Highly contagious superbug is resistant to antibiotics and hitting UK

A worrying rise in antibiotic-resistant infections has been reported across the UK, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) raising the alarm following a surge that exceeds pre-pandemic levels. E.coli has been identified as the most significant problem, causing 65% of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past five years. This bacteria is responsible for urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

According to the English Surveillance of Antibiotic Prescribing and Utilisation Report (ESPAUR), there were an estimated 66,730 serious antibiotic-resistant infections in 2023, compared to 62,314 in 2019. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are less likely to respond to treatment, leading to severe complications such as bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation.

Individuals who contract a bacterial infection resistant to one or more antibiotics have a higher likelihood of dying within 30 days compared to those with an antibiotic-sensitive infection. While antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, it's crucial to manage antibiotic consumption and use them only when necessary to limit the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and associated deaths from these infections.

The latest figures of 2023 have revealed a significant spike in the threat of antibiotic-resistant infections among England's poorest, who now face a 42.6% higher risk than those in affluent areas—a notable increase from 29.4% in 2019. In just this year, resistant infection rates in the most deprived communities have climbed by 9.5%, reports the Mirror.

While most cases occur within white ethnic groups (89.8%), it is the Asian or Asian British populations who experience the highest percentage of resistance at 39.4%. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working closely with partners to investigate these alarming trends and formulate tailored interventions.

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, voiced her alarm, stating: "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 efforts are being made to develop new treatments, individuals can also play a role in addressing the issue. This includes getting vaccinated to prevent infections, only taking antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and not saving or sharing them with others.

The latest data shows a 2.4% increase in antibiotic use in 2023 compared to the previous year, with prescribing levels now matching those of 2019. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were penicillins, in both primary and secondary care.

These findings will inform the goals outlined in the new UK AMR National Action Plan 2024-2029, which aims to reduce total antibiotic use in human populations by 5% from the 2019 baseline and invest in new tools and technologies to develop long-lasting solutions. "While we work with partners to innovate new approaches and life-saving treatments, there are steps everyone can take. Take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place. 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. This isn't just for your own health - it's about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations."

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, has raised the alarm on the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), declaring: "This report lays bare the devastating impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the UK and around the world. This is an urgent global threat and one we are tackling through our ambitious AMR national action plan. It is clear this emergency cannot be tackled by one nation alone - that is why we are working tirelessly with partners to implement the commitments made by global leaders on AMR at this year's United Nations General Assembly."

Patient advocate Caroline Sampson also spoke out about her harrowing ordeal with an antibiotic-resistant infection, stating: "For 8 and a half years, I have had a chronic urinary tract infection (UTI). No form of antibiotics has successfully treated it. It has derailed my life in every possible way. " She went on to describe the profound effects on her daily life: "I can no longer enjoy simple pleasures like eating out, going to the theatre or inviting friends over. The daily symptoms are debilitating and painful. Trying to accomplish the smallest task takes a huge amount of effort. The impact on my mental health has been enormous and I live with daily anxiety that the infection could develop into urosepsis."

She concluded with a stark warning: "I just want my life back. The threat of antibiotic resistant infections to us all cannot be underestimated."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are teaming up to develop cutting-edge approaches in combating antibiotic resistance. Initiatives include setting quality standards to foster the creation of new treatments, impacting the fight against antibiotic resistance both in the UK and worldwide.

Dr Nicola Rose, MHRA's Interim Executive Director for Science and Research, stated: "Our purpose is to improve patient safety. Our scientists are working with UKHSA to support interventions to tackle antibiotic resistance, including close collaboration with the emerging microbiome research community, bacteriophage innovators, novel diagnostics developers, and those developing new bacterial vaccines."

She further noted: "In the fight against antibiotic resistance it is of utmost importance to enable the development and timely access to novel therapeutics, such as microbiome interventions and phage therapy, something we have been focusing on the recent years. We are also exploring improved detection and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes through biological standardisation so we can quickly identify potential threats and resistant germs in hospitals and the environment."