The term "CRO disease" can refer to two distinct conditions:
1. Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract. It's a long-lasting illness that causes inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. [1, 6, 9, 10] Symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, causing pain and digestive issues. [9] Complications can include intestinal obstruction (blockage) and fistulas (abnormal connections between organs). [3] Treatment focuses on managing inflammation and symptoms, and may include medication and, in some cases, surgery. [7, 8] The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a dedicated resource for information and support. [5]
2. Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms (CRO)
Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) are bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics, including carbapenems – a powerful class of antibiotics. [4, 11] These organisms are considered multidrug-resistant (MDRO) and can cause infections or simply colonize (live in) the body without causing illness. [2, 11] Examples of CROs include E. coli, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter. [4] CRO infections are serious and require prompt medical attention due to the limited treatment options. [2]
It's crucial to understand the context when encountering the term "CRO disease" to differentiate between these two very different conditions.
