Overview
What are CPE?
Enterobacterales (formally Enterobacteriaceae) is the name given to a family of bacteria or germs that normally live in our bowel. A well known Enterobacterales you may have heard of is Escherichia coli or E. coli.
Carbapenems are a group of antibiotics (for example, meropenem) that usually work against these bacteria. Some bacteria have become hard to treat because these antibiotics no longer work – the bacteria have become resistant to the antibiotics. These bacteria are called carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE).
Antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as CPE are a major threat to public health and hospital safety.
How do you get CPE?
In Australia, CPE bacteria have been rare but are now increasing.
When people do get CPE, it has often been picked up when the person has had medical care overseas. CPE is found in patients in hospitals and clinics around the world, but particularly in Greece, India and South-East Asia.
CPE are becoming a major concern in Australia as they are increasingly found in travellers returning from overseas where CPE are more common.
What is CPE colonisation?
In most people that have CPE they are carried harmlessly in the bowel without causing symptoms or other effects; this is called colonisation.
People who are colonised with CPE are at risk of getting an illness caused by CPE such as pneumonia, urinary tract and bloodstream infections. This may occur if they have an operation (especially on the prostate) or need treatment involving ventilators (breathing machines), catheters or intravenous drips.
People who have taken some antibiotics for long periods of time are also at risk of becoming colonised or infected with CPE. steatocystomas.
Where can I find out more information on CPE?
For information on CPE from the Victorian Department of Health, please visit:
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) - Better Health Channel
Victorian CPE Cohort Study (CPECS)
What is CPECS?
There is currently very little known about what happens to people who are colonised with CPE. The Victorian CPE Cohort Study (CPECS) is a research study looking at people who are colonised with CPE and the people they live with.
The aim of this study is to find out the length of time people with CPE will carry the bacteria, how often they become unwell with a CPE infection, and how often CPE is found in members of their household.
We will also try to find out why the answers to these questions may be different between people and households. This information is very important because it may help us identify those who are most at risk of getting sick from CPE and giving it to others. It may also help find ways to prevent these things from occurring.
How can I join this study?
People eligible to participate in this study will be contacted by researchers in the study, their doctor or other healthcare provider.
Why have I been asked to join this study?
You have been asked to join this study because you or someone you lived with has had CPE found in a sample taken from them.
Where can I find out more information on CPECS?
For more information on CPECS please contact study investigators at mdu-studies@unimelb.edu.au or on (03) 90708140.