ANTIMICROBIAL resistance to urinary tract infections (UTIs) is set to cost Australia $1.6 billion a year by 2030, research from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the OUTBREAK consortium reveals.
The report, A One Health antimicrobial resistance economic perspective, warned that Australia could face "a grim financial reality...when antibiotics stop working for UTIs".
"We calculate that antibiotic-resistant UTIs alone could cost Australia $1.6 billion per year by 2030 if nothing is done to curb their rise.
"Currently, a first-line antibiotic (the medicine usually given first) called trimethoprim doesn't work for 21% of people with a UTI based on data used in our model --- although the exact percentage differs between regions, states and people.
"Our analysis reveals that even if this level of first-line antibiotic resistance can be stabilised, UTIs will increase to $1.1 billion per year from $909 million (2020) in just under a decade.
"If nothing is done to control the rise of antibiotic resistance, it is conceivable it will reach 50% and costs could escalate to more than $1.6 billion per year.
"Such a scenario is not unlikely given that trimethoprim resistance in the United Kingdom climbed 5% in just two years to 34% in 2017.
"It is no longer a first-line antibiotic for UTIs.
"Our calculations reflect an increase in the number of people with a UTI that would see their GP and then need hospitalisation, while some will even require intensive care.
"This would increase the length of hospital stay, as well as the costs of tests and treatments some of which have to be given intravenously."
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