A new
study published by the UK Health Security Agency
(UKHSA) shows that some bacteria have already become
resistant to one of the newest antibiotics introduced to the NHS.
Thankfully the levels of resistance are still low, but the data
is an important reminder to ensure that antibiotics are used
appropriately to slow down the development of resistance.
Ceftazidime/avibactam is an antibiotic used in the NHS since
2017.
Ceftazidime/avibactam is used to treat some of the most serious
infections in hospitals, such as bloodstream infections,
typically in individuals who are infected with known multi-drug
resistant bacteria or after other antibiotics have failed. The
study, which analysed data from 2016 to 2020, found that 6.3% of
bacteria tested in routine surveillance showed resistance to the
drug. Percentage resistance per bacterial species varied over
time, stabilising as routine surveillance testing was
established.
The antibiotic was used by 69.5% of NHS Trusts during the study
period.
As a ‘Reserve' classified
antibiotic, it should be prescribed only in exceptional
circumstances based on how difficult the infection is to treat.
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but use of antibiotics,
whether appropriate or not, accelerates this process.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are less likely to respond to
treatment, causing serious complications, including bloodstream
infections, sepsis and hospitalisation. This is why it is
important to take antibiotics only where necessary and when they
are prescribed. UKHSA has recently launched a new digital
campaign to help keep antibiotics working and tackle the threat
of antibiotic resistance.
Dr Colin Brown, UKHSA Deputy Director responsible for AMR, said:
This study reminds us how important resistance surveillance is.
Research like this means clinicians and prescribers can access
the most relevant information available to prescribe the best
antibiotics for their patients, while protecting the long-term
effectiveness of antibiotics for future use.
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.
While Ceftazidime/avibactam is only prescribed in specific
situations in hospitals, UKHSA's new campaign to help keep
antibiotics working highlights that everyone has a role in
reducing antibiotic resistance.
Over the course of the 6-week long campaign, ‘Andi Biotic' will
embark on a mission to answer people's uncertainties about when
and how to take antibiotics to help preserve their effectiveness
today and for future generations. ‘Andi' will come to the rescue
in a variety of scenarios to make sure people are taking
antibiotics in the right way, including:
- not taking antibiotics for colds and flu, which they don't
work for
- only taking antibiotics when you have been prescribed them
and taking them as directed by a healthcare professional
- not saving antibiotics for future use
