According to national surveillance data published by the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 will be an average of nearly 400 new reported cases per week.
Alarmingly, the estimated number of deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections also increased from 2,041 in 2023 to 2,379 in 2024, an increase of 338 people in one year.
These deaths, caused by bacteraemia, a type of life-threatening infection in which bacteria circulate in the blood, caused by antibiotic resistance, have increased by 9.3% since 2023, rising from 18,740 in 2023 to 20,484 in 2024.
According to a report from the UK Surveillance Program on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance (ESPAUR), most (65%) of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past six years were caused by Escherichia coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections.
The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections
This report provides key insight into the scale of the problem as the UK urgently tackles antibiotic resistance through the challenging goals and targets outlined in the UK National Action Plan 2024-2029.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment and can cause serious complications such as bacteremia, sepsis, and hospitalization.
People with bacterial infections that are resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days than people with infections that are susceptible to antibiotics.
Who is most at risk for developing antibiotic-resistant infections?
Although anyone can contract an antibiotic-resistant infection, adults over the age of 45 remain the most at risk, accounting for 90% of cases.
Almost half (46.2%) were detected in people aged 74 years and older. Research suggests that risk increases with age because people are more likely to develop multiple medical conditions and receive more medical intervention as they age.
Furthermore, the 2024 data highlights the widening gap between people living in the most and least deprived parts of society when it comes to the likelihood of contracting antibiotic-resistant infections.
People living in the most disadvantaged areas had a 47.2% higher prevalence of resistant bacteremia compared to people living in the least disadvantaged areas. The gap between the proportions of the most and least advantaged populations has widened from a 29% difference in 2019 to a 47% difference in 2024.
Are medical professionals overprescribing antibiotics?
For the first time, the ESPAUR report includes data on antibiotic prescribing from the new Pharmacy First service, alongside other primary care services including general practice and dentistry.
The majority of antibiotics prescribed in 2024 were in primary care (79.6%), with Pharmacy First accounting for 4%. Antibiotic prescribing in general practice and dentistry remains below 2019 levels.
Within the NHS, overall antibiotic use in 2024 was 2% lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline, suggesting a return to more stable prescribing patterns.
However, for certain groups, such as children and young people, prescription rates in 2024 will still be above pre-pandemic levels.
Reducing antibiotic use could help solve the problem
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but there are ways to combat it, including limiting the use of antibiotics to where they are most needed.
Between 2019 and 2024, antibiotic use in NHS primary care decreased (from 14.21 to 13.96 DID), while private dispensing in community pharmacies more than doubled (from 1.95 to 3.93 DID).
Overall, antibiotic use in primary care (NHS and private non-NHS) increased by 10.7% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting a significant increase in private prescribing, with 22% of antibiotics dispensed through the private sector in 2024.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, explains: “We are coming together with partners around the world to find new ways to tackle this complex problem.
“This includes using antibiotics in ways that do not contribute to the spread of resistance, researching new types of treatments, and preventing infections from occurring in the first place.”
Working together to solve this global health crisis
In light of these alarming statistics, UKHSA will continue to work with partners to understand the reasons behind these differences and design interventions to address them.
“We will continue to work closely with UKHSA, the NHS and our international partners to address this growing threat,” said Health Minister Zubir Ahmed.
“Everyone has a role to play. By using antibiotics responsibly, getting vaccinated and following the advice of clinicians, we can all play our part in preserving these vital medicines for future generations.”
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