In modern medicine, antibiotics were once seen as a “miracle weapon” that could treat many types of bacterial infections. Today, however, health experts are increasingly alarmed by a new threat: bacteria that can no longer be killed by most existing antibiotics.

These superbugs are known as nightmare bacteria. The term was first introduced by Tom Frieden, former Director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What Are Nightmare Bacteria?

From a scientific standpoint, nightmare bacteria belong to a group called Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This group includes bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which normally live harmlessly in the human gut with no issues.

Problems arise if these bacteria move to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bloodstream, or urinary tract. In those organs, they can cause serious infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, that can be life-threatening.

The danger they cause comes from the ability to produce an enzyme called New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM). This enzyme makes the bacteria resistant to almost all classes of antibiotics.

Why are Nightmare Bacteria So Dangerous?

According to the CDC’s latest 2025 report, infections caused by NDM-CRE bacteria increased by 461% between 2019 and 2023. Most cases are still found in healthcare settings such as hospitals, but the rate of cases increases very rapidly.

Nightmare bacteria are considered extremely dangerous for several reasons, including:

Resistance to almost all antibiotics

These bacteria show very high resistance to many different antibiotics, including antibiotics that are usually kept as last-line treatments. Only a small number of antibiotics remain effective, and these are typically given through an IV in a healthcare facility.

Inheriting resistance genes to other bacteria

The genes that provide resistance can be transferred from one bacterium to another, even to different species. Over time, this allows more types of bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics as well.

Easily transmitted in healthcare facilities

Nightmare bacteria can stick to medical devices such as ventilators, intravenous lines, and urinary catheters, and they can also be carried on the hands of healthcare workers. If equipment or hands are not cleaned properly, the risks of transmission will increase.

Causing severe infections

When these bacteria enter other organs such as the blood vessels, lungs, or urinary tract, they can trigger serious infections. These infections often progress quickly and may lead to life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis, severe pneumonia, or difficult-to-treat urinary tract infections because of antibiotic resistance.

What Can Be Done?

Even though the term sounds frightening, infections caused by nightmare bacteria can still be prevented. Some simple steps you can take include:

• Cooking food until it reaches a safe internal temperature so that bacteria are destroyed.

• Avoiding high-risk raw foods.

• Not asking for antibiotics if you have viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.

• Always finishing your prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if you feel better sooner.

Nightmare bacteria are not just a dramatic term used in laboratories. They are a real and growing threat in many countries. Because of this, it is very important to protect the effectiveness of antibiotics by using them wisely.

If you have further questions about how to take antibiotics, signs of bacterial resistance, or antibiotic side effects, you can consult a doctor through the health consultation service on the Ai Care app, available on the App Store and Play Store.

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