Antibiotic-resistant infections hit 400 a week in England despite falling drug use

New figures show drug-resistant bloodstream infections rose by nearly 17% since 2019, highlighting the challenge facing the UK’s efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance. More than 400 people a week developed antibiotic-resistant infections in England last year, according to surveillance data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Thursday, highlighting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance despite efforts to reduce antibiotic use. A total of 21,129 cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteraemia – a potentially life-threatening infection where bacteria are present in the bloodstream – were recorded in 2025, up 16.8% from 18,086 in 2019. The continued upward trend comes despite a reduction in antibiotic consumption across the NHS. Total antibiotic use fell by 10.7% between 2019 and 2025, from 17.8 to 15.9 defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day. "We can’t rely on reducing antibiotic use alone," Shona Arora, interim chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said in a press release, calling for greater efforts to prevent infections and develop new treatment options. “We need to continue our work with partners globally to prevent infections from occurring in the first place, alongside exploring new treatment options.” The data also reveal significant inequalities in the burden of resistant infections. People living in England's most deprived areas had a 44.2% higher rate of antibiotic-resistant bacteraemia than those in the least deprived communities. Older people were also disproportionately affected. Adults over 45 accounted for 89.3% of infections, while almost half of cases were detected in people aged over 74. The findings point to a wider challenge for policymakers: tackling antimicrobial resistance requires not only responsible prescribing but also stronger infection prevention, vaccination programmes and investment in new treatments. The UK has set out its ambitions in a National Action Plan for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029. Its objectives include limiting the spread of resistant infections and reducing the need for antibiotics in the first place. Diana Johnson, the UK's minister for public health and patient safety, urged people to take antibiotics only when advised by a healthcare professional, complete their prescribed course and avoid sharing or saving medication. “This will help reduce the spread of resistant infections and keep all of us safer,” she said.