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Variability in Follow-up Strategies for Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Current evidence-based criteria to determine when a carrier of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (CPGN) can be considered free of carriage are lacking. Research from Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, has assessed follow-up strategies for CPGN carriers, highlighting the need for consensus on these strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • An online survey of 134 respondents from 21 European and six non-European countries was conducted to assess follow-up strategies for CPGN carriers.
  • For carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), more than 80% of respondents performed some kind of follow-up, whereas 66.4% and 60.4% did so for Acinetobacter baumannii (CPAB) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CPPA), respectively.
  • Passive follow-up was most frequent, with 84-92% of respondents starting active follow-up within four months after first detection.
  • Criteria for confirming loss of carriage varied, with both consecutive negative screens and the interval from last detection being the most commonly reported.
  • No criteria for loss of carriage were reported in 20-35% of cases.
  • There is a need for evidence-based strategies or consensus to decide when to stop preventive measures.

Statistics:

  • 134 respondents completed the survey.
  • 134 (100%) respondents reported performing some kind of follow-up for CPE.
  • 89 (66.4%) respondents reported performing some kind of follow-up for CPAB.
  • 80 (60.4%) respondents reported performing some kind of follow-up for CPPA.
  • 84-92% of respondents started active follow-up within four months after first detection.
  • 20-35% of respondents had no criteria for confirming loss of carriage.

Sources:

  • Variability in follow-up strategies for carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative carriers: results from an international scoping survey. Journal of Hospital Infection, 2025;165:109-117.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Erasmus University Medical Center in the Area of Life Science Reported (Variability in follow-up strategies for carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative carriers: results from an international scoping survey). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 7105.

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