Antibiotic resistant infections continue to rise

Antibiotic resistant infections have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with an estimated 66,730 serious infections compared to 62,314 in 2019. The majority of these infections (65%) were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. These bacteria are less likely to respond to treatment, causing serious complications and increased mortality rates. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with partners to understand the reasons for these differences and design interventions to tackle the problem. Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, emphasizes the importance of vaccinations, taking antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional, and not saving or sharing antibiotics. Antibiotic use rose by 2.4% in 2023, with penicillins being the most frequently prescribed antibiotic group in primary and secondary care.