Subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)-associated infections among hospitalized patients with CRE colonization: Impact of antibiotic use and other factors.

We demonstrated a 20% rate of subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)-associated infections among hospitalized CRE carriers. Independent factors associated with the infections were number of colonization sites, central-line insertion, and receiving vancomycin before colonization. These findings underscore the importance of antibiotic stewardship and device-related infection control measures to prevent CRE infections.