[Antibiotic therapy in general practice]

Antibiotic therapy only makes sense if a bacterial infection exists. Strategies are discussed how viral infections--the most important reason of fever in general practise--can be differed from bacterial infections. Of special importance is e.g. CRP which only rises in case of a bacterial infection. Its decline shows that therapy is successful and that the antibiotic therapy can be discontinued. If the location of the infection is known (e.g. urinary tract), one can expect certain microorganisms and their sensitivity to antibiotics. With this kind of "calculated therapy" the use of "wrong" antibiotics can be minimized. The antibiotics which can be employed in general practise are discussed by terms of effectiveness, side effects, and price in relation to their indications and contraindications.