How frequently are hospitalized patients colonized with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) already on contact precautions for other indications?

Goodman KE1, Simner PJ2, Klein EY1, Kazmi AQ2, Gadala A3, Rock C3, Tamma PD4, Cosgrove SE3, Maragakis LL3, Milstone AM1; CDC Prevention Epicenters Program.

Author information

1: 1Department of Epidemiology,Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health,Baltimore,Maryland.
2: 2Division of Medical Microbiology,Department of Pathology,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,Baltimore,Maryland.
3: 5Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control,The Johns Hopkins Hospital,Baltimore,Maryland.
4: 7Division of Infectious Diseases,Department of Pediatrics,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,Baltimore,Maryland.

Abstract

Using samples collected for VRE surveillance, we evaluated unit admission prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) perirectal colonization and whether CRE carriers (unknown to staff) were on contact precautions for other indications. CRE colonization at unit admission was infrequent (3.9%). Most CRE carriers were not on contact precautions, representing a reservoir for healthcare-associated CRE transmission.