NHS warns 'highly contagious' superbug hitting UK is resistant to antibiotics

A concerning increase in antibiotic-resistant infections has been reported across the UK, with levels surpassing those seen before the pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm following this rise.

E. coli has been identified as the most significant issue, causing 65% of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past five years.

This bacteria can lead to 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, a rise from 62,314 in 2019.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria 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 is crucial to manage antibiotic consumption and use them only when necessary to limit the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and associated deaths, reports Surrey Live.

The most recent data for 2023 signals an alarming divergence in the possibility of acquiring an antibiotic resistant infection based on socioeconomic status. Individuals residing in more deprived areas are now 42.6% more likely to contract such infections compared with those from the least deprived sectors, a stark increase from the 2019 figure of 29.4%.

Overall, the incidence of resistant infections within England's most deprived populations has surged by 9.5% just this year.

NHS advice sheds light on common sources of E. coli infections, suggesting preventive measures.

In terms of ethnicity, the majority of antibiotic resistant infections occur within white ethnic groups (89.8%). However, a significant concern is that Asian or Asian British communities have the highest proportion of these infections (39.4%).

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, has expressed grave concern: "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."

UKHSA, alongside its partners, is delving into the reasons behind these troubling statistics to devise strategies to combat them.

"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."

The report also revealed that antibiotic use increased in 2023 by 2.4% when compared to 2022, bringing prescribing levels back in line with those observed in 2019. The rise was noted across most antibiotic groups, particularly penicillins, which were the most prescribed type in both primary and secondary care settings.

These new figures provide vital understanding as to the extent of the issue at hand, informing the aims introduced in the UK's fresh AMR National Action Plan 2024-2029 outlined earlier this year. A key target is the reduction of total antibiotic usage within human medicine by 5% based on the baseline of 2019, paired with investments into novel tools and technology to forge durable solutions.

Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, has spoken out about the "devastating impact" of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the UK and globally. He said: "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."

Meanwhile, patient and campaigner Caroline Sampson shared her personal experience with an antibiotic resistant infection. She explained: "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 added: "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."

"I just want my life back. The threat of antibiotic resistant infections to us all cannot be underestimated."

In response to the growing concern over antibiotic resistance, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is collaborating with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to pioneer innovative approaches. These include developing quality standards that will aid in the research and creation of new therapeutics and treatments aimed at combating antibiotic resistance both in the UK and globally.

Dr Nicola Rose, Interim Executive Director, Science and Research of MHRA, commented: "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 added, "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."