A new analysis from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London and Oxford Population Health reveals that interventions aimed at reducing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections could play a significant role in decreasing antibiotic prescriptions and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study highlights the potential of the recently launched national RSV vaccination program to impact antibiotic usage.
Impact of RSV Infections on Antibiotic Prescriptions
The research team's examination of data from general practice antibiotic prescriptions alongside laboratory-confirmed respiratory infections from 2015 to 2018, discovered that approximately 2.1% of antibiotic prescriptions issued by English GPs were attributable to RSV infections. A disproportionate number of these prescriptions were for individuals aged over 75 years, indicating a higher susceptibility and severity of RSV infections in this age group.
RSV Vaccination Program as a Solution
In September, the UK launched a national RSV vaccination program that includes a vaccine for pregnant women beyond 28 weeks of gestation to protect their babies, a routine program for those aged over 75 years, and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79 years. This initiative is expected to reduce RSV infections, subsequently lowering the demand for antibiotics.
Lucy Miller, co-author of the study and Modeller at UKHSA, emphasized the dual benefit of the RSV vaccine program, stating, “To tackle antibiotic resistance we need to ensure antibiotics are being used only when necessary. But we also need to drive down infections, to reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place. This study highlights that the introduction of the new RSV vaccine programme could not only help reduce the risk of infections in vulnerable individuals, but also contribute towards a reduction in antibiotic prescribing and antibiotic resistance in the population overall.”
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance
The UK government has also launched a five-year national action plan to combat AMR, which was responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019. The plan focuses on reducing the use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals, to slow down the natural process of AMR acceleration caused by inappropriate and excessive antimicrobial use. The reduction in antibiotic prescriptions resulting from the RSV vaccination program will contribute to achieving the goals outlined in the national action plan.
