Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)

Organisms, Causative Agent, or Etiologic Agent

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)

CRE stands for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. They are a part (or subgroup) of Enterobacterales. They are difficult to treat because they are resistant to common antibiotics. Sometimes, CRE are completely resistant to all available antibiotics. CRE are a major threat to public health.​​

Enterobacterales are a family of bacteria that include Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli (E. coli). These bacteria are found in normal human intestines (gut). Sometimes these bacteria can spread outside the gut and cause serious infections. Some examples include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, wound infections, and meningitis. Enterobacterales are one of the most common causes of bacterial infections in both healthcare and community settings. Carbapenems are a type of antibiotic commonly used to treat severe infections.

General Information and Resources

Reporting for Healthcare Providers

Report a suspected or confirmed case within 1 workday to your local health department.