CDC Stories: Solutions in Action

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A gene known as mcr-1 can make bacteria resistant to colistin, a last-resort drug for some multidrug-resistant infections. When mcr-1 was first report in the U.S. in 2016, CDC and state and local health departments immediately launched a coordinated public health investigation to potentially prevent mcr-1 from becoming widespread in the U.S. Read about the newly reported gene, mcr-1.