Algorithm that predicts viral etiology of diarrhea may curb inappropriate antibiotic use

Use of an algorithm-based tool to determine the likelihood of viral etiology for acute diarrhea in children did not significantly reduce antibiotic prescriptions in developing countries, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics.However, as the algorithm-predicted probability of viral diarrhea increased, physicians did prescribe fewer antibiotics, researchers reported in a post hoc analysis.According to a related press release, most children with diarrhea in developing nations receive antibiotics. “That means the vast majority of cases are treated inappropriately,” study author EricRead More