Concept
CRE
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
C-R-E
High-yield clue
CRE means carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales; some important CRE involve carbapenemases such as KPC or NDM.
Overview
A resistance concept used to teach carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and public-health terms such as KPC or NDM carbapenemases.
Classification
- Resistance concept
- Antimicrobial-resistance vocabulary
Lab & identification clues
- Carbapenem resistance vocabulary
- KPC/NDM carbapenemase terms
- Susceptibility category concept
Associations
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- E. coli
- Healthcare-associated AMR
Commonly confused with
- ESBL
- VRE
- MRSA
Frequently asked questions
What is CRE?
A resistance concept used to teach carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and public-health terms such as KPC or NDM carbapenemases.
What is the high-yield clue for CRE?
CRE means carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales; some important CRE involve carbapenemases such as KPC or NDM.
What is CRE associated with?
CRE is associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, and Healthcare-associated AMR.
What is CRE commonly confused with?
CRE is commonly confused with ESBL, VRE, and MRSA.
Original microbiology concept summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC/WHO topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment selection, infection-control instructions, or specimen-handling guidance.