Antibiotic treatments fail 15% of the time

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Cardiff University found that nearly one in seven antibiotic treatments given out by GPs have failed.

17:12 26 September 2014

Researchers said that the growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics is very worrying.

 

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Cardiff University found that nearly one in seven antibiotic treatments given out by GPs for common infections over the last two decades in the UK have failed. Assessing nearly 11million prescriptions given out between 1991 and 2012, researchers conclude that the drug have failed nearly 15per cent of the time.

 

Report author Prof Craig Currie said that the findings are “worrying.”

 

"Given the lack of new antibiotics being developed, the growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics is very worrying indeed.

"There is a mistaken perception that antibiotic resistance is only a danger for hospital patients.

"We need to ensure that patients receive the appropriate medication of their condition and minimise any unnecessary or inappropriate treatment which could be fuelling resistance, prolonging illness and in some cases killing people."

The study, which was funded by drugs firm Abbott Healthcare Products and which was published in the British Medical Journal, looked at patients who were given antibiotics ranging from skin and ear infections. The team identified patients who needed an alternative treatment within 30 days of the prescription being issued or if the patient was admitted to hospital.