Association Between Minimum Temperature and Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections in South Korea, 2018–2021: A Retrospective Time-Series Analysis

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections pose a major public health threat with limited treatment options and high mortality. Using national surveillance data from South Korea (2018–2021), we conducted a time-series analysis to assess associations between monthly CRE incidence, minimum temperature, and meropenem usage. A 10°C rise in minimum temperature was associated with a 9.4% increase in CRE incidence (95% Confidence Interval: 5.0–13.9%). Findings suggest temperature as an environmental driver of antimicrobial resistance, supporting integration of climate data into surveillance.