Antibiotic Prescribing during Influenza-like Illnesses in Conakry, Guinea in 2020
Sako Fodé Bangaly
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Camara Gbawa
*
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea and National Agency for Health Security of Guinea, Guinea.
Traore Fodé Amara
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Diallo Amadou Daye
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Kpamy Dimaï Ouo
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea and National Agency for Health Security of Guinea, Guinea.
Camara Naby
Prefectural Health Directorate of Dabola, Guinea.
Diallo Ramatoulaye
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Keita Mamadou Bhoye
National Institute of Public Health, Guinea.
Diare Abou
National Agency for Health Security of Guinea, Guinea.
Kourouma Mohamed Lamine
National Agency for Health Security of Guinea, Guinea.
Keita Ibrahima
National Agency for Health Security of Guinea, Guinea.
Gakou Fatoumata
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Doukoure Sékou Manamaï
National Agency for Health Security of Guinea, Guinea.
Bah Ibrahima
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Diallo Mamadou Oury Safiatou
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
Sow Mamadou Saliou
Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Guinea.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the viral etiology of influenza, antibiotics are most often inappropriately prescribed. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of antibiotic prescription during influenza-like illnesses.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective descriptive study over a six-month period at the influenza sentinel surveillance site of Gbéssia Port I in Conakry. Patients presenting with influenza-like illness were included. Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected.
Results: During the study period, a total of 1,823 consultations were conducted at the health facility, among which 368 cases of influenza-like illness were diagnosed. The mean age was 14.10 ± 16.20 years. A female predominance was observed (52.72%), and 60.60% of patients were not attending school. No patient had been vaccinated against influenza. Prior self-medication with antibiotics was reported in 21.20% of cases. Clinically, the main symptoms were cough (96.20%), fever (92.66%), and rhinorrhea (81.79%). Influenza RT-PCR was positive for H3N2 in three cases. Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in 92.11% of patients at the end of the consultation. Cotrimoxazole was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (69.02%), followed by amoxicillin (30.38%).
Conclusion: Training and education of healthcare staff on the viral etiology of influenza are necessary for better case management and rational use of antibiotics.
Keywords: Influenza-like illness, antibiotics, prescription, Conakry