Antibacterial prescriptions for acute gastrointestinal infections: Uncovering the iceberg

Abstract

65 years vs. <5 years (aOR 1.88), and rural vs. urban residence (aOR 1.53). Despite the fact that antibacterials were prescribed to a minority of consulted AGI patients, their consumption in society was not negligible due to the high prevalence of AGI symptoms. Prescription of antibacterial drugs should be restricted to cases with specific indications, preferably following microbiological investigation of AGI aetiology. To achieve this, clear national recommendations should be widely disseminated to physicians, and included in medical training curricula. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012.