The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest quarterly report covering trends in four healthcare-associated infections that serve as key indicators of infection burden across health settings in England. The report carries accredited official statistics status, reflecting its role as a formal surveillance tool.
What the Report Covers
The publication monitors four distinct pathogens. Two relate to Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia — one caused by the meticillin-resistant form (MRSA) and one by the meticillin-susceptible form (MSSA). The third area of focus is Gram-negative bacteraemia, a broad category encompassing bloodstream infections caused by a range of bacterial species. The fourth is Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a gastrointestinal condition associated with antibiotic use and healthcare environments.
Why These Pathogens Are Monitored
MRSA, MSSA, Gram-negative bacteraemia, and CDI are among the most closely watched markers of healthcare-associated infection in England. Tracking them on a quarterly basis allows public health authorities to identify emerging patterns, assess the effectiveness of infection prevention measures, and inform national policy responses over time.
The UKHSA issues this report on a recurring quarterly schedule, providing a consistent longitudinal dataset. Its classification as accredited official statistics signals that the data has met the standards set by the Office for Statistics Regulation, lending it a high degree of methodological credibility.
Accredited Official Statistics
The accredited official statistics designation is awarded to outputs that comply with the Code of Practice for Statistics, which covers principles of trustworthiness, quality, and public value. This classification distinguishes the report from provisional or experimental data releases and underlines its standing as a primary reference for healthcare-associated infection surveillance in England.
The full report is available via the UKHSA's official statistics page.