A retrospective study of influenza rapid antigen test positivity with drug prescribing and clinical symptoms

Aim:Influenza like illnesses (ILI) are the most prevalent reason for unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. Our aim was to evaluate the rapid antigen test(RAT)positivity with drug prescribing and clinical symptoms for ILI which is also a first report for Turkey. Material and Methods:From September 2015 to June 2017, 1200 patients with ILI were included in this study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from all enrolled patients. Antigen test was used for rapid detection of Influenza A/B virus, and the results were compared with clinical manifestations and drug prescriptions. Results:RAT results were positive in 414 (34.5%) of 1200 patients. Fever (984 patients/82%), cough (727 patients/60.6%) and weakness (270 patients/22.5%) were common complaints. 371 (89.6%) out of 414 RAT positive patients had fever (p<0.01). 174 (42%) out of 414 RAT positive patients were medicated with antivirals (p<0.01). In addition, 516 (65.6%) out of 786 RAT negative patients were medicated with only antibacterial (p<0.01). Conclusion:Our results supported a positive RAT test has an improving effect on the unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. However, in Turkey the prevalence of antibiotic prescription rates are still very high. Therefore we suggest that, RAT can be used effectively to reduce antibiotic usage when a quick decision is necessary