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IDSA releases hit list of superbugs

Infection Control Monitor, March 3, 2006

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released a "Hit List" of the six top-priority dangerous, drug-resistant microbes. These six "superbugs" are especially dangerous because few or no new drugs are being developed to treat them.

The Hit List was drawn from an article in the March 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. IDSA is urging Congress to pass legislation to encourage the pharmaceutical industry to re-enter this essential field.

The Hit List consists of:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): MRSA infections make up the majority of healthcare-associated infections.

  • Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species: These bacteria are major causes of urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and wound infections. They are becoming resistant to a growing number of antibiotic classes at the same time as the frequency of outbreaks is increasing.

  • Acinetobacter baumannii: This bacterium is a growing cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, with mortality rates ranging from 20 to 50 percent.

  • Aspergillus: This fungal infection is a growing problem among immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and people with HIV.

  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE): VRE is a major cause of bloodstream infections, infections of the heart, meningitis, and intra-abdominal infections.

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This germ causes severe infection that can be life-threatening, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

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