What type of bacteria does Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae refer to?

Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae refers specifically to a group of bacteria that are resistant to a class of antibiotics known as carbapenems, which are often used to treat severe infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. This includes pathogens like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The significance of identifying these bacteria lies in their ability to develop resistance to critical antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat and posing significant challenges to public health. These organisms fall under the category of Gram-negative bacteria due to their cell wall structure, which is characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Understanding that Enterobacteriaceae is a family of bacteria classified as Gram-negative underscores the importance of focusing on appropriate antimicrobial treatments and resistance mechanisms in the context of antimicrobial stewardship.