From the Research
The global carriage rate of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in feces is approximately 9.6%, with higher rates observed in hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units or with prolonged hospital stays, as reported in a recent study from China 1.
Key Findings
- The overall fecal carriage rate of CRE was 9.6% in a study of 685 stool samples from four provinces in China, with 4.26% in healthy individuals and 10.84% in hospitalized patients 1.
- The highest prevalence of CRE was found in Henan province, with a rate of 18.35% 1.
- A study from Southern Iran reported a high frequency of CRE fecal carriage among ICU hospitalized patients, with an overall carriage rate of 28.2% and a CRE acquisition rate of 6.1% 2.
Risk Factors
- Previous antibiotic exposure, especially carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and third-generation cephalosporins, is a significant risk factor for CRE carriage 1, 2.
- Hospitalization, invasive procedures, immunosuppression, and travel to high-prevalence regions are also risk factors for CRE carriage 1, 2.
Importance of Detection
- The detection of CRE in feces is significant as carriers can serve as reservoirs for transmission in healthcare settings, even when asymptomatic 1, 2.
- Infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship are crucial to limit the spread of CRE 1, 2.