The use of antibiotics causes resistance. Researchers have analyzed the consequences of less use of these treatments.
Antibiotics are not automatic ! And for good reason, the widespread use of these drugs causes resistance among bacteria. Species that previously responded to treatment are evolving, getting stronger, and some are now resistant to all known antibiotics. In this context, the recommendations go towards caution and prescription with parsimony. But is it really safe for patients?
A study appeared in the British Medical Journal analyzed the consequences for safety of a reduction in the prescription of antibiotics. They followed 610 UK GPs and their four million patients for ten years and looked at the development of complications in respiratory infections.
No additional complications
Result: serious complications (meningitis, cerebral abscess, Lemierre syndrome, etc.) are not more frequent among doctors who prescribe few antibiotics. Rates of pneumonia and tonsil abscess are marginally higher. Prescribing fewer antibiotics would contribute to an additional case of tonsillar abscess every decade. A low figure which does not worry the researchers, especially since a prescription remains possible a posteriori in these cases to treat the complications.
Conversely, fewer antibiotics means fewer side effects. The most common affect one in ten patients: skin rashes, diarrhea, or vomiting. In rare cases, anaphylaxis, that is, a violent allergic shock that disrupts blood circulation. Scientists can therefore reassure doctors that they can safely prescribe fewer antibiotics.
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