CRE (Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
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.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
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.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics may be given to treat a bacterial infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent the spread of CRE:
You may be moved to a private room if you are in a healthcare setting. Healthcare providers and visitors may wear gowns and gloves during your care. Everyone must wash their hands before and after they leave your room. You can help prevent the spread of CRE at home by doing the following:
- 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.
- Clean surfaces. Clean doorknobs, tables, and toilets often. Ask your healthcare provider what kind of cleaner to use.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use tissues or a cloth. Throw away the tissue after you use it. Use the bend of your arm if you do not have a tissue.
- 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 stop taking your antibiotic, even if you start to feel better. The infection may return if you do not take all of your antibiotic. Follow up with your healthcare provider 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 body.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. Get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually starting in September or October. Get a COVID-19 vaccine and recommended booster doses. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you also need other vaccines, and when to get them.
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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.
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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.
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