In 2013, what percentage of antibiotic prescriptions were for diseases that antibiotics can't treat?

In 2013, what percentage of antibiotic prescriptions were for diseases that antibiotics can't treat?

• A. 25%
• B. 15%
• C. 40%
• D. 60%

Answer: (A)

Antibiotics only work against bacteria; they don’t treat viral infections like colds, flu, or many bronchitis cases. In 2013, about 25% of antibiotic prescriptions were written for conditions that antibiotics can’t treat, highlighting a substantial amount of unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing. This reflects challenges like diagnostic uncertainty and patient expectations, underscoring the need for antibiotic stewardship to ensure these drugs are used only when a bacterial infection is likely. The other percentages would either understate or overstate the issue compared with what was observed that year.

Antibiotics only work against bacteria; they don’t treat viral infections like colds, flu, or many bronchitis cases. In 2013, about 25% of antibiotic prescriptions were written for conditions that antibiotics can’t treat, highlighting a substantial amount of unnecessary or inappropriate prescribing. This reflects challenges like diagnostic uncertainty and patient expectations, underscoring the need for antibiotic stewardship to ensure these drugs are used only when a bacterial infection is likely. The other percentages would either understate or overstate the issue compared with what was observed that year.