Here are the three most common infection problems, and others considered urgent or serious threats, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
C. difficile (Clostridium difficile): When antibiotics such as clindamycin wipe out bacteria that protect the colon, the patient is exposed to C. difficile, which inflames the colon and causes severe diarrhea. The CDC considers this an “urgent threat.”
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Can cause flesh-eating disease. Considered a “serious” threat by the CDC.
VRE (vancomycin-resistant Enterococci): Can cause sepsis, meningitis or pneumonia. Considered a “serious” threat.
Other Urgent Threats
CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae): Includes Klebsiella and E. coli. Can cause bloodstream infections, wound infections and pneumonia.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Sexually transmitted disease that can lead to chronic pain, infertility in men and women and life-threatening complications.
Other Serious Threats
ESBL (extended-spectrum beta lactamase): Can cause intestinal, urinary or respiratory symptoms.
Drug-resistant strains of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, such as shigella, campylobacter and salmonella
Drug-resistant tuberculosis is resistant to the two most powerful first-line treatments used to treat this infection, which typically attacks the lungs.
Recent Posts
For Greener Buildings, We Need to Rethink How We Construct Them
To meet its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050, Canada needs to cut emissions from the construction industry. Architecture prof Kelly Doran has ideas
U of T’s 197th Birthday Quiz
Test your knowledge of all things U of T in honour of the university’s 197th anniversary on March 15!
Are Cold Plunges Good for You?
Research suggests they are, in three ways