Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms (CPO) and Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms (CRO)

DEFINITION:

CRO infections are caused by bacteria resistant to broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotics (ertapenem, meropenem, imipenem) for any biological reason, making treatment difficult. CPOs are a subset of CROs that achieve resistance by producing a carbapenemase enzyme that directly neutralizes antibiotics. CPOs are highly concerning because:

  • Their resistance genes (such as KPC, NDM, OXA-like, VIM and IMP) reside on mobile plasmids, allowing bacteria to share drug resistance.
  • They resist almost all other antibiotic classes, including last-resort options, severely limiting available treatment choices.
  • CPO infections are linked to high mortality rates and prolonged hospitalizations.

 

COMMUNITY:

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS:

 

 

​​LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

Case Management

DATA AND SURVEILLANCE:

​Surveillance Reports​