses are caused by drug-resistant Salmonella each year in the United States. For the first time, the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) annual report includes whole genome sequencing data of bacteria from people with antibiotic-resistantSalmonella infections. With whole genome sequencing (WGS), we are able to rapidly detect genes that make bacteria resistant to some antibiotics that are critically important to treat infections. WGS enables CDC to track antibiotic resistance patterns and trends more effectively. This information is essential for informing and evaluating science-based regulatory actions, policies, educational initiatives, and other public health efforts aimed at combatting antibiotic resistance and improving health outcomes.

The NARMS 2014 Human Isolates Surveillance Report provides the most recent nationwide data on antibiotic resistance among six types of bacteria that can cause diarrhea or bloodstream infections. These bacteria are commonly spread through food.

Key findings: WGS data provides more information on the types of genes that make bacteria resistant to clinically important drugs. For example, among 51 ceftriaxone-resistantSalmonella samples from sick people tested in 2014, 6 had a type of resistance gene that is rare in the United States and is often linked to international travel. Multidrug resistance in Salmonella overall was similar to the previous year and has remained stable over the past 10 years. Shigella flexneri showed increased resistance to azithromycin (22% in 2014), one of the preferred antimicrobial agents for adults and children with shigellosis.

CDC is continuing to increase efforts to combat antibiotic resistance and keep food safe. CDC recently awarded $30 million to states and cities through CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases Cooperative Agreement (ELC) to track, investigate and prevent foodborne diseases. These grants will increase state laboratory and investigative capacity to rapidly uncover foodborne drug-resistant bacteria using whole genome sequencing and help find and respond to outbreaks faster by increasing lab testing.

For more information:

• Read about overall trends of antibiotic resistance among foodborne pathogens in the2014 NARMS Annual Human Isolates Report.  
• Check out NARMS Now, an interactive web tool for viewing data.
• Learn more about what CDC is doing to combat antibiotic resistance and keep food safe.

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Coming Soon: Food Safety Education Month

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Food Safety Education Month is coming up in September, and CDC will be sharing tips and resources to help people stay healthy. Check our Food Safety website for consumer tips and infographics, and share social media from CDC’s Facebook and @CDCgov and@CDC_NCEZID Twitter accounts using the hashtag #FoodSafety.

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Leadership Recruitment Notice

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The Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases is seeking a candidate to serve as Associate Director for Antibiotic Resistance to manage and lead division efforts in the expanded program to address antibiotic resistance. 

Highly qualified and interested veterinary medical officers, medical officers, and health scientists are encouraged to apply.  No prior federal experience is required to be considered for this position. For more information, or if you are interested in applying, please select the appropriate link: Veterinary Medical Officer, Medical Officer, or Health Scientist.