Warning of increasing resistance to antibiotics in Dorset
The UK Health Security Agency says infections are rising across the South West
We're being warned the resistance to antibiotics here in Dorset and across the South West continues to rise.
Data by the UK Health Security Agency shows the majority of infections getting tougher to treat were caused by E-Coli - commonly behind urinary tract infections and fever.
Our part of the world has the lowest levels of antimicrobial resistance cases in England - at 25.9 per 100,000 during 2023.
That represents 1,491 life-threatening, resistant bacteraemias (bacterial bloodstream infections) in the region.
The figure's also increased from 22.8 infections per 100,000 the previous year.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to treatment, causing serious complications, including bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation.
People who get a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days compared to those who have an antibiotic sensitive infection.
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but managing antibiotic consumption and only using them when appropriate is essential to limiting the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and associated deaths related to these infections.
Dr Chaam Klinger, Consultant in Health Protection from UKHSA South West, said:
“Antibiotics are essential to treat serious bacterial infections, such as meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis but inappropriate use or overuse will mean they stop working against life-threatening conditions. Increasingly the first antibiotics that patients receive aren’t effective at tackling their infections. That’s not just an inconvenience – it means they are at greater risk of developing a severe infection and sepsis.
“This extends to everyone, in the absence of effective antibiotics, cancer treatments and common surgeries like caesareans would become very high-risk procedures and for many people, could lead to infections that cannot be treated and may become fatal. Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities.
“While we work with partners to innovate new approaches and life-saving treatments, there are steps everyone can take. Take up the vaccinations you are eligible for, to help stop infections in the first place. 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. This isn’t just for your own health - it’s about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:
“This report lays bare the devastating impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the UK and around the world.
“This is an urgent global threat and one we are tackling through our ambitious AMR national action plan. It is clear this emergency cannot be tackled by one nation alone - that is why we are working tirelessly with partners to implement the commitments made by global leaders on AMR at this year's United Nations General Assembly."
Patient and campaigner, Caroline Sampson, explains how an antibiotic resistant infection has impacted her life:
“For 8 and a half years, I have had a chronic urinary tract infection (UTI). No form of antibiotics has successfully treated it. It has derailed my life in every possible way.
“I can no longer enjoy simple pleasures like eating out, going to the theatre or inviting friends over. The daily symptoms are debilitating and painful.
"Trying to accomplish the smallest task takes a huge amount of effort. The impact on my mental health has been enormous and I live with daily anxiety that the infection could develop into Urosepsis.
“I just want my life back. The threat of antibiotic resistant infections to us all cannot be underestimated.”