Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE)

This leaflet tells you about Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, sometimes called CPE.

What are Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales?

Enterobacterales are a group of bacteria (germs) that usually live harmlessly in the gut of humans. This is called colonisation and the person is said to be a carrier. Some Enterobacterales have become resistant to antibiotics including those called carbapenems.

These bacteria are called Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales. If these bacteria get into the wrong place such as the bladder or bloodstream they can cause infection. As the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics these infections can be very difficult to treat. 

Am I at any increased risk from CPE?

You are more at risk of picking up these bacteria if you are treated in a hospital abroad, or in certain areas of the UK, where there have been patients carrying CPE. If you have been in contact with others carrying these bacteria and you are receiving healthcare you may need to be screened (tested) for them. If you are in hospital you may be looked after in an isolation (single) room until the results of your tests are known. 

Do I need to be screened for CPE?

Occasionally it isn’t immediately known that a patient is carrying this bacteria and so they may not be placed into a single room straight away. Screening will be offered if you have shared the same bay (or ward) with a patient who has been found to be carrying CPE. This screening is offered as there is a slight chance you could have picked up the bacteria and are carrying it too.

How will I be screened for CPE?

Screening involves inserting a swab just inside your rectum (back passage) and a stool (poo) specimen may also be requested. The specimens will be sent to the laboratory and you will be told of the result as soon as possible.

It will take 48 – 72 hours for the germs to grow. If you have shared the same bay with a patient who has been found to be carrying CPE you may be screened if you have further admissions to hospital.

What if I am found to be positive for CPE?

If your tests are positive you will continue to be looked after in a single room while in hospital and on future admissions to hospital if you remain positive. If you have an infection with the bacteria, for example, a wound or chest infection, then you will need antibiotic treatment.

If you are receiving healthcare in your own home or in a care home then staff will need to use good hand hygiene while looking after you and to make sure that your surroundings are kept clean too.

If you are carrying the bacteria without being infected then you will not need any treatment. You might still be carrying the bacteria when you go home from hospital but there are no special measures needed, just good hand hygiene. If you have any problems or concerns you may want to consult your GP for advice. You will not usually need to be screened once you go home from hospital.

How can the spread of CPE be stopped?

The most important thing is for you to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water especially after using the toilet. Healthcare workers looking after you must use gloves and aprons and wash their hands before putting them on and after taking them off. Your visitors will also be asked to wash their hands on entering and leaving your room and to wear an apron and gloves. 

Further information is available from:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Infection Prevention and Control Department
Telephone:  01642 383280
Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 4.30 pm

NHS 111
Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]