Controlling hospital-acquired infection due to carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

Abstract

CRE impede effective therapy of patients with Gram-negative infections. They affect patients with poor functional status, prolonged hospital stay and multiple exposures to different antibiotic agents. Detecting carbapenemase-mediated carbapenem resistance is a challenge for many microbiology laboratories using automated susceptibility testing systems. To prevent nosocomial and community transmission of CRE, we recommend strict infection control measures-including contact isolation, cohorting of carriers, and dedicated staffing-alongside active surveillance of patients at risk for carriage. Little is known regarding the added value of antibiotic stewardship interventions to control epidemic or endemic transmission of CRE.