4.1
A clinical expert explained concerns about the global increase in bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics (antimicrobial resistance). Data from the UK's 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2019 to 2024 estimate that 700,000 people die every year globally because of infections caused by resistant strains of bacteria and this number will increase if no action is taken. The report notes that no new classes of antibiotics have been developed since the 1980s. Tackling antimicrobial resistance has been one of the key UK public health priorities for several years, and the use of antibiotics is gradually reducing. From 2014 to 2017, antibiotic use decreased by 7.3%, from 23.4 to 21.7 defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day. A key aim of the UK's 5‑year action plan for antimicrobial resistance is to implement diagnostic tests that can guide antimicrobial prescribing decisions. The committee noted that rapid tests for group A streptococcal infections (strep A) have been promoted for this purpose.