Abstract
Pharyngitis (also known as sore throat) is a common, predominately viral, self-limiting condition which can be symptomatically managed without antibiotic treatment. Inappropriate antibiotic use for pharyngitis contributes to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. However, a small proportion of sore throats caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) infection may benefit from the provision of antibiotics. Establishing the cause of infection is therefore an important step in effective antibiotic stewardship. Point-of-care (POC) tests, where results are available within minutes, can distinguish between viral and GAS pharyngitis and can therefore guide treatment in primary healthcare settings such as community pharmacies, which are often the first point of contact with the healthcare system. In this opinion article, the evidence for the use of POC testing in the community pharmacy has been discussed. Evidence suggests that pharmacy POC testing can promote appropriate antibiotic use and reduce the need for general practitioner consultations. Challenges to implementation include cost, training and ‘who prescribes’, with country and regional differences presenting a particular issue. Despite these challenges, POC testing for pharyngitis has become widely available in pharmacies in some countries and may represent a strategy to contain antibiotic resistance and contribute to antimicrobial stewardship.
Highlights
Pharyngitis, known as sore throat, is one of the most common reasons for which patients present to their general practitioner (GP) [1]
60% of sore throat consultations result in an antibiotic prescription [11], despite the fact that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and are inappropriate for up to 90% of pharyngitis cases [5,8,12,13]
The second trial, a randomized controlled trial set to be carried out during the winter seasons of 2020–2022, will examine whether POC diagnostics in community care enhance the quality of antibiotic prescribing for CA-aRTI [87]
Summary
Pharyngitis, known as sore throat, is one of the most common reasons for which patients present to their general practitioner (GP) [1]. Test results are being used to support appropriate clinical management of patients, identify infected individuals in order to contain the disease, inform policy decisions for government strategies and monitor the circulation of the virus in the community [26]. It is not yet clear whether the current widespread use of throat swabs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will have implications for the use of POC testing in the community for other conditions, such as pharyngitis, in the future. The aim of this paper is to discuss the use of POC testing for GAS pharyngitis in the community pharmacy setting to help determine whether antibiotics may be warranted and to ensure their appropriate use
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
