5 Antimicrobial consumption in humans
Read the full chapter about antimicrobial consumption for humans here
Report Highlights 2024:
Antimicrobial consumption in humans
Antimicrobial consumption in Denmark was 16.27 DID in 2024, 7.3% lower than consumption in 2015 (17.56 DID) and almost similar to 2023 (16.47 DID). This may indicate stabilization of consumption since the COVID-19 related marked decreases in 2020 and 2021 followed by sharp increases in 2022 and 2023.
In primary health care, total antimicrobial consumption was 14.35 DID in 2024, comparable to the 14.56 DID in 2023 and 8.4% lower than in 2015 (15.66 DID). The four groups of penicillins constituted 64% of the consumption and beta-lactamase sensitive penicillins were the most used group of antimicrobials (accounting for 24% of total consumption in primary health care).
Antimicrobials prescribed for respiratory tract infections in 2024 decreased by 7% compared to 2023. In 2022 and 2023, antimicrobial consumption had been characterized by notable winter peaks compared to the pre-pandemic years of 2018-2019. These were most likely due to high rates of viral infections, in particular early and more severe RSV and influenza seasons, as well as an outbreak of Group A streptococci and a prolonged period of infections with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children.
Antimicrobials prescribed to children decreased in 2024: among the 0-4 year olds, consumption in 2024 was on average 230 treated patients per 1,000 inhabitants, a 23% decrease compared to 298 treated patients per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023. For the 5-9 year olds, 172 patients per 1,000 inhabitants were treated in 2024 compared to 197 patients per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023 (13% decrease).
Elderly inhabitants living at care homes during 2024 received 93% more antimicrobials than elderly inhabitants living in their own homes (1,813 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants at long-term care facilities compared to 937 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants in their own homes). Urinary tract infections remained the main cause of the observed difference in the treatment frequency. After decreasing antimicrobial consumption for elderly since 2016, the consumption was unchanged for the first time in 2024 compared to the previous year of 2023.
Antimicrobial consumption in hospital care measured in DID (i.e. not accounting for hospital activity) was 1.92 DID in 2024, similar to 2023 (1.91 DID). When measuring in DDD per 100 bed-days (DBD), the consumption in 2024 (146.17 DBD) was 2.6% higher than in 2023 (142.51 DBD) and 33% higher than in 2015 (110.23 DBD).
Product shortages are of increasing concern in antimicrobial supply. In 2023, nitrofurantoin was unavailable in several months due to product shortage and in parts of 2024 metronidazole was unavailable. Simultaneously, the supply through special deliveries increased to cover the need.
AWaRe classification of antimicrobials used in Denmark showed that 84% consisted of access antimicrobials (WHO’s goal is 60% access antimicrobials).