Reducing Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Treatment of Simple Group A Streptococcal Infections to Reduce Harm to the Microbiome

Abstract

BackgroundBroad-spectrum antibiotics disrupt the human microbiome resulting in a greater risk of harmful, long-term conditions that impact human health. Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections can be treated with penicillin. ObjectiveWe examined the treatment of simple GAS infections to assess the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. MethodsSmart relational database extraction queries from January 1, 2016 to July 10, 2019 (3.6 years) of patients less than 22 years old in a 4-hospital system electronic medical record (EMR). ResultsWe found 1778 non-ED outpatients and 873 ED patients with simple GAS infections who were not allergic to penicillin. A total of 75% and 44% of non-ED and ED patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, respectively (p < 0.001). Older patients were treated with penicillin alone more frequently than younger age groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionThese findings highlight opportunities for clinicians to reduce the utilization of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of simple GAS infections to reduce harm to the microbiome.