Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae

Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a group of bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics, specifically the carbapenem class of antibiotics. These bacteria are part of the larger group of Enterobacteriaceae, which includes many common bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Overview

CPE are a significant concern in healthcare settings due to their high level of antibiotic resistance. They can cause a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. Because of their resistance to carbapenems, these infections can be difficult to treat and can lead to increased mortality rates.

Mechanism of Resistance

The resistance of CPE to carbapenems is due to the production of carbapenemase, an enzyme that breaks down the antibiotic and renders it ineffective. This resistance mechanism can be transferred between bacteria through plasmids, small pieces of DNA that can be shared between bacteria. This ability to share resistance mechanisms makes CPE a significant threat to public health.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of CPE in healthcare settings involves a combination of infection control measures, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and antibiotic stewardship to reduce the use of antibiotics and slow the development of resistance.

Treatment

Treatment of CPE infections can be challenging due to the high level of antibiotic resistance. However, some antibiotics, such as colistin and tigecycline, may still be effective against some strains of CPE. In some cases, a combination of antibiotics may be used to treat CPE infections.