Objective To analyze the colonization status and clinical infection characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and to identify its risk factors.

Methods From January 2021 to January 2023, 129 patients with CRE colonization admitted to our hospital were included in the colonization group, and the species identification results and departmental distribution of CRE were recorded. The sensitivity of CRE-colonized patients to commonly used antimicrobials was analyzed based on the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Additionally, 80 patients with carbapenem-sensitive Enterobacterales (CSE) infections during the same period were recruited as control group. Clinical data between the colonization group and the control group were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to screen for risk factors for CRE colonization.

Results A total of 129 CRE strains were isolated from 129 patients with CRE colonization, with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli being the most commonly seen bacteria, accounting for 47.29% and 18.60%, respectively. The 129 CRE strains were mainly distributed in the Critical Care Medicine Department, Urological Surgery Department, and Thoracic Surgery Department, with proportions of 22.48%, 16.28%, and 15.50%, respectively. The 129 common CRE strains exhibited high resistance rates to antimicrobials such as piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem, and high sensitivity to tigecycline and polymyxin. The colonization group had a higher proportion of patients with antimicrobial use for >2 weeks, tracheal intubation, indwelling catheters, corticosteroid use, and immunosuppressant use compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, hypertension, antifungal drug use, long-term bed rest, hemoglobin, or body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that antimicrobial use for >2 weeks (95%CI, 1.289 to 5.407), tracheal intubation (95%CI, 1.065 to 5.006), indwelling catheters (95%CI, 1.020 to 5.129), corticosteroid use (95%CI, 1.387 to 5.789), and immunosuppressant use (95%CI, 1.249 to 5.492) were risk factors for CRE colonization (OR>1, P < 0.05).

Conclusion Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are the most common species of CRE colonized clinically, primarily distributed in the Critical Care Medicine Department, Urological Surgery Department, and Thoracic Surgery Department. CRE colonization is associated with factors such as antimicrobial use for >2 weeks, tracheal intubation, indwelling catheters, corticosteroid use, and immunosuppressant use. Thus, enhanced protective measures for susceptible patients should be implemented clinically.