CRE identified as top priority for multidrug-resistant bacteria management in South Korea

A joint study by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and Professor Song Kyung-ho’s team at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital has identified Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) as the highest priority for infection management among multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Analyzing data from 49,651 inpatients across 21 hospitals, the research evaluated prevalence, severity, and economic impact. CRE showed the highest colonization prevalence at 1.79%, with a 30-day mortality rate of 16.9% and a median medical cost of 46 million KRW per infection. While Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) recorded a higher 30-day mortality rate (18.6%) and higher median costs (59 million KRW), the study prioritized CRE due to its overall clinical and socioeconomic burden.

The findings also revealed significant disparities in infection control capabilities among medical institutions. Although all 21 surveyed hospitals had infectious disease specialists, only one institution (5%) had a dedicated physician specifically for infection control. KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan stated that the agency will use these results to enhance regional medical networks and strengthen prevention-centered management to ensure patient safety.