Antibiotics serve a critical function in preventing and treating infectious diseases. However, their misuse has resulted in the development and persistence of resistance among microorganisms, driven by selective pressure. Carbapenems, vital antibacterial agents, were once considered the last resort for combating severe Gram-negative bacterial infections. Yet, the emergence of carbapenemases has led to a rapid rise in the detection rate of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria worldwide, posing a significant threat to global public health security. This review focuses on the global epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant bacteria and the detection methods of clinically relevant resistance genes, providing reference for the rational use of antibiotics and effective control of drug resistance transmission.