A report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning of the need for increased urgency in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with data showing that some bacteria have already become resistant to one of the newest antibiotics introduced by the NHS.
The study published in PubMed Central looked at ceftazidime/avibactam which is used to treat some of the most serious infections in hospitals, such as blood stream infections. It is typically administered when people are infected with known multi-drug-resistant bacteria or after other antibiotics have failed. The antibiotic was used by 69.5% of NHS Trusts during the study period.
The study, which analysed data from 2016 to 2020, found that 6.2% of bacteria tested in routine surveillance showed resistance to the drug. UKHSA said that while the levels of resistance were 'thankfully" still low this study "reminds us how important resistance surveillance is.”
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are less likely to respond to treatment, potentially causing serious complications such as bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation.
Ceftazidime/avibactam is an antibiotic used in the NHS since 2017; as a ‘reserve’ classified antibiotic, it should be prescribed only in exceptional circumstances.
Calling for a multi-stranded approach to tackling AMR Dr Colin Brown, UKHSA Deputy Director responsible for AMR said: “We aren’t going to be able to tackle antibiotic resistance solely by finding new drugs. While we continue to support innovation in developing new treatments, resistance will emerge and so it’s important that we all work together to keep antibiotics working.”
The researchers said that the during 2020, England launched a subscription model to incentivise novel antibiotic development and to preserve selected antibiotics for use in the years to come. The UKHSA said the current research was carried out so that the model could be assessed, and to provide a baseline to further monitor levels of resistance to these antibiotics and their usage.
During 2024, the UK Government launched a national five-year action plan supporting a 20-year vision to contain and control AMR by 2040. The plan has nine ‘strategic outcomes’ organised under four themes. These themes are: reducing the need for and unintentional exposure to antimicrobials; ensuring they are used only when needed; investing in innovation; and maintaining the UK’s role as an international leader in AMR.
In 2022 the UK government invested £210 million to partner with countries across Asia and Africa to tackle AMR and reduce the threat posed to the UK.
Further reading:
• Antimicrobial resistance: How microplastics can increase the spread of AMR
• Examining food production and the spread of AMR
• EU prioritises threats to health while the WHO calls new vaccines to tackle AMR
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