PEOPLE across the North West are being urged to use antibiotics safely as new figures reveal antibiotic-resistant infections in the Region reached an estimated 38.6 cases per 100,000 population in 2024, up from 35.8 per 100,00 in 2023.

National surveillance data published by the UK Health Security Agency today shows the North West has the 2nd-highest burden of antibiotic-resistant infections in England, behind only London. However, the Region has also achieved England's largest reduction in primary care antibiotic prescribing, demonstrating that targeted programmes are delivering results.

The English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report reveals that across England, there were an estimated 20,484 antibiotic-resistant infections last year, equivalent to nearly 400 newly reported cases per week. This represents a 9.3% increase since 2023.

The report offers vital insights into the scale of the problem we face as the UK urgently tackles antibiotic resistance through the challenging goals and targets set out in the UK National Action Plan 2024-29.

The report shows that most antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections in the last 6 years (65%) were caused by E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections.

The North West achieved the largest decrease in primary care antibiotic prescribing across England at 4.5%, with total antibiotic use in the Region falling by 2.7% between 2023 and 2024 – the 2nd-largest reduction among English Regions.

Dr Will Morton, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA North West, said:- "The increase in antibiotic-resistant infections we have seen in the North West is concerning and shows we cannot be complacent. Antibiotic resistance remains one of the greatest health threats we face. It is encouraging that antibiotic use has declined, and we are working closely with healthcare partners across the region to ensure antibiotics are only used when absolutely necessary. I urge everyone in the North West to play their part in tackling antibiotic resistance. 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. If you have leftover antibiotics, please bring them to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal. It is also important to take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place. By working together, we can reverse this upward trend."

Data for 2024 highlights that the inequality gap in antibiotic-resistant infections has almost doubled since 2019.  People living in the most deprived communities were 47.2% more likely to have an antibiotic-resistant infection compared to those in the least deprived areas in 2024, compared to 29.4% in 2019.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are harder to treat and can cause serious complications, including bacteraemia (a life-threatening infection where bacteria enter the bloodstream), sepsis, and hospitalisation. People who develop a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days compared to those who have a treatable infection.

While anyone can acquire an antibiotic-resistant infection, the risk increases sharply with age. Adults over the age of 45 continue to be most at risk, accounting for 90% of cases and nearly half (46.2%) were detected in people aged over 74.

For the first time, the ESPAUR report includes data on antibiotic prescriptions from the new Pharmacy First service. Most antibiotics prescribed in 2024 were in primary care (79.6%), within which Pharmacy First accounted for 4%. Antibiotic prescribing in general practice and dentistry remains below 2019 levels.

Within the NHS, overall antibiotic use in 2024 was 2% lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline. However, prescribing rates remain above pre-pandemic levels in certain groups, such as children and young people.

Antibiotic prescriptions made through private (non-NHS) routes have continued to increase. In 2024, 22% of antibiotic prescriptions made through primary care were from the private sector.

UKHSA North West continues to work with partners to understand the reasons for these differences and design interventions to tackle them. 

For more information, visit the report here.