It’s been almost 10 years since the world was warned of a post-antibiotic apocalypse. Katrina Megget takes a look at the initiatives trying to support antimicrobial R&D
More people with drug-resistant infections were admitted at the Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust last year, figures reveal. Researchers have warned that antimicrobial resistance could pose a greater public health risk than Covid-19 unless urgent action is taken to tackle the rise. NHS Digital data shows there were around 1,515 admission episodes with a diagnosis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust in 2019-20. That was up from 1,240 recorded during the previous year, and 310 in 2014-15 – the earliest year with available data. The figures, which are rounded to the nearest five, count the first period of care a patient has under a consultant and can include admissions for which AMR was the main reason, or a contributing factor.
More antimicrobial resistance admissions at Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust nwemail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nwemail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
More hospital admissions linked to antibiotic resistance were recorded at Royal Bolton Hospital last year, figures reveal. Researchers warn drug-resistant, or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections could pose a greater public health risk than Covid-19 unless urgent action is taken to tackle their rise. NHS data shows there were around 210 admission episodes with a diagnosis of AMR in Bolton last year - up from 200 recorded during the previous year. AMR happens when germs build up resistance to treatments – such as bacteria to antibiotics – meaning the medicines can no longer fight infections they were developed to treat. It has led to the emergence of so-called superbugs such as MRSA, which are resistant to various types of antibiotic. It can also hinder cancer treatments as patients become more vulnerable to infection.
Submitting.
The figures, which are rounded to the nearest five, count the first period of care a patient has under a consultant and can include admissions for which AMR was the main reason, or a contributing factor.
AMR happens when germs build up resistance to treatments – such as bacteria to antibiotics – meaning the medicines can no longer fight infections they were developed to treat.
It has led to the emergence of so-called superbugs such as MRSA, which are resistant to various types of antibiotic. It can also hinder cancer treatments as patients become more vulnerable to infection.
A recent World Health Organisation report warned the world was failing to develop “desperately needed” antibacterial treatments, despite the growing awareness of the urgent threat posed by AMR.