Demand for prophylaxis after bioterrorism-related anthrax cases, 2001.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• The 2001 anthrax attacks prompted public concern regarding prophylaxis.
• Limited data existed on the actual demand for anthrax-related antimicrobial agents in unaffected regions.
• Assessing prescribing patterns is crucial for understanding public health responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the extent of requests for and dispensing of anthrax-related antimicrobial agents by primary care clinicians in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• To analyze outpatient fluoroquinolone use during the anthrax scare period.
• To determine the impact of anthrax concerns on antimicrobial prescribing.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 400 primary care clinicians in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• 239 clinicians (60% response rate) completed the survey, with 210 in outpatient practice.
• Regression models analyzed outpatient fluoroquinolone use in October-November 2001.

Main Results:

• 28% of outpatient clinicians received requests for anthrax-related antimicrobial agents.
• Only 4% of outpatient clinicians dispensed these agents.
• Fluoroquinolone use did not significantly increase; anthrax concerns accounted for an estimated 0.3% of prescriptions.

Conclusions:

• Primary care physicians in Minnesota and Wisconsin largely managed anthrax-related requests without dispensing antimicrobial agents.
• The impact of public demand for anthrax prophylaxis on prescribing practices was minimal in these regions.
• Physician management strategies focused on addressing concerns rather than widespread dispensing of antimicrobials.