The UK Government say that the numbers of infections complicated by antibiotic resistance will 'increase markedly' over the next 20 years.

High numbers of deaths expected if widespread outbreak occurs

Around 80,000 people could die if there was a widespread outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant blood infection, according to a government assessment.

The National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies says that if a widespread outbreak were to occur, around 200,000 people could be affected, and 80,000 of these people 'might die'.

The report also says that high numbers of deaths could ask be expected from other forms of antimicrobial resistant infection.

The National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies is an assessment of the risk of civil emergencies facing the UK over the next five years. In producing the report, the government assesses how likely an event is, and what the impact of it might be.

The UK Government say that the numbers of infections complicated by antibiotic resistance will 'increase markedly' over the next 20 years.

"Without effective antibiotics, even minor surgery and routine operations could become high-risk procedures, leading to increased duration of illness and ultimately premature mortality," the report says.

Procedures such as organ transplantation, bowel cancer and some caner treatments may also become unsafe due to the risk of infection.

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem. It occurs when bacteria adapt and become resistant to antibiotics, meaning that they no longer work. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistance rates increase.

In a recent survey carried out by the British Veterinary Association, over 90 per cent of vets said that they were concerned about the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and how it might affect their ability to treat infections in pets.

The Government say that they are leading work with international partners to secure support for concerted action at a global level.