Health chiefs have warned that the UK faces 'one of the greatest health risks' as antibiotic-resistant infections reach nearly 400 new cases every week, with E.coli identified as the primary driver. New figures released on Monday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that cases are rising and more people are dying from these infections.
Rising Cases and Deaths
The data reveals that the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 equates to an average of nearly 400 newly reported cases per week. Cases of bacteraemia caused by antibiotic resistance—a life-threatening infection where bacteria circulate in the blood—increased by 9.3% since 2023, rising from 18,740 cases in 2023 to 20,484 cases in 2024. The estimated number of deaths in people with a resistant infection also increased from 2,041 deaths in 2023 to 2,379 deaths in 2024, an increase of 338 deaths in one year.
E.coli as the Main Cause
The UKHSA report shows that two out of three antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the last six years (65%) were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections. 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.'
Changing Antibiotic Use
Experts warned that tackling the problem may require changing how antibiotics are used. 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.'
Antibiotic Use Trends
Figures show that between 2019 and 2024, NHS primary care antibiotic use decreased (from 14.21 to 13.96 DID). However, private dispensing in community pharmacies, where many patients are being directed for treatment, nearly doubled (0.37 to 0.66 DID). Overall, primary care antibiotic use rose by 0.27% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the rise in private prescriptions. By 2024, 4.5% of primary care antibiotics were dispensed through the private sector.
At-Risk Populations
Adults over the age of 45 years were most at risk, accounting for 90% of cases. Nearly half (46.2%) were detected in people over 74. Research suggests risk increases with age because people are more likely to develop multiple medical conditions as they get older and have more exposure to medical interventions. Data for 2024 also highlights a widening gap between people living in the most and least deprived areas: those 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 29% in 2019 to 47% in 2024.
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.'
Research and Regulatory Efforts
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.' The UK is currently two years into a UK National Action Plan, running from 2024 to 2029, to tackle antibiotic resistance.
