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
