OBJECTIVE  To investigate an incident of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae （CRE） infections in the nephrology department of a hospital, and to provide references for the prevention and control of hospital-associated infections.

METHODS  Epidemiological investigations and environmental hygiene monitoring were conducted on febrile patients in the nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from Jun. 19 2025, to Jul. 3, 2025. Effective control measures were implemented based on identified risk factors.

RESULTS  Eight febrile cases were reported in the ward between Jun. 19 and Jul. 3, with three cases tested positive for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae and two cases for carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter freundii in blood cultures. A total of 110 samples were collected from infusion fluids, indwelling needles, hands and environmental surfaces. Carbapenem-resistant C. freundii was detected in infusion fluids, treatment room sinks and splash guards. Comprehensive control measures, including enhanced cleaning and disinfection, were adopted based on epidemiological findings. Subsequent re-examinations showed no further detection of CRE. Over five months post-intervention, both the detection rate and incidence of CRE declined, confirming the effectiveness of the measures.

CONCLUSIONS  The cluster infection has complex causes. Extensive sampling partially traces the transmission chain, suggesting that contamination of treatment room sinks by CRE may have led to the spread via environmental surfaces and medical stuff's hands, ultimately contaminating sterile fluids.