Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae(CPE) What is carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE)? CRE refers to the enterobacteriaceae bacteria that are resistant to carbapenems, a class of antibiotics.
What are enterobacteriaceae? Enterobacteriaceae refers to the family of bacteria commonly found in the normal human gut. Outside the gut, they can cause other serious infections such as: • Pneumonias • Urinary tract infections • Wound infections • Bloodstream infections
What is carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE)? CPE refer to enterobacteriaceae that produce specific enzymes (carbapenemases) that cause resistance to carbapenems through breaking down of the antibiotic itself. Where did I get this bacteria from? While studies are ongoing to understand how individuals might be tested positive with CPE, some risk factors include: • Exposure to antibiotics • Poor immune system • Exposure to hospital and nursing homes • Long stay in hospital • Devices going into a patient’s body like ventilators (breathing machines), urine tubes or intravenous tubes