CRE (Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
are a group of bacteria that are very difficult to kill when they cause infection. Examples include E coli and klebsiella. CRE often cause lung, urinary tract, wound, and blood infections. Carbapenems are a group of antibiotics that treat bacterial infections. In CRE infections, the bacteria release chemicals that prevent carbapenems from killing them. This is called antibiotic resistance. CRE infections can become difficult to cure and can spread to other parts of the body. CRE infections that get into the blood can be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms
of CRE infection depend on which body part is infected. You may have any of the following:
- Fever and chills
- Little or no energy
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough or difficulty breathing
- Painful or difficult urination
- A rash or red, swollen skin with pus
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have a wound that is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have had contact with someone with a CRE infection.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
is not needed if you have CRE in your body but are not infected. If CRE is causing an infection, you may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. Several kinds of antibiotics may need to be tried. You may be given 2 or more antibiotics at the same time. Your healthcare provider may ask if you received antibiotics within the past month. This will help your provider choose different antibiotics to lower the risk for resistance.
- Surgery or other procedures may be needed to drain an abscess (collection of fluid) or remove infected tissue.
Prevent the spread of CRE:
- Tell your healthcare provider if you have been hospitalized in another hospital or country. This will let your provider know if you are at risk for CRE and help you get early treatment for infections.
- Take antibiotics as directed. Do not take antibiotics when you do not need them. Do not share antibiotics or take other people's antibiotic medicine. Overuse of antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in your gut, and increase your risk for CRE. You could also spread CRE to others.
- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Use soap and water every time. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to see an infectious disease specialist. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For more information:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta , GA 30333
Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about CRE
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
