The importance of active surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in colonization rates in critically ill patients

Objectivez This study aimed to demonstrate the importance of active carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) surveillance and evaluate the prevalence of invasive infections, risk factors, and mortality risk in CRE-colonized patients. Methods Retrospective cohort study analyzing 1,920 patients identified using an active CRE surveillance protocol, admitted to an adult intensive care unit in southeastern Brazil from January 2014 to December 2018. Results There were 297 (15.47%) CRE colonized patients, with one colonized for every six control patients. CRE-colonized patients demonstrated an increased chance of infection (odds ratio [OR] 7.967, p < 0.001). Overall, 20.54% of the colonized patients presented invasive infection (81.96% due to Klebsiella pneumoniae). The colonization and infection ratio demonstrated the important role of the active CRE surveillance protocol. There were identified multiple risk factors for CRE colonization, including long-term mechanical ventilation (OR 1.624, p = 0.019) and previous exposure to aminopenicillins (OR 5.204, p < 0.001), carbapenems (OR 3.703, p = 0.017), cephalosporins (OR 12.036, p < 0.001), and fluoroquinolones (OR 5.238, p = 0.012). The mortality risk was significantly higher among colonized (OR 2.356, p < 0.001) and colonized-infected (OR 2.000, p = 0.009) patients and in those with Enterobacter cloacae colonization (OR 5.173, p < 0,001) and previous aminopenicillins exposure (OR 3.452, p = 0.007). Conclusions Early detection of CRE colonization through screening testing proved to be an important tool to control CRE spread. However, observation over the years has shown no effective control of colonization and infection. The prevalence rates of CRE colonization and colonization-infection were high, as were the mortality rates. In conclusion, an active CRE surveillance protocol is essential, but its impact depends on the effective implementation of preventive measures and feedback between team members.

Automated summary

This study emphasizes the importance of active surveillance for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and evaluates the prevalence of invasive infections, risk factors, and mortality risk in CRE-colonized patients. The results reveal that early detection of CRE colonization through screening testing is a vital tool for controlling CRE spread, but there is ineffective control of colonization and infection. The study highlights the significance of implementing preventive measures and improving teamwork.