Respiratory Infection Rapid Tests Show Potential to Combat AMR, New Report Details

Professionals in the healthcare industry credit the over-prescribing of antibiotics to the contribution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to new data, however, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) could help reduce the this over-prescribing and combat AMR.

Value-Dx is a innovative medicines initiative project focused on improving the use of antibiotics. The organization released data regarding RDTs and their impact on over-prescribing at a post European Congress of Clinical Microbiology conference.

In a press release, data and analytics company GlobalData detailed the results, which show that improving testing for respiratory infections has a significant impact on reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Unfortunately, not all healthcare providers have access to RDTs.

In the press release, GlobalData’s infectious disease analyst Stephanie Kurdach said, “This project is addressing an urgent need for improved antimicrobial stewardship. Antibiotic overprescription–particularly for ARTIs–is a key contributor to AMR. However, the implementation of improved RDTs could optimize the way patients are treated, thereby reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. These topics are a focal point of VALUE-Dx’s campaign.”

She continued, “The lack of RDTs and point-of-care testing (POCT) in community care settings is leading to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by healthcare providers. Often, patients are prescribed antibiotics when, in fact, they have a viral infection. This inappropriate usage of antibiotics is accelerating AMR.”