Korean J Fam Med.  2015 Jul;36(4):191-194. 10.4082/kjfm.2015.36.4.191.

Four Cases of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection from January to March in 2014

• Kim SR
• Rim CB
• Kim Y
• Kim JW
• Song YW
• Shin SH
• Yoon HJ
• Shim S

• KMID: 2085306
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2015.36.4.191

Abstract

Infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and other multidrug resistant bacteria has increased rapidly in Korea. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,609 cases of CRE infection in the country in 2013. The risk factors for CRE infection include history of treatment with antibiotics such as cephalosporins or carbapenem, trauma, diabetes, cancer, and history of ventilator support. Herein, we report four cases of CRE infection seen during a 3-month period in our hospital in 2014. CRE infection is associated with a high mortality rate of 30% to 50%, even with combination antibiotic therapy. Prevention of CRE infection in hospital settings is fundamental to controlling its transmission. Key preventive measures include, contact precautions, hand hygiene, education of healthcare personnel, screening for CRE when indicated, and exercising discretion in prescribing carbapenem or cephalosporins.

Keyword

Carbapenemase; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacter cloacae; Drug Resistance, Bacterial

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Bacteria
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Cephalosporins
Delivery of Health Care
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Education
Enterobacter cloacae
Enterobacteriaceae
Enterobacteriaceae Infections*
Hand Hygiene
Korea
Mass Screening
Mortality
Risk Factors
Ventilators, Mechanical
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cephalosporins