Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns for Patients with Pharyngitis in Malaysian Public Primary Care Clinics
AbdulRahman Muthanna1,2, Siti Zulaikha Zakariah1, Aneesa Abdul Rashid3
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
Background:
Over-prescription of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a continuing problem in Malaysia, leading to increased antimicrobial resistance and unnecessary cost incurred for treatment. In a patient presenting with a sore throat, it is recommended to only prescribe antibiotics to group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis confirmed by a throat culture, rapid antigen test or in patients with a Centor score of 4.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study assessed the proportion of antibiotics prescribed and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of GAS pharyngitis in the Malaysian primary care setting. Two-hundred and fifteen adult patients presenting with sore throat were recruited in three primary care clinics. Demographic data and clinical information were collected and analysed. Centor scores were calculated according to the clinical information and throat swabs were collected from all participants for GAS identification.
Results:
Only six throat swabs isolated GAS and indicated for antimicrobial treatment (2.8%). However, 48 participants (22.3%) were prescribed antibiotics out of which only four (8.3%) patients with isolated GAS, including three (6.2%) patients who clinically had a Centor score of 4 and one patient with a score of 3. Amoxicillin and erythromycin were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics (58.3% and 25% of all antibiotics, respectively).
Conclusion:
There is a high proportion of antibiotic prescriptions which were not indicated in patients with sore throat in this study. This may reflect a common practice of antibiotic overuse for sore throat in primary care settings in Malaysia. Concerted interventions to reduce the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics are urgently needed.
Insights
Antibiotic overuse for sore throat is common in Malaysia, with most prescriptions lacking indication. Urgent interventions are needed to curb this practice and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Over-prescription of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is a significant issue in Malaysia.
- This contributes to rising antimicrobial resistance and increased healthcare costs.
- Guidelines recommend antibiotics only for confirmed Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of antibiotic prescribing for sore throat in Malaysian primary care.
- To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of GAS in this setting.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 215 adult patients with sore throat across three primary care clinics.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical information, and Centor scores.
- Throat swabs were obtained for GAS identification.
Main Results:
- Only 2.8% of patients had GAS isolated, indicating a need for antibiotics.
- However, 22.3% of patients received antibiotic prescriptions.
- Amoxicillin and erythromycin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- A high proportion of antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat in this study were not indicated.
- This suggests widespread antibiotic overuse in Malaysian primary care.
- Interventions are urgently required to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
More Related Videos
09:17A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
Published on: January 2, 2017
05:23Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: March 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management