Outpatient antibiotic use and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pneumococci in France and Germany: a sociocultural perspective.
The prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococci is sharply divided between France (43%) and Germany (7%). These differences may be explained on different levels: antibiotic-prescribing practices for respiratory tract infections; patient-demand factors and health-belief differences; social determinants, including differing child-care practices; and differences in regulatory practices. Understanding these determinants is crucial for the success of possible interventions. Finally, we emphasize the overarching importance of a sociocultural approach to preventing antibiotic resistance in the community.
Harbarth
Stephan
S
University of Geneva Hospitals, Switzerland. harbarth@post.harvard.edu
Albrich
Werner
W
Brun-Buisson
Christian
C
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005602:France; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D015995:Prevalence; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents