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Common but deadly bug posing 'greatest risk to health' as 400 new cases every week

Health chiefs have issued a warning on Monday saying 'we need to find new ways to tackle this problem'

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E.coli is often harmless but can be deadly(Image: Getty)

Health chiefs have warned that people in the UK are facing "one of the greatest health risks" after cases of antibiotic-resistant infections reached nearly 400 every week. New figures, released on Monday, show not only that cases are rising, but also that more people are dying as a result.

Experts said the biggest cause of the infections over the past six years was E.coli - a common urinary tract infection. And they warned that the way to cut the problem might be to change how antibiotics are used.

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.

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Millions of antibiotics are prescribed every year(Image: Getty)

"We are united with partners globally in finding new ways to tackle this complex problem. This includes using antibiotics in a way that doesnt contribute to the spread of resistance, researching new types of treatments and preventing infections from occurring in the first place.

"Its positive that weve seen antibiotic use fall in England within the NHS but we need to go further, faster. 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. Its also important to take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place."

The data, published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), shows 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, have 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. The English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) report shows that two out of three antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections in the last 6 years (65%) were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections.

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People are being urged not to share their medication or save it for later(Image: Getty)

The UKHSA said the report offers "vital insights into the scale of the problem we face as the UK urgently tackles antibiotic resistance". It is currently two years into a UK National Action Plan, running from 2024 to 2029, to tackle the issue.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment, causing 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.

The UKHSA added: "Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but there are ways that it can be tackled, including by limiting antibiotic use to where its most needed." 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.

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.

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.

"Were also working with NICE to support the development of new antibiotics through a world-first, fair, innovative funding model to make sure we have what we need to tackle the rising threat of drug-resistant infections now and in the future."

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.

"This includes supporting the development of safe, new antibiotics, vaccines and diagnostics. Further, we are enabling promising areas of research and development such as microbiome therapies and bacteriophage treatments to progress safely, supported by clear guidance and our biological reference materials.

"With resistance increasing and patterns of antibiotic use changing, its more important than ever to strengthen how we detect and track emerging threats. Together with the UKHSA, we are using real world data from hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and the environment to spot new risks early and act on them quickly.

"We are also collaborating with regulators worldwide to support safe and timely access to new treatments. Tackling antibiotic resistance will take sustained effort, but by combining vigilance with innovation and working closely with partners globally, we can help keep these life-saving medicines effective for everyone who needs them."

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. UKHSA said it was continuing to work with partners to understand the reasons for these differences and design interventions to tackle them.

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