Overview
Enterobacteriaceae is a group of bacteria often found in human and animal intestines. E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp. are in this group. Enterobacteriaceae that develop resistance to a group of antibiotics called carbapenems are called carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).
Some CRE produce enzymes (cabapenemases) that break down carbapenems and related antibiotics, making them ineffective. These carbapenemase-producing (CP) CRE are increasingly more common in healthcare settings. CP-CRE can transmit resistance from one Enterobacteriaceae to another. When a lab finds a CRE, it must forward it to the state Public Health Lab. Healthcare providers and public health will coordinate appropriate infection control interventions to prevent transmission within and between healthcare settings
Report confirmed CP-CRE within 24 hours.
CP-CRE is rare. You must report it within 24 hours. Call (253) 649-1412 or fax a completed Notifiable Condition Report Form to (253) 649-1389.
Resources
- CRE page—More from the state Department of Health.
- Read more about notifiable conditions.