Antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections rise in England

Data from the UK Health Security Agency show that more than 400 people a week in England developed bloodstream infections resistant to antibiotics in 2025. The total reached 21,129 cases, up 16.8% from 18,086 in 2019. Over the same period, NHS antibiotic use fell 10.7%, from 17.8 to 15.9 defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day. Adults over 45 accounted for 89.3% of infections. Shona Arora, interim chief medical adviser at the agency, said cutting antibiotic use alone is not enough and called for stronger infection prevention and new treatments.