What is CPE/CPO? Screening for CPE/CPO Why do we need to ...

1 What is CPE/CPO ? Screening for CPE/CPO Why do we need to know if you are carrying CPE/CPO stands for carbapenemase Screening is carried out to identify producing enterobacteriaceae / those patients who have an infection CPE/CPO ? carbapenemase producing Organism. due to CPE/CPO or who may be This group of bacteria (germs), carriers of CPE/CPO (colonised). If it is known that a patient is infected E. coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter, or colonised with CPE/CPO , the most which are very resistant to antibiotics Screening will be required if: effective antibiotics can be chosen (including antibiotics called early to treat any signs of an infection.)

2 You are a known CPE/CPO carrier Carbapenems). These bacteria normally or have a history of CPE/CPO from a Robust infection prevention and live harmlessly in the bowel, however if previous hospital admission. control precautions will be put in place they enter into other areas such as the immediately to minimise the risk of bladder or bloodstream, they can cause You have been in an Intensive Care Unit spread of CPE/CPO to other patients. infection. in the previous 12 months or have been an inpatient in the Republic of Ireland Infection caused by a CPE/CPO can or certain countries abroad in the past be difficult to treat as these bacteria can How do you sample for 12 months Greece, India, Israel, produce enzymes ( carbapenemase ) Italy, Japan, North Africa, Malta, Middle CPE/CPO ?

3 Which destroy most available antibiotics. East, Pakistan, South East Asia, South/. Carbapenem antibiotics are a powerful Central America, Turkey, Taiwan, USA A rectal swab stained with faeces or group of antibiotics that can only and UK (Manchester & London). a sample of faeces, obtained within be given in hospital directly into the the first 24hours following admission bloodstream. You have been identified as a contact' to hospital, will be taken with your of a known CPE/CPO patient you consent. were a patient in a ward at the same time as a patient with CPE/CPO . If you have any IV lines, a urinary catheter or any wounds, a swab of these should also be taken.

4 Three screens will be required during your hospital stay (staff will advise you of when these need to be taken). Screening if you are a What if I am discharged contact' of a known CPE/ home before the results CPE/CPO . CPO patient come back? carbapenemase If you have been identified as a contact'. of a known CPE/CPO patient during You can go home as soon as the Doctor says you are ready. You will producing a hospital stay, you will be informed by not have to stay in hospital to wait for enterobacteriaceae /. a member of staff and Screening will your results and, if your samples are be required.

5 This will involve taking a positive, you will be contacted when carbapenemase CPE/CPO screen weekly for 4 weeks the results are available. while you remain in hospital or another If you are living in a Nursing or producing Organism healthcare facility. Residential Home you may be required to complete 4 weeks of Screening . Staff in the Care Home How long does it take for will let you know if this is required. CPE/CPO results to come Washing your hands at certain times Screening back from the laboratory? after using the toilet and before preparing meals or eating, is the most Information leaflet If your sample(s) is/are negative the important thing that you can do to result should be available within prevent the spread of any bacteria 3 working days.

6 Including CPE/CPO . If CPE/CPO is suspected, the For further information please contact a sample will have to the sent to a member of the Ward/Care Home staff. specialist laboratory for further testing to confirm if CPE/CPO is present. If the result is negative, and you are staying in hospital for some time, further samples may be taken. If the result is positive you will be given further information and isolated in a single room during your stay. Produced by the Public Health Agency, 12 22 Linenhall Street, 09/15. Belfast BT2 8BS. Tel: 0300 555 0114 (local rate).