Information for patients with Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) 

What is this information about?

This information is about a bacteria called CPE. It tells you what it is, how it spreads, and how we will look after you in hospital if you are carrying it.  

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you have been found to be carrying CPE. It is important that we control the spread of CPE because although it is not dangerous, it can cause infections that are resistant to antibiotics.  

Reading this information will help you to understand what we can do to stop CPE spreading. Please share this information with people who might visit you in hospital too, so that they know what to expect.

What is CPE?

CPE is short for Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (pronounced en-ter-oh-bak-teer-ee-ay-see-eye). 

Enterobacteriaceae are bacteria that usually live harmlessly in the gut. This is called colonisation. Someone who is colonised is called a carrier.  

However, if the bacteria get into the wrong place, such as the bladder or bloodstream, they can cause infection.

How do I know if I have CPE?

Being ‘CPE-positive’ means that these resistant bacteria have been found in your body. 

You may not know you have CPE until you are screened for it. It does not make you ill unless it gets into the wrong place like your bloodstream and causes an infection. 

How is CPE spread in hospital?

CPE can spread from person to person, especially in hospitals through contact with contaminated hands or surfaces. It is not usually a risk to healthy people.

How did I get CPE?

Because these bacteria can be found living harmlessly in the gut it can be difficult to identify when or where you picked it up. 

There is an increased chance of picking up these bacteria if: 

• you have been a patient in a hospital abroad or in the UK that has had patients carrying the bacteria  
• if you have been in contact with a carrier elsewhere. 

How is CPE spread in hospital?

These bacteria can be spread from person to person, on the hands and skin of staff, students, patients and visitors by:  

• touching someone who is infected or colonised  
• touching room surfaces and objects such as  
  • equipment  
  • bowls 
  • shared electrical or medical devices 
  • surfaces around patients (for example, bedside tables) 
  • commodes and toilets that have CPE on them. 

How will I be cared for in hospital?

• You will be accommodated in a single room with toilet facilities. You may be asked to use a liner inside the toilet or commode. This means that your waste (pee and poo) can be solidified and disposed of safely. 
• You may be asked to have additional tests to help guide your ongoing care and treatment. These will be taken on a weekly basis. The samples might include a swab from certain areas such as a rectal swab, which is a sample taken by inserting a swab just inside your rectum (bottom), and /or a faecal (poo) sample. A swab may also be taken from the area of your cannula if you have one inserted. You will normally be informed of the results as soon as they are available. 
• The most important measure for you to take is to wash your hands well with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Visitors will also be encouraged to wash their hands on entering and leaving the room and may be asked to wear gloves and an apron.

What about when I go home?

No special measures or treatment are required when you are ready to go home. You should carry on as normal, maintaining good hand hygiene. If you have any concerns, you may wish to contact your GP for advice. 

Where can I find more information?

If you would like further information, please speak to a member of your healthcare team, who may also contact the infection prevention and control team for you.