How is Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae classified in the CDC threat report?

Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is classified as an "Urgent" threat in the CDC threat report due to its significant public health implications. The classification reflects the high level of resistance these bacteria exhibit against carbapenems, which are considered last-resort antibiotics for treating complicated infections. The emergence and spread of CRE are concerning because they are associated with high mortality rates, limited treatment options, and can contribute to severe health complications in infected patients.

The "Urgent" classification signifies that immediate and aggressive actions are required to combat the spread of this pathogen. This includes implementing strong infection prevention measures, enhancing antimicrobial stewardship programs, and facilitating better surveillance and reporting systems to track occurrences of CRE. Such urgent threats pose a direct risk to healthcare systems and require a coordinated response from health authorities and hospitals to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.