Survey of screening methods, rates and policies for the detection of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae in English hospitals

Multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacteria are of major clinical concern. The increasing prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), resistant to all beta-lactams including carbapenems, and able to colonise the large intestine represent a key threat. Rapid, accurate detection of intestinal CPE colonisation is critical to minimise transmission, and hence reduce costly, difficult to treat CPE infections. There is currently no ‘gold standard’ CPE detection method. Following a survey of diagnostic laboratories in England, we report considerable heterogeneity in diagnostic CPE testing methods and procedures.