Display Patient Information Leaflets

Issue Date: September 2024

Review Date: September 2026

Reference: A-623/HD/Infection Control/Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae CPE v2

PDF: Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae CPE v2.pdf [pdf] 222KB

Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Information for patients at risk of CPE

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.

Does colonisation with CPE always need to be treated?

Because CPE normally live in the gut without causing problems (i.e. colonisation) they do not always need to be treated. However, if you have an infection then treatment is required. Infections caused by this bacterium can be difficult to treat with antibiotics. This is why it is so important to prevent its spread.

How will I know if I am at risk of CPE?

The main risk factors for CPE are having been an inpatient in a hospital abroad, in a UK hospital which has had patients carrying this bacterium or being exposed to other carriers of this bacteria. If you have any of these risk factors we will ask to screen you. You will be informed of the result as soon as possible.
How do you screen for CPE? 

The screening method requires either 1 stool sample or a faecal swab. A swab will be inserted just into your rectum (bottom) to obtain the faecal sample. The specimen will be sent to the Laboratory for testing. A result will normally take 48 to 72hours to be available.

How can the spread of CPE be prevented?

• Generally, patients will be accommodated in a single room with its own toilet facilities.

• Healthcare staff will wash their hands with water and soap.

• They will use gloves and aprons when caring for patients to help prevent spread of any bacteria.

• The most important measure for you is good hand hygiene by washing your hands well with water and soap, especially after              going to the toilet.

• You should avoid touching any wounds or medical devices (if you have any), for example, your urinary catheter tube and                    intravenous drip, particularly at the point where it is inserted into the skin.

• Visitors coming to see you will be asked to wash their hands on entering and leaving the room and may be asked to wear gloves and an apron. 

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.

Information for patient being admitted for surgery

Following your outpatient appointment today, you have been assessed as being ‘at risk’ for CPE as you have answered ‘Yes’ to one of the questions in the CPE questionnaire.

Healthcare workers should be informed of the alert on your record as this will help with the choice of antibiotics if required.

When you are admitted for your operation, it will be necessary for you to bring a stool sample in with you on this day.

You will be given a stool specimen pot with a request form to hand in to the nurse on your day of admission.

If your operation is a day case procedure a stool specimen is not required.