Antibiotic-resistant infections fell in 2020 for first time since 2016, but UKHSA warns drop likely temporary

Antibiotic-resistant infections fell in 2020 for first time since 2016, but UKHSA warns drop likely temporary New data published ahead of World Antibiotics Awareness Week (WAAW), 18 to 24 November, shows that antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections fell in 2020 (from 65,583 in 2019, to 55,384) for the first time since 2016 but still remain at a higher level than 6 years ago. Importantly, the decline was largely driven by a reduction in recorded bloodstream infections overall, likely due to less social mixing, enhanced hand hygiene and changes to healthcare access and delivery. UK Health Security Agency

See also: 

• Research: English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) report UK Health Security Agency
• Hidden pandemic of antibiotic-resistant infections, health officials warn BBC News
• Antibiotic-resistant infections ‘set to rise after Covid pandemic’ The Independent