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.
