ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of subsequent CRE infection among rectal carriers, and their association with geographic region and age. MethodsA meta-analysis of studies investigating incidence and/or risk factors of subsequent CRE infection among rectal carriers was conducted, with subgroup analyses by geographic region and age. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched (published from inception to January 31st, 2024). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023444420. ResultsOf 4459 studies identified, 24 studies with 8188 CRE rectal carriers were included. The pooled incidence of subsequent CRE infection was 20.6% (95% CI 15.9-25.8). The highest incidence was seen in America (23.6%, 95% CI 14.2-34.5), followed by Europe (20.9%, 95% CI 12.5-30.8) and Asia (19.8%, 95% CI 12.7-27.9). Children had a greater incidence (26.7%, 95% CI 21.3-32.3) than adults (19.8%, 95% CI 14.9-25.2). Fourteen factors were associated with subsequent CRE infection. In Asia, the most notable risk factor was gastritis (OR 4.95 95% CI 1.87-13.11). In Europe, admission to ICU was prominent (OR 2.76 95% CI 1.14-6.65). In America, use of a urinary foley catheter (OR 4.33 95% CI 1.06-17.70) was dominant. Admission to ICU was most notable in adult (OR 3.01 95% CI 1.80-5.02), while mechanical ventilation was shown the greatest significance in children (OR 15.61 95% CI 4.39-55.47). ConclusionsRisk of subsequent CRE infection among rectal carriers was critical. Identifying the risk factors for subsequent infection could help developing more potent prevention and control measures to reduce CRE infection.