CPE (Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae) Contact
Issue: May 2024
Review: May 2026
Ref.: A-624/HD/Infection Control/Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae CPE (Contact)
PDF Version: CPE (Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae) Contact.pdf[pdf] 166KB
CPE (Carbapenamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae) Contact
Information for patients who have been in contact with someone who is a CPE carrier or has an infection caused by 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. ʻcolonisationʼ) 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.
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.
How is CPE spread?
If a patient in hospital is carrying this bacterium it can get into the ward environment and can also be passed on by direct contact with that particular patient. For that reason, the patient will normally be accommodated in a single room. Effective environmental cleaning and good hand hygiene by all, staff and patients, can reduce the risk of spread significantly.
Do I need to be screened for CPE?
Occasionally, it isn’t immediately known that a patient is carrying this bacterium and so they may not have been placed into a single room straight away. Screening will be offered if you have shared the same bay with a patient who has been found to be a carrier of CPE. This screening is offered as there is a slight chance that you could have picked up the bacteria and are carrying it too.
You will need to have one sample for CPE taken weekly for 4 weeks whilst you are in Hospital during this stay.
How will I be screened for CPE?
The screening method usually entails taking a rectal swab by inserting it just inside your rectum (bottom). Alternatively, you may be asked to provide a sample of faeces. The specimen will be sent to the Laboratory for testing, and you will normally be informed of the result within two to three days. If the result is negative nothing further is required on this admission.
If you are readmitted to Hospital you will need to have CPE screening on admission as a precautionary measure if all previous samples are negative.
If you are readmitted to hospital
As a patient contact there will be an alert on your notes to identify that you are a ‘Patient Contact’ 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.
One rectal screen or one faecal sample will need to be taken on alternate days whilst you are in hospital. You will not need to remain in hospital for three specimens to be taken if you are medically fit for discharge.
We will routinely put isolation measures in place as a precaution every time you are admitted to hospital and CPE screening will need to be undertaken.
If your specimen is negative the isolation measures will be able to be reviewed. If the result is positive your doctor or nurse will explain this to you in more detail.
These measures will not hinder your care in any way.
Contact details
Infection Prevention and Management Team
01752 432115
