Antibiotic Research UK, one of the first charities tackling drug resistant infections, focuses on research, education and patient support. ITN Business spoke with its Head of Research Julia Hubbard.

With at least 7,600 UK deaths annually from antibiotic resistance, the charity aims to better understand and manage resistance, reducing its impact on patients and healthcare.

The organisation have a range of activities that support patients. They provide information on their website and produce information leaflets, but they also have a phone line where people can contact them to get specific advice.

In her interview, Julia shares an example of how their support comes into play.

“In the pandemic, a lady called Sharon got in touch with us. She had developed a urinary tract infection and unfortunately that developed into an episode of sepsis. As she was admitted to hospital they kept trying different antibiotics, but unfortunately the infection she had was resistant to those. She ended up being told that she had an ESBL E coli infection which was multidrug resistant and because of that, they were having to try last line antibiotics.

“She had to move to an isolation ward for three weeks. Fortunately, Shannon survived. But when she came home, she was very confused. She really hadn’t understood what was happening. So, she contacted us and we were able to explain it to her about what the ESBL infection was, and why she had to isolate. Most importantly for Shannon at this point was, was she still infectious to her three children?

“So, we provide this listening ear and support, to try and guide patients and support them as they go through these problems.”