Applicability: Infection preventionists
Source: CDC Health Advisory
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are untreatable or difficult-to-treat multidrug-resistant organisms that are emerging in the United States. Because of increased reports of these multidrug-resistant organisms, CDC is alerting clinicians about the need for additional prevention steps regarding CRE. Some key points include:
- While still uncommon, reports of unusual forms of CRE (e.g., New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase and Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase) in the United States are increasing. Of the 37 unusual forms of CRE that have been reported in the United States, the last 15 have been reported since July, 2012.
- This increase highlights the need for U.S. healthcare providers to act aggressively to prevent the emergence and spread of these unusual CRE organisms.
- The vast majority of these unusual organisms were isolated from patients who received overnight medical treatment outside of the United States.
For more information, refer to CDC guidance (http://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cre/cre-toolkit/index.html ) which addresses key elements of CRE prevention (e.g., use of Contact Precautions) in healthcare settings.
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