QuikRead go CRP testing supports optimal antibiotic prescribing in paediatric care

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe demonstrated the effectiveness of the QuikRead go CRP in optimizing antibiotic use among children with acute respiratory tract infections in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. QuikRead go CRP offers a rapid and reliable method for measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

CRP point-of-care (POC) testing aids in distinguishing between mild and self-limiting infections from severe bacterial infections, thereby guiding appropriate antibiotic prescribing. The study highlights the important role of CRP POC testing in supporting antimicrobial stewardship and enhancing paediatric healthcare.

In this multicenter, individually randomized controlled trial, 1204 children aged six months to 12 years of age presenting to primary healthcare clinics with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections were either given standard care or standard care with additional CRP POC testing. The CRP results were interpreted as follows: when CRP was <10 mg/l, antibiotics were not provided; when CRP was 10-50 mg/l, antibiotics were prescribed if patient's condition suggested a potential need; and when CRP was >50 mg/l, antibiotics were prescribed.

As a result, CRP POC testing led to a 24% reduction (from 60% to 36%) of antibiotic prescriptions compared to the standard care group without compromising patient’s safety. These results suggested that CRP POC testing significantly impacts antibiotic prescribing behaviour and guides more accurate antibiotic use, supporting national antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

The study received support and funding from the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), dedicated to supporting low- and middle-income countries in their efforts to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections. These results from Kyrgyzstan represent significant advancement, paving a way for wider adoption of CRP POC testing in primary care settings globally.

Reference

Isaeva E et al. C-reactive protein testing in primary care and antibiotic use in children with acute respiratory tract infections in Kyrgyzstan: an open-label, individually randomised, controlled trial. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe 2025;51: 101184.

The article is open access and freely available to read here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101184