CDC Stories: Solutions in Action

Exploring New Approaches to Diagnose Clostridiodes difficile Infections

CDC and Henderson Lab assessed fecal metabolomes (amounts of all chemicals in feces) from patients tested for C. difficile infections. Read how this work will help to better understand what is happening in the body and what causes C. difficile.

Tailoring Antibiotic Treatment for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Through a project with CDC, Brown Lab developed new approaches to study the lung microbiomes of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), who often get chronic infections. This work will help improve antibiotic treatments for these patients. Read about tailored antibiotic treatments for CF.

CDC is Taking Global Action to Fight AR

CDC works around the world to combat antibiotic resistance (AR), which is sometimes referred to as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) outside of the United States. CDC and the U.S. government are emphasizing the importance of accelerating the fight against AR globally by calling on stakeholders to take bold actions through the AMR Challenge. Read about how CDC is taking global action to fight AR.

Tracking Antibiotic Resistance in Kenya and Senegal

As of 2018, CDC is working with experts in 28 countries with its Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Solutions Initiative to develop and pilot solutions that address the emergence and spread of AR. For example, public health experts in Kenya and Senegal are collaborating with CDC to strengthen their AR surveillance to better track and respond to AR threats. Read about how tracking antibiotic resistance in Kenya and Senegal.

CDC Core Elements to Help Resource-Limited Settings Improve Antibiotic Use

In 2018, CDC released a new Core Elements as a guide for implementing antibiotic stewardship programs in resource-limited settings that have fragile health systems and lack robust, regulatory frameworks. It provides practical, high-impact strategies to improve antibiotic use and fight antibiotic resistance. Read about the Core Elements guide.

Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Threat

Antibiotic resistance requires a collaborative approach across countries to detect, prevent, and respond to these threats. Global leaders are joining CDC’s AMR Challenge by committing to action across healthcare, food, communities, and the environment (soil and water) to accelerate the fight. Read more about CDC collaboration to support global action.

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam

Vietnam has made fighting antimicrobial resistance a national priority. CDC is helping Vietnam establish a national surveillance system, which will provide the framework to track, detect, and contain the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the country. The overall goal of this effort is to keep patients safe. Read about combating antimicrobial resistance in Vietnam.

Pilot Program with HP Accelerates Antibiotic Testing

In 2018, CDC and HP Inc. launched a pilot program that installed HP printers as part of CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network. The inkjet printing technology, adapted for printing antibiotic susceptibility testing panels, will help clinicians decide if a new-to-market drug could effectively treat a highly drug-resistant infection. Read about the pilot program to accelerate antibiotic testing.

Stop Spread of Unusual Antibiotic Resistance

Content: Antibiotic resistance is harder to control once it spreads and becomes common. A CDC report highlighted the importance of containing the spread of “unusual” resistance and includes data from CDC’s AR Lab Network, a resource that can help identify these threats rapidly. Read about how CDC empowers states to help keep germs from spreading.

Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Lab Network Established as New Fungal Threat Emerges

CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (AR Lab Network) supports nationwide lab capacity to rapidly detect antibiotic resistance, and inform local responses to prevent spread and protect people. Read an example of the AR Lab Network’s importance and early success, highlighted in its response to the emerging resistant fungus, Candida auris. Read about the AR Lab Network and new fungal threat.

C. auris: CDC’s Response to a Global Emerging Threat

Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast. In 2016, CDC released a clinical alert asking labs and healthcare workers to be on the lookout for C. auris, and investigated reported cases with state and local public health partners. CDC continues to actively work with partners to better contain and prevent spread of C. auris. Read about CDC’s response to C. auris.

Improving Antibiotic Prescribing with Rapid Diagnostics and Education

CDC is working to help healthcare providers better diagnose Valley fever, caused by a fungus, in part by supporting development of rapid diagnostic tests. These tests can quickly provide clinicians with the information they need to appropriately treat patients. Read about improving antibiotic prescribing.

CDC and Partners Tackle Drug-Resistant TB in India

To protect Americans from threats like drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), CDC is reinforcing international collaborations and capacities with countries worldwide. This includes improving TB infection control in key healthcare facilities; strengthening diagnostic and treatment services in the public and private sector; and increasing TB treatment adherence to reduce rates and spread. Read about tackling drug-resistant TB.

Newly Reported Gene, mcr-1, Threatens Last-Resort Antibiotics

To protect Americans from threats like drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), CDC is reinforcing international collaborations and capacities with countries worldwide. This includes improving TB infection control in key healthcare facilities; strengthening diagnostic and treatment services in the public and private sector; and increasing TB treatment adherence to reduce rates and spread. Read about tackling drug-resistant TB.