New surveillance report shows rising antibiotic resistance in the East Midlands

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its surveillance report, The English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR).

The release of this report coincides with this year’s World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW), which runs from 18th-24th November 2022.

The report warns of rising antibiotic-resistant infections since 2020, along with high levels of resistance to first line antibiotics. In the East Midlands there were 1,562 estimated resistant bloodstream infections, at a rate of 32.1 per 100,000 population.

Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobials – including antibiotics such as penicillin, allows the target bacteria to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

Examples of inappropriate use include taking antibiotics for colds, sore throats, coughs and so on that are viral in origin, so cannot be treated by antibiotics. Drug resistant microbes are difficult to 
treat, and they may be impossible to treat in vulnerable people or people with weak immune systems. 

In the absence of effective antibiotics, cancer treatments and common surgeries like caesareans would become very high-risk procedures and for many people, could lead to infections that cannot be treated and may become fatal.  This is why it is vitally important to take antibiotics only when they are prescribed and necessary for the condition. 

The latest data published by the UKHSA reveals that the estimated total number of serious antibiotic resistant infections in England rose by 2.2% in 2021 compared to 2020 (53,985 compared to 52,842). This is the equivalent of 148 severe antibiotic resistant infections a day in 2021.

The report also identified geographical variation in the levels of antibiotics prescribed across England. In the East Midlands, total antibiotic consumption decreased by 10.7% from 2019-2021 inclusive. 

However, the figures are thought to be affected by COVID-19 restrictions that were in place at the time, which has led to overall reductions in the number of infections during this period. This may mean increasing antibiotic resistance if people move away from the good hand and respiratory hygiene behaviours adopted during the pandemic.

Dr Vanessa MacGregor, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East Midlands, said: “This new data shows that now, more than ever, we need to continue to work together to prevent serious infections whilst reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.

“We recommend that healthcare professionals explain to patients that antibiotics do not prevent or treat viral infections, including COVID-19, and can actually cause side-effects, including nausea and diarrhoea. They can also increase the risk of spreading infections that are caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

“As we head into this winter, with increasing amounts of respiratory infections in circulation, it’s important to remember that antibiotics are not needed for many cold-like symptoms. Our message is simple - stay at home if you feel unwell.

“Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them only puts you and your loved ones at more risk in the future so please listen to your GP, nurse, dentist or pharmacist’s advice.”