Hospital Pathogens Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms (CRO)

Carbapenem-resistant organisms are a family of pathogens (Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacteria) belongs to family Enterobacteriaceae, also called carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Examples include E.coli, Klebsiella species, Proteus species, Pseudomonas species etc. Generally these groups of bacteria are part of the normal range of bacteria found in the gut. When the bacteria live harmlessly in the gut this is called colonisation.

During sick condition, when a person is administered with antibiotics containing carbapenem, gradually these bacteria became resistant over time. It is prevalent in Asian countries because of substantial use of carbapenem antibiotics, resulting in the emergence of plasmid mediated resistance to carbapenems.

CRO can cause infections in almost any part of the body including bloodstream infections, ventilator associated pneumoniae, and intra-abdominal abscesses all of which can be life-threatening. CRO are usually transmitted from person to person often via the hands of healthcare personnel or via contaminated medical equipment.

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