Surveillance of CPE in Ireland
Detection of confirmed carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) also known as carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), became notifiable in Ireland in March 2011 under the category of ”unusual cluster or changing pattern of illness”.
Upon amendment to the Infectious Diseases Regulations in September 2011, invasive CPE infection (blood, CSF or normally sterile site) became notifiable in its own category.
A voluntary CPE enhanced surveillance scheme was established in June 2011. Reporting of CPE isolates from any site, whether colonisation or infection to HPSC was encouraged.
In response to the increased incidence of CPE in Ireland and associated outbreaks during 2016, the voluntary enhanced CPE surveillance scheme was discontinued at the end of 2016.
Effective January 2017, all Irish microbiology laboratories are required to report information on CPE cases directly to HPSC on a quarterly basis.