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Antibiotics are important medicines. They help fight infections that are caused by bacteria. Antibiotic resistance (when an antibiotic is no longer effective) is now a major cause of concern and these pages will provide a useful guide to the whole subject. .
Overview of Antimicrobial Usage and Bacterial Resistance in Selected Human and Animal Pathogens in the UK: 2007 was published by Defra on 24th March 2010.
Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, are important in maintaining human and animal health but the development of antimicrobial resistance makes the treatment of diseases more difficult. This is the second report which brings together information on antimicrobial use and resistance from humans, animals and food in the UK into a single document to help inform discussion on antimicrobial resistance.
The Department is continuing to encourage more prudent use of antibiotics. Materials to support primary care prescribers and others in generating awareness of the appropriate use of antibiotics are available to download. However, as research has shown there may be some confusion amongst the public between antivirals and antibiotics. No national press advertising is planned during the current swine flu pandemic.
Get the right treatment for common illnesses such as colds and coughs without encouraging antibiotic resistance.
Information on antibiotic resistance.
Useful websites relating to antibiotic resistance.
Pages on antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance on the HPA website
ARHAI was established in April 2007 to provide practical and scientific advice to the Government on strategies to minimise the incidence of healthcare associated infections and to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections in man and animals.
