• A recent systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of rapid point-of-care microbial testing for respiratory organisms on antibiotic prescriptions in acute infections. 

• These tests will help in identifying the etiology of the infections and thus reduce the overuse of antibiotics in cases of viral infections.

• The SRMA included only randomized controlled trials that compared rapid point-of-care viral and/or bacterial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. 

• The primary outcome was the antibiotic prescription rate, which was defined as any antibiotic prescribed for any reason during the study period. 

• The final analysis included ten studies with a total of 7323 patients. 

• The findings reported were as follows:

1. There was no publication bias detected. 

2. The rapid point-of-care diagnostics did not reduce the antibiotic prescription nor shorten the duration of antibiotic treatment.

3. There was no reduction in antibiotic prescriptions- both in the inpatient wards and the outpatient departments. 

The reasons for the persistently high use of antibiotics may be attributed to 

1. Clinical scenario.

2. Patient preference 

3. Physician attitude

• The evidence gathered in the SRMA was classified as low and moderate.

• Hence, further studies are needed to find the exact reasons for increased antibiotic use.