As if MRSA, C.Diff. and other superbug infections aren't killing enough people, a new nosocomial infectious agent has appeared in the United States called CRKP, Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, (also known as CRE, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae). CRKP is related to E.Coli, an enterobacterium.
CRKP is considered a major infection threat to patient safety. While the numbers of infected patients aren't as large as the numbers of patients who acquire the better known superbugs like MRSA, C.Diff, VRE and others, by early 2011 CRKP had already been identified in hospitals in 36 states. (See a map of states reporting cases of CRKP.)
CRKP is resistant to antibiotics, and patients who acquire it are at risk of death, usually within 30 days. Death rates from this newer superbug have been reported to be between 30% and 44%.
So far CRKP infections seem confined to healthcare facilities - both acute-care hospitals and long-term care facilities. It has attacked the elderly, and others who are immunocompromised. Since it is not considered a reportable infection by the CDC, the numbers of patients and deaths are very likely under-reported.
Treatment for CRKP Infections
CRKP can't easily be killed even by the specialized drugs developed to kill the already-known nosocomial infections MRSA (staph), C.Diff or VRE.
One drug, actually an older antibiotic called colistin, has been used with limited success on patients who have acquired CRKP. The problem is the toxic side effects of the drug. Since CRKP is often spread to older people, or people with immunity problems, the drug may take a toll even if it is killing the bacteria.
Prevention of CRKP Infection
The best way to prevent transfer of the CRKP bacteria is the standard prevention recommendation for any infection: hand washing and sanitizing. Patients and caregivers need to follow the best advice for preventing spread of any infection in a hospital: insist that anyone who touches the patient wash his or her hands thoroughly - as you watch. Don't let a provider tell you they washed their hands outside the room or before they came in. Insist they wash while you watch.
There are other important steps to take to prevent hospital acquired infections that include items to pack, and activities when you get to the hospital. Because infections are so rampant in hospitals, and because too few hospitals take the necessary steps to prevent them, patients must take responsibility for preventing infections themselves. Wise patients know the steps to take to prevent hospital acquired infections.
Have you or a loved one been infected with CRKP, MRSA, C.Diff, VRE or any other nosocomial infection? We invite you to share your story with others.
Learn about additional infections hospital patients must be be concerned about:
- Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Clostridium difficile (C.Diff)
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
- Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP)
- Necrotizing fasciitis, the flesh-eating bacterial disease
- Also - Central Line Infections - these are not superbugs, rather they are one mode of entry for these infectious agents.
- Sepsis and Septicemia of the blood
- Some advice about preventing hospital infections, too.
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