CRE treatment involves using specific antibiotics, often in combination, to combat Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections.
CRE infections are difficult to treat because these bacteria are resistant to many common antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are often used as a last resort. Therefore, treating CRE requires a targeted approach using antibiotics that still have effectiveness against these resistant strains.
The specific antibiotics used to treat CRE infections may include:
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Polymyxins/Colistin: These are older antibiotics that have been revived for use against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
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Tigecycline: This is a tetracycline derivative with a broad spectrum of activity, including against some CRE strains.
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Fosfomycin: This antibiotic can be effective against certain CRE isolates, especially in urinary tract infections.
The choice of antibiotic(s) will depend on several factors:
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The specific CRE strain: Different CRE strains may have varying resistance patterns, so susceptibility testing is crucial.
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The location of the infection: Some antibiotics penetrate certain tissues better than others.
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The patient's overall health: Factors such as kidney function and allergies may influence antibiotic selection.
It is important to note that CRE treatment is a complex process and should be managed by experienced healthcare professionals. The emergence of CRE underscores the importance of infection control practices in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of these resistant organisms. This includes proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of antibiotics, and isolation of infected patients.
