Logo Image
News|Articles|November 11, 2026

CDC Updates Report on Antimicrobial Resistance

The 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Report from the CDC categorizes 19 bacterial and fungal pathogens by level of threat to health in the US.

The most recent Antimicrobial Threats Report released by the CDC categorizes 19 bacterial and fungal pathogens by level of threat to health in the US, from Urgent and Serious to Concerning and Watch List.1

In announcing the release of the 2026 report, the CDC characterizes antimicrobial resistance as "an urgent public health threat that puts lives at risk and drains resources from our economy and workforce, including health care, agriculture, and food production."

The four threat levels were determined based on several factors. In addition to clinical and economic impact, the threat level is determined by the current number and projected change in the number of new infections identified in the US; transmissibility; and the preventability or availability of preventive measures, and of effective treatments.

See below for an overview of the threat categories:

Urgent Threats

Serious Threats

Concerning Threats

Watch List

"CDC focuses on domestic impact when assessing and assigning threat level," the report states."In some cases, the international context of antimicrobial resistance is considered, for instance, when it impacts U.S. citizens traveling internationally and returning home.

Newly added in the 2026 report:

  • Drug resistant Neisseria meningitidis, added as Serious threat, requiring prompt and sustained action.
  • Drug resistant Dermatophytes, added to Watch List, although its impact has not yet been determined, it warrants being monitored as a potential threat
  • Drug resistant Haemophilus influenzae, added to Watch List
  • Nontuberculous mycobacteria, added to Watch List

Data collection categories changed to include new entities:

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae changed to Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales, to include additional pathogens Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella aerogenes.

Drug-resistant group A Streptococcus, was changed to include data on non-invasive infections, in addition to invasive infections that been previously been collected. In addition, erythromycin-resistant group A Streptococcus was renamed to drug-resistant group A Streptococcus to account for increasing resistance to both macrolides and clindamycin. Clindamycin-resistant group B Streptococcus was expanded to include non-invasive, as well as invasive infections.

Clostridioides difficile (C diff) data collection was expanded from only hospital cases to both hospital and community cases. In addition, C diff threat level was reduced from Urgent to Serious following measured declines in cases.The report warns, however, of the continuing threat it poses.

"C diff causes substantial infections, deaths, and healthcare costs in the United States," the report emphasizes."C diff remains one of he most common causes of healthcare-associated infections in hospitals, and there is an even greater number of community-associated cases.Continued infection control and appropriate antibiotic use remain important for sustaining progress in reducing C diff infections."


Reference
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Reports. 2026, Oct 26. https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/data-research/threats/index.html.

Related to this article

View more
IDSA/ESCMID Statement on Staphylococcus aureus: Follow-Up Blood Cultures
IDSA/ESCMID Statement on Staphylococcus aureus: Follow-Up Blood Cultures
IDSA and ESCMID released 7 consensus statements to assist in managing individuals with SAB. This review will focus on the adult patient population and additional information on pediatric population statements can be assessed in the guideline. Here is a closer look at Consensus Statement 2: Follow-up Blood Cultures.
Read more