Survey on antimicrobial prescribing patterns in small animal veterinary practice in Emilia Romagna, Italy

Abstract

This investigation provides for the first time a general view of the prescribing patterns of antimicrobials in small animal practice in Emilia Romagna, Italy. In the context of a project on antimicrobial resistance managed by the Regional Veterinary Service, veterinary clinicians were invited to voluntarily complete an online questionnaire. This was designed to gather information on antimicrobial prescribing practices and biosecurity measures and to understand the perception of the issue specific to this region of Italy. In total, 266 questionnaires correctly completed were collected. Although clinicians seemed to follow different approaches when using antimicrobials, the data analysis revealed a general awareness on resistance. Penicillins were the most commonly prescribed class, followed by (fluoro)quinolones and cephalosporins. Among those who use laboratory testing more or less frequently (microbiological analysis and susceptibility testing) to support their prescribing habits, only 7 per cent make a habit of always waiting for the results before starting the treatment. Seventy-eight per cent of the respondents declared the use of antimicrobials licensed for human beings. Biosecurity measures were carefully taken into account by the majority of the veterinarians. The results identified the antimicrobial classes that are commonly prescribed and highlighted that perioperative hygiene measures and the use of laboratory diagnosis are critical aspects that need to be emphasised in drawing up guidelines on the prudent use of these drugs in pets.

Antimicrobial practices among small animal veterinarians in Greece: a survey

“…Most of the veterinarians answered that they use microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, alas with variable frequency; most (56%) answered "sometimes" and 41% answered "frequently". A similar result was obtained by Barbarossa et al in Italy [18] (69% and 20%, respectively, while 2% answered "always"). However, only 27% of our respondents answered that they prefer to wait for the antibiogram results before using any antibiotics, and 94% answered that they have to use antimicrobials while waiting for the laboratory results, with variable frequency (from "sometimes" to "always").…”

“…The 48 veterinarians represent approximately 5% of the small animal practitioners in Greece. This sample size is similar to that of other early studies conducted elsewhere (10% in Italy, 14% in UK, 16% in South Africa) [18,19,20]. This sample size corresponds to a 14-15% margin of error for the region of Attica as well as Greece, an acceptable number for a first preliminary survey.…”

“…In Greece, there is legislation stipulating that antibiotics should only be prescribed by health professionals. Eurobarometer data on human antibiotic use for Greece in 2013 and 2016 showed that 16% and 20%, respectively, of all users do so Use of antimicrobial combinations is not frequent; our results are similar to those of a study in Italy [18], but in contrast with a study in the UK that showed that antibiotic combinations were commonly prescribed [18]. We did not enquire further about the specific combinations; these should be investigated in a next extended survey.…”

“…The questionnaire was written by members of the research team and is consistent with questionnaires used in similar studies in other countries, to allow comparison of the results [18,19,20]. It consists of 37 closed questions.…”

Antimicrobial practices among small animal veterinarians in Greece: a survey

“…The questionnaire was written by members of the research team and is consistent with questionnaires used in similar studies in other countries, to allow comparison of the results [15,16]. It consists of 37 closed questions.…”