Prevalence of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Gujarat, India.

Introduction: Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are major cause of community as well as healthcare associated infections and have limited treatment options. Measuring the magnitude of the problem of CRE, it is important for making strategies to lower its spread. Aim: To assess the incidence and prevalence rate of CRE in a tertiary care hospital of Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data was collected for a period from 2014 to 2018 using Laboratory Information System (LIS). Prevalence of CRE was determined as number of CRE isolated per 100 Enterobacteriaceae isolated during the study period whereas incidence rate was determined as number of CRE cases per 1000 patient-days. Consumption of Carbapenems was calculated as Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1000 patient-days. Demographic data including age, gender, location in the hospital and sample type from which CRE was isolated was also analysed using Microsoft Excel. Results: The incidence of CRE cases per 1000 patient-days in 2014 to 2018 was 1.66, 2.11, 1.90, 2.26 and 1.91, respectively with an overall incidence of 1.99 per 1000 patient-days. The overall prevalence of CRE over a period of five years was found to be 29.07%. Klebsiella sp. was the most common CRE and had the highest percentage of Carbapenem resistance among all Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusion: The rate of CRE in present study was high and worrisome. Screening of the patient for CRE, source isolation and stringent implementation of infection control practices is required to confine the spread of CRE in this institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]