Bacteria battling syringes in a futuristic hospital environment, symbolizing antibiotic resistance.

ESBL and CRE: How to Protect Yourself from Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Korean study reveals the prevalence and transmission rates of ESBL-E and CRE in intensive care units, highlighting the importance of hygiene and surveillance in combating antibiotic resistance."

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise, posing a significant threat to public health. Among these, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are particularly concerning. These bacteria are resistant to many common antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.

A recent study conducted in Korea investigated the prevalence and transmission rates of ESBL-E and CRE in intensive care units (ICUs). The findings shed light on the challenges healthcare facilities face in controlling the spread of these superbugs. The study underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect vulnerable patients.

This article breaks down the study's key findings, explaining what ESBL-E and CRE are, how they spread, and, most importantly, what you can do to minimize your risk of infection. Understanding these threats is the first step in safeguarding your health and that of your loved ones.

Understanding ESBL-E and CRE: What are These Superbugs?

Bacteria battling syringes in a futuristic hospital environment, symbolizing antibiotic resistance.

ESBL-E and CRE are types of bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics. This resistance is due to enzymes they produce: ESBLs (extended-spectrum beta-lactamases) in the case of ESBL-E, and mechanisms that resist carbapenems in CRE.

Here's a simple breakdown:

ESBL-E: These bacteria produce enzymes (ESBLs) that break down many common antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. Common examples include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
CRE: These bacteria are resistant to carbapenems, which are often used as a last-resort antibiotic for serious infections. CRE infections can be particularly difficult to treat because they are often resistant to almost all available antibiotics.

The rise of ESBL-E and CRE is linked to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which creates an environment where resistant bacteria can thrive. These bacteria are often found in hospitals and other healthcare settings, where antibiotic use is high and patients are more vulnerable to infection.

Taking Control: Your Role in Combating Antibiotic Resistance

While the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is serious, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can help protect you and your community. By practicing good hygiene, using antibiotics responsibly, and advocating for better infection control measures, we can all play a role in slowing the spread of these dangerous superbugs.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are ESBL-E and CRE?

ESBL-E stands for Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. These are bacteria, like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, that produce ESBL enzymes, rendering many common antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins ineffective. CRE stands for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. These bacteria are resistant to carbapenems, which are powerful antibiotics used as a last resort. Both ESBL-E and CRE infections are difficult to treat due to their resistance to multiple drugs, posing a significant threat, especially in healthcare settings. The rise of these superbugs is a consequence of antibiotic overuse, which fosters an environment where drug-resistant bacteria can thrive.

Why are ESBL-E and CRE such a cause for concern?

ESBL-E and CRE are significant because they limit treatment options for bacterial infections. Infections caused by ESBL-E and CRE can lead to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. The spread of these resistant bacteria complicates infection control efforts and poses a serious threat to public health. Effective treatment of infections is further complicated by the limited development of new antibiotics. Containment strategies are crucial to prevent outbreaks particularly in vulnerable populations within intensive care units.

What can I do to minimize my risk of getting an infection from ESBL-E or CRE?

To protect yourself from ESBL-E and CRE, practice thorough hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings. If prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed and complete the full course, avoid misuse. Advocate for stringent infection control practices in hospitals and clinics, such as regular cleaning and screening of patients. Awareness is the first line of defense, promoting responsible antibiotic use and reducing the selective pressure that drives antibiotic resistance.

How do ESBL-E and CRE spread from person to person?

The spread of ESBL-E and CRE is often facilitated by poor hygiene practices, overuse of antibiotics, and close contact with infected individuals, particularly in healthcare environments. Bacteria can spread through contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, and direct contact with healthcare workers or patients. Infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and environmental disinfection, are vital in preventing transmission. Surveillance within healthcare facilities is crucial for early detection and containment of outbreaks.

How does antibiotic resistance develop in bacteria like ESBL-E and CRE?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria evolve and develop mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics. ESBL-E become resistant by producing ESBL enzymes that break down antibiotics. CRE develop resistance through various mechanisms that prevent antibiotics like carbapenems from working. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics accelerate this process by creating selective pressure, where only the resistant bacteria survive and multiply. This leads to a higher prevalence of resistant strains, making infections harder to treat.