Rise In Antibiotic-Resistant Infections Since Pandemic

People over 64 had the highest rate of bloodstream infections caused by resistant pathogens, followed by babies under one Getty)

- STORM NEWTON

The number of people dying of infections resistant to antibiotics increased last year, with experts warning of “concerning rises” in drugs that are used to tackle the likes of sepsis not working.

The chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Dame Jenny Harries, urged people in England to “treat antibiotics with respect” to ensure they are effective in the future.

According to the UKHSA, 58,224 people in England had an antibiotic-resistant infection in 2022, up 4 percent on 2021. Some 2,202 people died as a result, up from 2,110 in the previous 12 months.

Data released by the organization showed the use of antibiotics in England declined from 2014 to 2020, with a steep drop in 2020. However, this trend has reversed, with an 8.4 percent hike in prescriptions last year.

Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at UKHSA, told a briefing that while the burden of antibiotic-resistant infections has gone down since 2018, the decline was driven by the Covid pandemic and the changes it sparked in people seeking healthcare and spreading infection.

He added: “Unfortunately, we have once again seen a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections in 2022 compared to what we’ve seen previously.