Health officials have expressed alarm as the number of fatalities from a drug-resistant superbug has surged over the past year. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024, with an average of nearly 400 new cases reported weekly.
Instances of bacteraemia resulting from antibiotic resistance, a severe condition where bacteria travel in the bloodstream, have risen by 9.3% since 2023, climbing from 18,740 cases in 2023 to 20,484 cases in 2024. The number of deaths among individuals with resistant infections also saw a rise, from 2,041 in 2023 to 2,379 in 2024, marking a 338-death increase in a year.
The latest English surveillance report on antimicrobial utilization and resistance (ESPAUR) reveals that the majority of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past six years (65%) were linked to E.coli – a common culprit for urinary tract infections. E.coli bacteria are commonly found in human and animal intestines, with some strains causing symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, with potentially severe outcomes like kidney damage.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a challenge in treatment efficacy, leading to severe complications such as bacteraemia, sepsis, and hospitalization. Patients with bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics are at a higher risk of death within 30 days compared to those with antibiotic-susceptible infections.
Although antibiotic resistance is a natural occurrence, efforts can be made to combat it, including judicious use of antibiotics where necessary. Between 2019 and 2024, primary care antibiotic usage in the NHS decreased, while private dispensing in community pharmacies more than doubled. Overall, primary care antibiotic use rose by 10.7% during this period, with a substantial increase in private prescriptions.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, emphasized the critical nature of the antibiotic resistance threat, highlighting the increased vulnerability of individuals to infections that defy antibiotic treatment. She stressed the importance of responsible antibiotic use, research into new treatments, and infection prevention strategies to address this complex issue.
While antibiotic-resistant infections can affect anyone, individuals over 45 years old remain at the highest risk, accounting for 90% of cases, with nearly half of cases detected in those over 74 years of age.
Health Minister Zubir Ahmed underscored the seriousness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a significant public health concern, particularly affecting disadvantaged communities. Addressing these disparities is a key focus of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals.
Collaboration with UKHSA, the NHS, and global partners is essential in tackling the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance. Responsible antibiotic use, vaccination uptake, and adherence to healthcare providers’ recommendations are vital in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.