The growing threat of carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) within in-patient spinal rehabilitation units

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, posing a growing threat, especially to vulnerable patients. Spinal cord injury patients are particularly susceptible due to factors like poor functional status, prolonged hospital stays, and use of indwelling devices. This case highlights the challenges in treating CRE infections in spinal rehabilitation units and the importance of infection control to prevent its spread.

• 1
  A patient with paraplegia developed a CRE urinary tract infection and sepsis one month post-injury, requiring treatment with colistin.
• 2
  The treatment with colistin, while effective, led to deterioration of renal function, interrupting the patient's rehabilitation and causing emotional distress.
• 3
  Intensive infection control measures, including screening, PPE use, and equipment disinfection, successfully contained CRE transmission in the unit.