New finger prick tests trialled to inform better prescribing It is hoped the tests will one day be used by GPs to instantly determine whether common respiratory infections need antibiotics.
GPs feel patient pressure for ‘unnecessary’ antibiotics: Poll One quarter of GPs say they experience this demand daily, with one expert saying it risks becoming a ‘point of tension’ with patients.
Push for antimicrobial resistance public awareness Australia’s Chief Medical Officer is renewing his push for patients not to pressure prescribers into approving unnecessary treatments.
‘Almost untreatable’ superbug linked to common antibiotic In a way ‘never seen before’, one antibiotic has been found to be driving resistance to another and exposing patients to superbugs.
‘Mobile petri dishes’: What bugs are lurking on GPs’ phones? Did you take your phone to Sydney’s WONCA World Conference? Swabs taken at the event found doctors’ mobiles are a ‘breeding ground for contamination’.
‘Superbugs’ causing great harm in Australian children: Study Almost 10% of kids with a bloodstream infection are infected with a multi-drug resistant organism, in a ‘serious and growing problem’.
Asthma breakthrough could prevent disease development New research is paving the way for an ‘exciting’ asthma treatment after scientists isolated a molecule crucial to long-term protection.
GPs asked to limit antibiotic scripts due to ‘unprecedented’ shortage A rise in pneumonia and whooping cough cases is exacerbating the situation, with azithromycin and clarithromycin particularly affected.
Urinary superbugs: Are we going about it wrong? A new study investigating rates of antimicrobial resistance in aged care highlights the need for a potential overhaul of antibiotic guidelines.
Algorithms could help reduce avoidable antibiotic prescribing A digital tool has led overseas doctors to slash prescription numbers by 46%, but there are doubts about its application in Australia.