What is Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)?
Enterobacterales are a family of bacteria that usually live harmlessly in the gut of humans and animals. This is called colonisation or a person is said to be a carrier. However, if these bacteria get into a different part of the body, for example, a wound, the bladder or bloodstream they can cause infections.
Carbapenems are a family of antibiotics used to treat life-threatening multidrug-resistant infections.
CPE infections can be difficult to treat. This is because they are resistant to many antibiotics, including carbapenem antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms of CPE
Being a CPE carrier may not cause symptoms or make you feel unwell. You would not usually know you have CPE unless you have a screening test before or during a hospital stay.
How does CPE spread?
These bacteria can live harmlessly in the gut of humans, making it difficult to be sure when or where CPE is picked up.
CPE is common in some hospitals. You may have picked up CPE if you have been a hospital patient or had contact with a carrier elsewhere.
CPE can spread if hands are not washed thoroughly or by contact with soiled equipment and surfaces such as tables, chairs, door handles.
The most important thing to stop the spread of CPE is washing hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet.
Also avoid touching medical devices such as urinary catheters and any wounds.
Healthcare workers should wash their hands frequently and wear aprons and gloves when caring for patients with CPE.
Visitors should also wash their hands but do not need to wear aprons and gloves unless carrying out personal care for a patient with CPE.
How is CPE treated?
Our Infection Prevention and Control Team will do a risk assessment and give you advice. Generally, CPE will not restrict your activity. We ask that you use the toilet facilities in your bedroom.
If you are colonised with CPE and have no symptoms, treatment is not required. If the CPE has caused an infection, you may need antibiotics.
Are my visitors at risk from CPE?
Visiting can continue as normal. CPE does not normally cause a problem to anyone unless they are ill.
Visitors should wash and dry their hands before entering and leaving the room.
If they have any cuts, they should cover them with a waterproof plaster.
It is safe for pregnant women to visit.
What will happen when I go home?
You may still be a carrier when you go home but this will not stop you being discharged if the doctors are happy with your progress. These bacteria often go away with time. You should continue to follow good hygiene practices and maintain your hand hygiene. If you have any concerns, please contact your GP for advice.
What if I am re-admitted to hospital?
If this happens, please tell the hospital staff that you have had CPE in the past.
Where can I get further information?
During your hospital stay if you would like more information or wish to discuss this, we’re here for you. Please ask the Ward Staff or the Infection Prevention and Control Nurse.
L1229, v1, 08/04/2025 (archive 08/04/2028)
