Other findings include:
• Rapid increased use of cephalosporin and quinolone antibiotics over the last 3 years was associated with increased resistance detected in E. coli bloodstream infection (BSI).
• In 2018, more than 1.5 million microbiologically positive urine samples were reported to Public Health England; almost 60% were E. coli. Nitrofurantoin, despite increased use, was not associated with changes in the proportion of resistance detected.
• In 2018, more than 4000 bacterial isolates referred to the national reference laboratory had a carbapenemase gene detected; however, despite the increase in detections from bacteria, only 142 BSIs with carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria were identified.
• Antibiotic consumption peaked in 2014. From 2014 to 2018 it has reduced by 9% from 20.0 to 18.2 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day between 2014 and 2018; reductions occurred in general and dental practice and increased in other community and hospital settings.
The Keep Antibiotics Working campaign returns, urging people to always take their doctor's, pharmacist's or nurse’s advice on antibiotics.