'Pandemic' warning issued as experts advise important action to prevent surge in antibiotic-resistant infections

Experts warn that bacteria resistant to antibiotics are less likely to respond to treatment, leading to severe complications including bloodstream infections and sepsis.

Patients who contract antibiotic-resistant infections face a significantly higher risk of death within 30 days compared to those with antibiotic-sensitive infections.

Chief Executive of UKHSA, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, has issued a stark warning about the growing crisis.

"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," she said.

She emphasised that the declining ability to treat infections is particularly impacting the poorest communities, stating: "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."

Former England chief medical officer Sally Davies warned "some people talk about [AMR] being a pandemic".

She added: "Is it a slow-developing one, an insidious one, or what? I dont mind the words you want to use, but its pretty awful.

The crisis has been further highlighted by a 2.4 per cent increase in antibiotic use in 2023 compared to the previous year, with prescribing levels now matching those of 2019.

E. coli has emerged as the most significant concern, causing 65 per cent of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past five years.

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The bacteria, which can cause urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, has become increasingly difficult to treat.

Dr Renee Hoenderkamp warns that most people seeking antibiotics need to trust their body's ability to fight infections naturally, noting that common colds typically take 10 to 14 days to improve.

She highlights the gut microbiome as "the most important part of your body" for maintaining health, warning that antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria that may take months or years to recover.

The GP also points to concerning side effects, stating that one in three people experience issues ranging from diarrhoea to potentially deadly skin rashes.

"Of course there's a place for antibiotics, but most of the time there's no need - so don't take a medication if you don't need it," Dr Hoenderkamp said.

In response to the growing crisis, the UKHSA is collaborating with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to develop new treatments.

Dr Nicola Rose from MHRA explained they are working on "novel therapeutics, such as microbiome interventions and phage therapy" to combat antibiotic resistance.

The partnership aims to improve detection and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes to quickly identify potential threats in hospitals and the environment.