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What are Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)?  Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) that contain enzymes called carbapenemases (e.g. NDM, VIM, IMP, OXA-48, KPC and GES). These enzymes break down the antibiotics and prevent them from killing the bacteria. Examples of carbapenem antibiotics are ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem and doripenem and these are sometimes referred to as a last line […]

What is Carbapenamase Resistant Infection? More information to come.

What is Carbapenem–resistant bacteria? Carbapenem–resistant bacteria are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. These Gram-negative bacteria are usually from the genera known as Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia, but other genera also become resistant to carbapenems. Bacteria are highly adaptive organisms. Carbapenem antibiotics are broad-spectrum beta-lactam-type antibiotics that are especially effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Carbapenem antibiotics were introduced in the early

What are Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)?  Carbapenem–resistant Enterobacteriaceae are bacteria that are resistant to the carbapenem group of antibiotics (i.e. ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem and doripenem). These Gram-negative bacteria are usually from the genera called Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia, Shigella, Proteus and Serratia. Other bacteria can also become resistant to carbapenems, for example, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. Bacteria are highly adaptive organisms.

What is Candida auris?  Candida auris is a fungal (yeast-like) pathogen within the Candida genus, which has caused healthcare-associated outbreaks of serious infections on several continents. This pathogen can live on the skin, inside the human body (e.g. in the gut) or in the environment. C. auris causes serious infections such as bloodstream infections, meningitis, bone infections, burns/wound infections and urinary