Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Definition

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a family of Gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which are often used as a last resort for treating severe infections. CRE infections can be challenging to treat and have high mortality rates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CRE produce enzymes like carbapenemases that break down carbapenem antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.
2. Common species within the Enterobacteriaceae family include Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
3. CRE infections are often hospital-acquired, making infection control practices crucial in healthcare settings.
4. Testing for CRE involves molecular methods such as PCR to detect resistance genes or phenotypic methods like disk diffusion.
5. Antiseptics and disinfectants must be rigorously tested for effectiveness against CRE due to their resistance profiles.

Review Questions

Related terms

Carbapenem: A class of highly effective beta-lactam antibiotics used as a last resort for severe bacterial infections.

Beta-lactamase: An enzyme produced by certain bacteria that disables beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins.

Nosocomial Infection: Infections acquired in hospitals or healthcare facilities, often involving multidrug-resistant organisms like CRE.