Effect of antibiotic prescribing in primary care on antimicrobial resistance

Effect of antibiotic prescribing in primary care on antimicrobial resistance

Article Type: Reviews of effectiveness From: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Volume 15, Issue 4

Costelloe C., Metcalfe, C., Lovering, A., Mant, D. and Hay, A.D.,Effect of antibiotic prescribing in primary care on antimicrobial resistance in individual patients: systematic review and meta-analysis,BMJ,2010,Vol. 340,c2096

This review found that antibiotic prescription to individuals in primary care was associated with antibiotic resistance in urinary or respiratory tract bacteria up to 12 months later. Despite some limitations in the evidence base,the review was well conducted and the conclusions appear likely to be reliable.