Daily low-dose antibiotics halve urinary tract infections in people who self-catheterise

This NIHR Signal outlines a trial which randomised 404 adults in the UK who perform the procedure for a variety of reasons to either daily oral low-dose antibiotics or no prophylaxis. All had a recent history of urinary tract infection. It concludes that although prophylactic antibiotics halved infection rates, it increased antimicrobial resistance compared with the control group who took short courses of antibiotics for each infection. This has implications for the individual and wider population. As overall reported health status was similar between the two groups, it is unclear if this reduction in infection is sufficient to justify wider use of prophylactic antibiotics.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news