UK health chiefs warn of ‘one of greatest risks to health’ after infections rise

Health officials have issued a stark warning that people across the UK are confronting "one of the greatest health risks" as antibiotic-resistant infections hit nearly 400 cases weekly. Fresh data, published on Monday, reveals not only a surge in cases, but also an increase in fatalities linked to these infections.

Specialists identified E.coli - a widespread urinary tract infection - as the primary culprit behind the infections over the past six years. They emphasised that addressing the crisis may require a fundamental shift in antibiotic prescribing practices.

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Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said: "Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face. More people than ever are acquiring infections that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics. This puts them at greater risk of serious illness and even death, with our poorest communities hit the hardest.

"We are united with partners globally in finding new ways to tackle this complex problem. This includes using antibiotics in a way that doesn't contribute to the spread of resistance, researching new types of treatments and preventing infections from occurring in the first place.

"It's positive that we've seen antibiotic use fall in England within the NHS but we need to go further, faster. Please remember to only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family.

"If you have leftover antibiotics, please bring them to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal. It's also important to take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place."

Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal that the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 amounts to an average of nearly 400 newly recorded cases every week, reports the Mirror. Instances of bacteraemia caused by antibiotic resistance — a potentially fatal condition in which bacteria enter the bloodstream — have risen by 9.3% since 2023, climbing from 18,740 cases in 2023 to 20,484 cases in 2024.

The estimated death toll among those with a resistant infection also rose from 2,041 in 2023 to 2,379 in 2024, representing an increase of 338 fatalities in a single year. The English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report highlights that two in three antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past six years (65%) were attributable to E.coli, a well-known cause of urinary tract infections.

The UKHSA stated that the report provides "vital insights into the scale of the problem we face as the UK urgently tackles antibiotic resistance". Britain is currently two years into a UK National Action Plan, spanning 2024 to 2029, aimed at addressing the growing crisis.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment, leading to severe complications, including bacteraemia, sepsis, and hospitalisation. Those who contract a bacterial infection resistant to one or more antibiotics face a greater risk of dying within 30 days compared with patients who have an antibiotic-susceptible infection.

The UKHSA stated: "Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but there are ways that it can be tackled, including by limiting antibiotic use to where it's most needed."

Data reveals that between 2019 and 2024, NHS primary care antibiotic use fell (from 14.21 to 13.96 DID).

Yet private dispensing in community pharmacies, where growing numbers of patients are being directed for treatment, almost doubled (0.37 to 0.66 DID). Overall, primary care antibiotic use climbed by 0.27% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the surge in private prescriptions.

By 2024, 4.5% of primary care antibiotics were dispensed through the private sector.

Adults aged over 45 were most vulnerable, accounting for 90% of cases. Nearly half (46.2%) were identified in those over 74.

Research indicates that risk grows with age, as people are more prone to developing multiple medical conditions as they get older and face greater exposure to medical interventions. Health Minister Zubir Ahmed said: "Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to public health, both in the UK and globally. These figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge we face and underline why tackling AMR is a key priority for this government."

Professor Matt Inada-Kim, National Clinical Director for Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance and Deterioration at NHS England, said: "Resistance to antibiotics is a growing problem and tackling it means looking at the full picture – from infection prevention and awareness about the proper use of antibiotics to same-day care, as well as rapid testing to help doctors give antibiotics only to those who really need them.

"We're also working with NICE to support the development of new antibiotics through a world-first, fair, innovative funding model to make sure we have what we need to tackle the rising threat of drug-resistant infections now and in the future."

Dr Nicola Rose, Interim Executive Director of Science and Research at the MHRA, said: "These figures underline the growing impact of antibiotic-resistant infections, and why action across science, regulation and healthcare is vital. At the MHRA, we are working closely with partners across the health system to support efforts to slow the spread of resistance and help bring new treatments to patients more quickly.

"This includes supporting the development of safe, new antibiotics, vaccines and diagnostics. Further, we are enabling promising areas of research and development – such as microbiome therapies and bacteriophage treatments – to progress safely, supported by clear guidance and our biological reference materials.

"With resistance increasing and patterns of antibiotic use changing, it's more important than ever to strengthen how we detect and track emerging threats. Together with the UKHSA, we are using real world data from hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and the environment to spot new risks early and act on them quickly.

"We are also collaborating with regulators worldwide to support safe and timely access to new treatments. Tackling antibiotic resistance will take sustained effort, but by combining vigilance with innovation and working closely with partners globally, we can help keep these life-saving medicines effective for everyone who needs them."

Figures from 2024 reveal a growing disparity between those residing in the most and least deprived parts of society in terms of the likelihood of contracting an antibiotic-resistant infection. Those living in the most disadvantaged communities faced a 47.2% higher rate of resistant bacteraemia compared with their counterparts in the least deprived areas.

The gap in rates between the most and least deprived communities has grown from a 29% disparity in 2019 to a 47% disparity in 2024. The UKHSA stated it was pressing ahead with efforts alongside partners to establish the causes behind these discrepancies and develop targeted measures to address them.