CPE Biology and Damp-Hospital Ecology

Explain how the major carbapenemase families differ in mechanism, genetic context, and epidemiological significance.

Identify the roles of insertion sequences, transposons, integrons, and plasmids in carbapenemase-gene mobilisation.

Explain why sinks, drains, toilets, and showers can select for and sustain CPE populations and resistance plasmids.

Distinguish clonal strain transmission from horizontal transfer of a resistance plasmid.

Formulate testable genomic hypotheses linking damp-environment reservoirs, colonisation, and patient infection.