Defining the burden of antimicrobial prescribing in primary care attributable to sore throat

Project Details

Principal Investigator: Professor Jodie McVernon - Doherty Institute

The aim is to measure the relative frequency of upper respiratory tract infections and sore throat presentations and frequency of GP antibiotic prescribing for these patients.

The bacterium Group A Streptococcus (GAS) commonly causes 'sore throat', particularly among children. The infection is treatable with antibiotics. Some GPs frequently prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections, but as many are caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective. Misuse and unnecessary prescription of antibiotics has contributed to a rise in bacterial resistance. Better understanding of GP antibiotic prescribing behaviour is needed.

This project will inform strategies to improve prescribing practices. The information gained could provide an estimate of costs likely to be saved by a potential GAS vaccine and provide evidence to support its development.

Ethics approval - The University of Melbourne

Research Outcomes