Carbapenem-resistant IMP Detection K-Set (Lateral Flow Assay)

The importance of CRE test

Collectively, Enterobacterales are the most common group of pathogens causing healthcare-associated infections. Some Enterobacterales can produce an enzyme called a carbapenemase that makes antibiotics like carbapenems, penicillins, and cephalosporins ineffective. For this reason, CRE have been called “nightmare bacteria” because there are few alternative antibiotics, if any, left to treat the infections caused by these germs.

Bacteria from the Enterobacterales family, including Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli, can produce a carbapenemase. Carbapenemases are often produced from genes located on transferable elements that can spread resistance easily from germ to germ and person to person. Also because of the abuse usage of antibiotics and limited methods taken to prevent spreading, the dramatically increasing CRE problem is becoming a life threat worldwide.

Usually, spread of CRE can be controlled by:

• Monitoring CRE infections
• Isolate patients with CRE
• Removing invasive medical devices inside the body
• Be careful when prescribing antibiotics (especially carbapenems)
• Using clean sterile techniques to minimize the spread of infection
• Strictly follow the lab cleaning routine

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CRE detection is of great value in spread control. By testing early, health providers can give a more reasonable therapy to patients susceptible to CRE, also achieve the hospitalization management.