CPE (Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae)
Issue: May 2024
Review: May 2026
Ref.: A-625/HD/Infection Control/Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae CPE (Positive Result)
PDF Version: CPE (Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae).pdf[pdf] 142KB
CPE (Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae)
Information for patients with a positive CPE result.
What is CPE?
Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (sometimes called CPE) is the name given to a group of bacteria that have become very resistant to antibiotics including those called carbapenems. Many of these bacteria usually live harmlessly in the gut of humans or that of animals and help you digest food. However, if they get into the wrong place such as the bladder or bloodstream they can cause an infection.
Why does Carbapenem-Resistance matter?
Carbapenem antibiotics can only be given in hospital directly into the bloodstream. Until now, doctors have relied on them to successfully treat certain ‘difficult’ infections when other antibiotics have failed to do so. Therefore, in a hospital, where there are many vulnerable patients, spread of resistant bacteria can cause problems.
What happens if my CPE test is positive?
If your screening test for CPE is positive, it means you are carrying CPE bacteria. This means you have the bacteria, for example in your gut. This does not normally cause problems for people who are fit and healthy. If you are showing no signs of infection and you are simply carrying the bacteria, no treatment will be required.
If you do get an infection, it is very helpful for the doctor to know you are a carrier of CPE as they will be able to make sure you are treated quickly with the most appropriate antibiotics.
Can I have visitors?
Your visitors will be asked to wash their hands before entering and leaving your room and may be asked to wear gloves and aprons if you have diarrhoea.
What happens if I am in hospital?
We will routinely put isolation measures in place as a precaution every time you are admitted to hospital, usually in a single room, ideally with toilet facilities.
Staff will wear gloves and aprons to give care.
Accommodating you in a single room helps to prevent spread of the bacteria.
It is important that you wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the toilet. You should avoid touching any medical devices (for example, urinary catheter tubes or intravenous drips) particularly at the point where it is inserted into the body or skin.
Your room will have dedicated equipment.
What about when I go home?
You do not need to do anything special at home other than washing your hands well with water and soap, especially after going to the toilet.
If a relative or friend is helping care for you at home, they need to wash their hands with water and soap before and after they give care to you.
Bed linen, clothes and other laundry can be washed as normal.
What does it mean for you and your family?
If you would like any further information please speak to a member of staff on your ward, who may contact the Infection Prevention and Management Team for you.
If you are readmitted to hospital
As you have tested positive to CPE there will be an alert on your notes to identify that you are a carrier of CPE.
Your General Practitioner will also be informed of the result.
Healthcare workers should be informed of the alert on your record as this will help with the choice of antibiotics if required.
We will routinely put isolation measures in place as a precaution every time you are admitted to hospital. This will make sure that you receive the best care to prevent the spread of CPE and reduce the risk to you.
The Infection Prevention and Management team will review if any further CPE screening needs to be undertaken whilst you are in hospital.
A positive CPE result will not hinder your care in any way.
Contact details
Infection Prevention and Management Team
01752 432115
