Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) refers to various bacterial species within the Enterobacteriaceae family, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, that are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics—previously drugs of last resort—typically due to acquired carbapenemase enzymes (e.g., KPC, NDM, OXA-48).[1][2][9] These bacteria present a serious public health challenge because they cause infections with high mortality rates and have very few effective therapeutic options. CRE propagate resistance primarily through transferable genetic elements and are typically encountered in healthcare settings, posing risks of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised or hospitalized individuals.[1][4][9][11]

Other names

carbapenemase-producing EnterobacteriaceaeCPEcarbapenem-resistant Enterobacteralescarbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

inhibition of cell wall synthesis (for β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations), disruption of bacterial membrane (polymyxins), inhibition of protein synthesis (aminoglycosides, tigecycline, plazomicin)