What does CPE mean?
The initials CPE refer to a group of bacteria known as Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE).
Enterobacteriaceae are bacteria that normally live harmlessly in the gut of humans. However, if the bacteria get into the wrong place, such as the bladder or bloodstream, they can cause infection. Carbapenems are one of the most powerful types of antibiotics. Carbapenemases are enzymes made by some strains of these bacteria which destroy Carbapenem antibiotics making the bacteria resistant to them.
If a person has CPE BACTERIA AMONGST their normal healthy enterobacteriaceae then they are said to be a Carrier of CPE. A carrier state exists when the CPE are present in the person but not causing infections. However gut bacteria including CPE can be spread to other people through direct physical contact or via contaminated surfaces, handles, taps, equipment etc. Some of those people may develop infections particularly if they are vulnerable through other illnesses, conditions or surgery.
Why does carbapenem resistance matter?
Carbapenem antibiotics can only be given in hospital directly into the bloodstream. Until now, doctors have relied on them to treat certain difficult infections when other antibiotics have failed to do so. In a hospital, spread of resistant bacteria can particularly cause problems.
Do they need to be treated?
If a carrier of CPE they do not need to be treated. However if the bacteria have caused an infection then antibiotics will be required.
Can CPE be spread to other people?
Yes they can. To prevent the spread of infection to others you will be nursed in a side room for the duration of your stay. People that provide direct care for you will wear protective clothing. It is important that thorough hand washing is carried out by all staff and visitors. Patients are also advised to wash their hands thoroughly especially after visiting the toilet and before meals.
How will my CPE be investigated?
You will be asked to provide a sample of your faeces or swabs (like cotton buds) of your rectum to check if you are still carrying the bacteria. Other samples might include swabs taken from certain areas, such as where the tube for your drip (if you have one) enters the skin. You will normally be informed of the results within two to three days.
Can it come back?
Yes it can. For this reason you should inform the people looking after you whenever you are admitted to hospital and will be nursed in a single room and screened for CPE.
Can visitors to the ward catch CPE?
Healthy people are at very little risk from CPE. It is not a danger to pregnant women or children. They should keep any cuts covered with a waterproof dressing and ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly on leaving the side room
Can visitors infect other people?
If visitors wash and dry their hands thoroughly after visiting then they are unlikely to pass the CPE on to others.
Can my laundry be washed at home?
Yes – your laundry can be washed at home. The laundry should be taken home in a plastic bag and, using household rubber gloves, should be placed directly from the bag into the washing machine. It should not be mixed with other items of laundry. Hands should be thoroughly washed when the gloves are removed. Tumble drying and ironing will also assist the Infection Control process.
What about when I go home?
Whilst there is a chance that you may still be a carrier when you go home, quite often this will go away with time. No special measures or treatment are required; any infection (but not carriage) will have been treated prior to your discharge. You should live your life as normal, maintaining good hand hygiene. If you have any concerns you may wish to contact your GP for advice.
If you are admitted to hospital, you should let the hospital staff know that you are, or have been a carrier.
What if I need more information?
More information is available from your doctor or nurse. Other people that can answer your questions include the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at the UK Health Security Agency (Yorkshire & Humber) and members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team at the hospital.
Any comments, compliments, concerns or complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
NHS website
NHS website is a health information service. The aim is to support the public to become active consumers of healthcare rather than passive recipients, and to help individuals, their family or carers to make more informed choices: https://www.nhs.uk/
Review information
Date of issue: July 2014
Review due: May 2026