The UK Health Security Agency has published new data showing how an antibiotic-resistant superbug has surged in the past 12 months
15:54, 16 Nov 2025Updated 16:04, 16 Nov 2025
More than half of the antibiotic-resistant infections in England were caused by E.coli bacteria(Image: Getty Images)
Health bosses have expressed concern as the number of deaths from an antibiotic-resistant superbug has surged in the past 12 months. Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal that the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 equates to nearly 400 new cases reported each week.
The number of bacteraemia cases, a life-threatening infection where bacteria circulate in the blood, caused by antibiotic-resistance has risen by 9.3% since 2023, increasing from 18,740 cases in 2023 to 20,484 cases in 2024. The estimated number of fatalities in individuals with a resistant infection also rose from 2,041 deaths in 2023 to 2,379 deaths in 2024, marking an increase of 338 deaths within a year.
The English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) report indicates that most antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections over the past six years (65%) were caused by E.coli – a common cause of urinary tract infections. E.coli are bacteria found in various locations such as the intestines of humans and animals.
What are the symptoms of an E. coli infection?
Symptoms of E. coli gastroenteritis include:
- Diarrhea. This is often watery and sometimes bloody.
- Stomach pains and cramps.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low fever.
- Watery diarrhoea is usually the first symptom of an E. coli infection in your GI tract. You can also have different symptoms depending on where in your body you’re infected.
What are symptoms of E. coli in your urinary tract?
If E. coli infects parts of your urinary tract, you might have:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Pain or burning sensation when you pee.
- An urgent need to pee frequently.
- Cloudy, foul-smelling pee.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are less likely to respond to treatment, leading to serious complications such as bacteraemia, sepsis, and hospitalisation. Individuals who contract a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are at a higher risk of death within 30 days compared to those with an antibiotic-susceptible infection.
While antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, there are measures that can be taken to combat it, including limiting the use of antibiotics to where they’re most needed. From 2019 to 2024, NHS primary care antibiotic use saw a decrease (from 14.21 to 13.96 DID), while private dispensing in community pharmacies more than doubled (1.95 to 3.93 DID).
Overall, primary care antibiotic use (NHS and private non-NHS) increased by 10.7% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting a significant rise in private prescriptions, with 22% of antibiotics in 2024 dispensed through the private sector.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, warned: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face. More people than ever are acquiring infections that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics. This puts them at greater risk of serious illness and even death, with our poorest communities hit the hardest.
“We are united with partners globally in finding new ways to tackle this complex problem. This includes using antibiotics in a way that doesn’t contribute to the spread of resistance, researching new types of treatments and preventing infections from occurring in the first place.
“It’s positive that we’ve seen antibiotic use fall in England within the NHS but we need to go further, faster. Please remember to 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’s also important to take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place.”
Whilst anyone can develop a resistant infection, adults over the age of 45 years remain the most vulnerable, making up 90% of cases. Nearly half (46.2%) were identified in people over 74.
Health Minister Zubir Ahmed said: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to public health, both in the UK and globally. These figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge we face and underline why tackling AMR is a key priority for this government.
“It is deeply concerning that people in our most deprived communities are disproportionately affected by antibiotic-resistant infections. We are determined to address these inequalities as part of our 10 Year Health Plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, gets the care they need.
“We will continue working closely with UKHSA, the NHS and international partners to tackle this growing threat. Everyone has a role to play – by using antibiotics responsibly, taking up vaccinations, and following the advice of clinicians, we can all help preserve these vital medicines for future generations.”