CRE Bacteria Poses Threat To Health Care

Deadly 'Superbugs' Invade U.S. Health Care Facilities by Peter Eisler.  USA Today.  November 29, 2012.

The bacteria is know as Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) because of its ability off the antibiotic of last resort in fighting infection.  While known for over a decade CRE now poses a wide-spread threat to hospitals and nursing homes around the nation.  It has proved to be far deadlier than more well know infections MRSA and C-Diff.  Spread to at least 41 states, the bacteria is often not recognized due to inadequate testing facilities in hospitals or, especially, in nursing homes.  As a result, data tracking the bacteria is generally recognized as inadequate.  In addition, there is no federal reporting requirement for the infection.  Since there is little reliable data tracking of the infection is difficult.  Screening procedures with no accurate data are also hampered.  However transfer of patients from facility to facility seems certain to be reintroducing the bacteria to health care facilities, facilitating the spread.   There is little prospect for new antibiotic for the infection due to economic considerations. Screening has shown some effectiveness but is not universally available.   Regional strategies are thought to be important to deal with the institution-to-institution spread of the bacteria.  Universal  could also be important in addressing the institutional spread.  Standard preventative measures are recommended by the CDC.  Understanding the genetic dynamics of the single gene driving the spread could result in new screening procedures.