National surveillance data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 averaged nearly 400 newly reported cases per week.
Alarmingly, the estimated number of deaths in people with an antibiotic-resistant infection also increased from 2,041 deaths in 2023 to 2,379 deaths in 2024, an increase of 338 deaths in one year.
These deaths result from a form of bacteraemia caused by antibiotic resistance, a life-threatening infection in which bacteria circulate in the blood, and have increased by 9.3% since 2023, rising from 18,740 cases in 2023 to 20,484 cases in 2024.
The English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report shows that most antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past six years (65%) were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections.
The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections
The report provides vital insights into the scale of the problem as the UK urgently tackles antibiotic resistance through the challenging goals and targets outlined in the UK National Action Plan 2024-2029.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment, which can cause serious complications, including bacteraemia, sepsis, and hospitalisation.
People who get a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days compared to those who have an antibiotic-susceptible infection.
Who is most at risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant infections?
While anyone can acquire an antibiotic-resistant infection, adults over the age of 45 continue to be the most at risk, accounting for 90% of cases.
Nearly half (46.2%) were detected in people over 74. Research suggests that risk increases with age because individuals are more likely to develop multiple medical conditions as they age and have greater exposure to medical interventions.
Moreover, data for 2024 highlights a widening gap between people living in the most and least deprived areas of society when it comes to chances of acquiring an antibiotic-resistant infection.
People living in the most deprived communities had a 47.2% higher rate of resistant bacteraemia compared to those in the least deprived areas. The difference in rate between the most and least deprived populations has widened from a 29% difference in 2019 to a 47% difference in 2024.
Are healthcare professionals prescribing too many antibiotics?
For the first time, the ESPAUR report includes data on antibiotic prescriptions from the new Pharmacy First service, alongside other primary care services including general practice and dentistry.
The majority of antibiotics prescribed in 2024 were in primary care (79.6%), with Pharmacy First accounting for 4%. Antibiotic prescribing in general practice and dentistry remains below 2019 levels.
Within the NHS, overall antibiotic use in 2024 was 2% lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline, suggesting a return to more stable prescribing patterns.
However, among certain groups, prescribing rates in 2024 remain above pre-pandemic levels, for example, in children and young people.
A decrease in antibiotic use could help tackle the issue
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but there are ways to tackle it, including limiting antibiotic use to where it’s most needed.
Between 2019 and 2024, NHS primary care antibiotic use decreased (from 14.21 to 13.96 DID), while private dispensing in community pharmacies more than doubled (1.95 to 3.93 DID).
Overall, primary care antibiotic use (NHS and private non-NHS) increased by 10.7% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting a significant rise in private prescriptions, with 22% of antibiotics dispensed through the private sector in 2024.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, explained: “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.”
Working together to solve this global health crisis
In light of these alarming statistics, the UKHSA will continue to work with partners to understand the reasons behind these differences and design interventions to address them.
“We will continue working closely with UKHSA, the NHS and international partners to tackle this growing threat,” stated Health Minister Zubir Ahmed.
“Everyone has a role to play – by using antibiotics responsibly, taking up vaccinations, and following the advice of clinicians, we can all help preserve these vital medicines for future generations.”
