Antibiotic-resistant infections exceed pre-pandemic levels – warns UKHSA

Penicillins were the most frequently prescribed antibiotic group in both primary and secondary care

The UK recorded an estimated 66,730 serious antibiotic-resistant infections in 2023, surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 62,314 in 2019, a new report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are less likely to respond to treatment and can cause serious complications, including bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation.

The national surveillance data published by the UKHSA showed that E. coli – a common cause of urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, accounted for 65 per cent of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections in the last five years.

The English Surveillance of Antibiotic Prescribing and Utilisation Report (ESPAUR) highlighted a stark disparity in infection rates.

People in the most deprived communities were 42.6 per cent more likely to experience an antibiotic-resistant infection in 2023 compared to those in the least deprived areas, a significant rise from 29.4 per cent in 2019.

Overall, resistant infection rates in the most deprived areas of England increased by 9.5 per cent between 2019 and 2023.

Antibiotic use rose by 2.4 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, with prescribing levels returning to those last seen in 2019. Penicillins were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in both primary and secondary care.

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, CEO of UKHSA, warned of the increasing risks posed by antibiotic resistance.

She said: “Increasingly the first antibiotics that patients receive aren’t effective at tackling their infections. That’s not just an inconvenience – it means they are at greater risk of developing a severe infection and sepsis.

“Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities.”

While UKHSA continues to collaborate on innovative ways to combat antibiotic resistance, Professor Harries urged the public to take proactive steps:

• Take up the vaccinations that you are eligible for to help stop infections.
• Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Do not save antibiotics for later or share them with friends and family.

“This isn’t just for your own health - it’s about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations,” she added.