Health officials in the UK have issued a stark warning that antibiotic-resistant infections have reached nearly 400 new cases every week, with fatalities also on the rise. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) released fresh data on Monday revealing a surge in cases and an increase in deaths linked to these infections.
Specialists identified E.coli – a common cause of urinary tract infections – 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.
Rising Cases and Deaths
Figures from the UKHSA show that the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 averages nearly 400 newly recorded cases each week. Instances of bacteraemia caused by antibiotic resistance – a potentially fatal condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream – have risen by 9.3% since 2023, 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, 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.
Expert Warnings
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.”
Professor Hopkins added: “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.”
She urged the public: “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.”
Antibiotic Use Trends
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.
Data reveals that between 2019 and 2024, NHS primary care antibiotic use fell from 14.21 to 13.96 DID (defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day). However, private dispensing in community pharmacies, where growing numbers of patients are being directed for treatment, almost doubled from 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.
Vulnerable Populations
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 and face greater exposure to medical interventions.
Figures from 2024 reveal a growing disparity between those residing in the most and least deprived parts of society. 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 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.
Government and Health Leaders Respond
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.”
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.”
