Abstract
BACKGROUND: The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge globally in the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The PERCEPT survey aimed to capture Indian healthcare practitioners' (HCPs) perspectives on the prevalence of RTIs, AMR patterns, AMR diagnosis, and clinical evaluation of cefpodoxime and its combination with clavulanic acid in managing RTIs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey among 1,000 healthcare professionals (HCPs) who manage RTIs in Indian adults and children, with 842 participants responding. The collected data were compiled and thoroughly analyzed.
RESULTS: Most HCPs reported RTIs in 26-50% of adult and pediatric patients, with the most common RTIs including pharyngitis/tonsillitis, bronchitis, and common cold. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were reported as the prevalent antibiotic-resistant microorganisms causing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTIs). Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is a common method to detect AMR in patients with RTIs. Among antibiotics, amoxicillin was the most common linked with resistance to microorganisms causing RTIs. Cefpodoxime alone or in combination with clavulanic acid was the most preferred drug for managing RTIs due to its high efficacy, broad-spectrum activity, safety, and better tolerability.
CONCLUSION: Indian practitioners find cefpodoxime monotherapy and its combination with clavulanic acid effective in managing RTIs compared to earlier-generation cephalosporins and amoxicillin.