Deaths caused by antibiotic-resistant infections, commonly known as superbugs, are rising sharply among patients with extended hospital stays.
According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), fatalities from infections caused by Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) skyrocketed from 37 in 2017 to 838 last year. Infection cases also surged dramatically, climbing from 5,717 in 2017 to 42,347 last year, a staggering 7.4-fold increase over just seven years.
CRE bacteria typically develop when common gut bacteria acquire resistance to carbapenems, a class of powerful antibiotics often used as a last resort. These resistant bacteria can invade vital parts of the body, including the urinary tract, bloodstream, and lungs, resulting in severe and sometimes fatal infections.
Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those in intensive care units or with long hospital stays, are particularly vulnerable. The use of medical devices, such as ventilators, central venous catheters, and urinary catheters, further increases the risk of CRE infections.
Antibiotic Overuse and Hospital Settings Fuel the Spread
Dr. Jung Hee Jin, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, explains, “The more antibiotics are used, the higher the chance bacteria will evolve resistance. Patients with prolonged or frequent hospital stays face a greater risk of encountering CRE.”
CRE primarily spreads through direct contact between patients, the hands of healthcare workers, and contaminated surfaces such as hospital beds or shared bathrooms.
Dr. Kim Nam Jung of Seoul National University Hospital highlights a particular challenge in Korean hospitals: “Multi-bed rooms are common here, making it easier for infections to spread. Patients confirmed with CRE must be isolated in single rooms to prevent transmission.”
Limited Treatment Options and No Vaccine Raise Alarm
One of the biggest concerns is the scarcity of effective treatments for CRE infections. Kim notes, “Pharmaceutical companies don’t prioritize new drug development targeting CRE. Some effective medications exist but have not been widely introduced in Korea yet. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent these infections.”
Spreading Beyond Hospitals: A Looming Public Health Crisis
CRE infections are no longer limited to major hospitals; they are increasingly detected in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, where antibiotic use is also high.
Experts warn that these settings are becoming hotspots for CRE infections, posing a significant public health threat.
Kim cautions, “Projections suggest that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could claim up to 10 million lives worldwide annually. This crisis could be deadlier than COVID-19, making immediate, comprehensive preparation critical.”
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