The UK Health Security Agency has found that 6.3% of bacteria tested in routine surveillance showed resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam. 

Some bacteria have already become resistant to one of the newest antibiotics introduced to the NHS. Although the levels of resistance are still low, the government has warned about the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Ceftazidime/avibactam has been used to treat some of the most serious infections in hospitals since 2017. It is used for bloodstream infections, typically in individuals who are infected with known multi-drug resistant bacteria or after other antibiotics have failed. 

A study from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 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.

“This study reminds us how important resistance surveillance is. Research like this means clinicians and prescribers can access the most relevant information available to prescribe the best antibiotics for their patients while protecting the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics for future use,” said Colin Brown, UKHSA deputy director responsible for antimicrobial resistance. 

Classified antibiotic

The antibiotic was used by 69.5% of NHS Trusts during the study period. As what is called a reserve classified antibiotic, it should be prescribed only in exceptional circumstances based on how difficult the infection is to treat. Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but the use of antibiotics, whether appropriate or not, accelerates this process.

Although ceftazidime/avibactam is only prescribed in specific situations in hospitals, UKHSA has launched a new campaign to help keep antibiotics working.

Over the course of the next six weeks, a character called Andi Biotic will embark on a mission to answer people’s uncertainties about when and how to take antibiotics to help preserve their effectiveness. He will come to the rescue in a variety of scenarios to make sure people are taking antibiotics in the right way. 

“We aren’t going to be able to tackle antibiotic resistance solely by finding new drugs. While we continue to support innovation in developing new treatments, resistance will emerge and so it’s important that we all work together to keep antibiotics working,” said Brown.