Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to the carbapenem class of antibiotics, considered the drugs of last resort for such infections. They are resistant because they produce an enzyme called a carbapenemase that disables the drug molecule. The resistance can vary from moderate to severe. Enterobacteriaceae are common commensals and infectious agents. Experts fear CRE as the new "superbug".[1] The bacteria can kill up to half of patients who get bloodstream infections.[2] Tom Frieden, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has referred to CRE as "nightmare bacteria".[2][3] Examples of enzymes found in certain types of CRE are KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase) and NDM (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase). KPC and NDM are enzymes that break down carbapenems and make them ineffective. Both of these enzymes, as well as the enzyme VIM (Verona Integron-Mediated Metallo-β-lactamase) have also been reported in Pseudomonas.[4]
USAtoday was invoked but never defined (see the help page).During just the first half of 2012, almost 200 hospitals and long-term acute-care facilities treated at least one patient infected with these bacteria.