Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: September 2024

For review: September 2026

Ref: A-638/AKR/Learning disability team/You are a CPE contact

PDF: You are a CPE Contact.pdf [pdf] 288KB

What is CPE?

CPE are bacteria (bugs) that can live in your gut. If CPE gets in the wrong place like your bladder or blood it can cause an infection. Not everyone has CPE. 

Why am I a CPE contact?

You may have shared a bay with a patient who has CPE. Sometimes we do not know the patient has CPE.

CPE can get onto the things we touch or by the hands. 

What happens if I am a CPE contact?

We will need to take one poo sample or a poo swab from your anus (bottom). It takes about two or three days to get the result. If you do not have CPE we will not need to do anything. 

If you are readmitted to hospital, you will need to have a CPE screening on admission.

What happens if a patient has CPE?

If healthy, you will not need any treatment. 

If unwell, we will prescribe you antibiotics. These can only be given by into the vein. They do not come in a tablet.

How can we stop the spread?

• Staff will wash our hands using soap and water. We are happy for you to ask if we have washed our hands.

• If you have CPE staff will wear apron and gloves when giving care.

• If you have CPE, you should be nursed in a single room.

• We will keep a record on your notes that you have CPE.

What can you do?

• Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before and after eating.

• If you are nursed in a single room, follow the instructions you are given.

• Do not touch any wounds, or medical devices you have.

If you are readmitted to hospital

• We will know you are a ‘patient contact’ of CPE.

• Every time you are admitted to hospital we will need to take one poo sample or one poo swab from your anus (bottom). 

• You do not need to stay in hospital for all the samples to be taken if you are well enough to go home. 

• You should be nursed in a single room on every admission.

• If your results show you do not have CPE, we will let you know if you still need to be in a single room.

• If you have CPE your nurse or doctor will talk to you about this.   

• Please speak to a member of staff if you have any questions.