Epidemiology and prevention of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the United States

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2014 May;12(5):565-80. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2014.902306. Epub 2014 Mar 25.

Abstract

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are multidrug-resistant organisms with few treatment options that cause infections associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. CRE outbreaks have been increasingly reported worldwide and are mainly due to the emergence and spread of strains that produce carbapenemases. In the United States, transmission of CRE is primarily driven by the spread of organisms carrying the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase enzyme, but other carbapenemase enzymes, such as the New-Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, have also emerged. Currently recommended control strategies for healthcare facilities include the detection of patients infected or colonized with CRE and implementation of measures to prevent further spread. In addition to efforts in individual facilities, effective CRE control requires coordination across all healthcare facilities in a region. This review describes the current epidemiology and surveillance of CRE in the United States and the recommended approach to prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Carbapenems / therapeutic use
  • Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects
  • Enterobacteriaceae / enzymology
  • Enterobacteriaceae / pathogenicity
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / drug therapy
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / prevention & control*
  • Epidemiological Monitoring*
  • Humans
  • Sanitation / methods
  • United States / epidemiology
  • beta-Lactam Resistance*
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carbapenems
  • beta-Lactamases
  • beta-lactamase NDM-1
  • carbapenemase