Rapid influenza testing is associated with reductions in the use of antibiotics in hospitalized adults, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the February 26, 2007, print issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The study was posted online today because of its importance to public health.

New diagnostic tests are increasing the speed at which influenza and other viral diseases are identified, according to background information in the article. "The rapid diagnosis of influenza in hospital settings is important for infection control and potential antiviral therapy," the authors write. When used in children with fevers, rapid tests for influenza viruses were shown to reduce the use of antibiotics and other diagnostic tests and shorten hospital stays. However, no similar studies have been done in adults.

Ann R. Falsey, M.D., and colleagues at Rochester General Hospital and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, reviewed the medical records of 166 patients with documented influenza hospitalized at their facility during four winters (1999 to 2003). Of these, 86 patients tested positive for influenza on rapid diagnostic testing and 80 either tested negative or did not receive the test.

Fewer patients with positive influenza test results were receiving antibiotics (86 percent or 74 out of 86 patients vs. 99 percent or 79 of 80 patients); 12 (14 percent) of 86 patients with positive results discontinued antibiotics vs. 2 (2 percent) of 80 patients without positive test results. After the researchers controlled for other variables, including underlying heart disease or other conditions, a positive rapid test result was independently associated with withholding or discontinuing antibiotic therapy.

"Although it is encouraging that antibiotic use was reduced in patients whose rapid antigen test result was positive, 61 percent (27/44) of those deem
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Contact: Michael Tedesco
585-922-3677
JAMA and Archives Journals
22-Jan-2007