U.S. Must Curb Rising Rate of Resistance to Antimicrobials

According to a new CDC report, antimicrobial-resistant infections and deaths rose 15% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

With rates of antimicrobial-resistant infections rising quickly, systemic changes are urgently needed to protect public health. This is no longer a future crisis but one that is at America’s doorstep and needs to be addressed now. Whenever there are high levels of hospitalizations, rates of antimicrobial-resistant infections and deaths will likely further increase unless we take steps to prevent them.

Federal funding is needed for CDC’s antimicrobial resistance programs, including surveillance and prevention. Passing the bipartisan PASTEUR Act — which funds the development of new antibiotics as well as stewardship efforts to guide judicious antibiotic use — should be a top priority for Congress. Taking action now will save lives.  

Infectious diseases experts make hospitals safer for patients, but they need the right tools. The U.S. must invest in new antibiotics, smarter antibiotic use, and the recruitment and retention of more ID physicians to lead infection control and antimicrobial stewardship efforts at U.S. health care facilities.

-- Daniel P. McQuillen, MD, FIDSA – President, Infectious Diseases Society of America

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is a community of over 12,000 physicians, scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases. Our mission is to improve the health of individuals, communities, and society by promoting excellence in patient care, education, research, public health, and prevention relating to infectious diseases. Learn more at https://www.idsociety.org.