Diverse Mechanisms of Resistance in CRE

The two presenters describe phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) identified at a Silicon Valley health care facility and in Los Angeles County. They characterize the prevalence and distribution of carbapenemase-producing-CRE in different regions in California, and discuss the public health significance and clinical implications of diverse mechanisms of resistance among CRE. Finally, the presentations review the roles of public health and clinical laboratories in identifying carbapenemase-producing CRE.