Duration of antibiotic therapy: how short is short enough?

Hitzenbichler, Florian (2025) Duration of antibiotic therapy: how short is short enough? SPRINGER MEDIZIN VERLAG GmBH, Berlin.

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Shortening the duration of antibiotic therapy in various infections is safe and effective, as supported by evidence from randomized controlled trials. This strategy not only reduces antibiotic consumption and clinical side effects, but also shortens the length of hospital stay without affecting mortality and recurrence rates. This review summarizes current evidence from randomized controlled trials on the optimal treatment duration of bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and other infections. For bacteremia with established source control, 7 days of antibiotic treatment is sufficient for most pathogens. For community-acquired pneumonia, 5-7 days, and for hospital-acquired pneumonia, 7-8 days are recommended by national guidelines. Certain infections still require longer treatment, with examples including endocarditis, bone and joint infections and tuberculosis.

Item Type: Other
Uncontrolled Keywords: ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY; PNEUMONIA; INFECTION; TRIAL; Bacteremia; Urinary tract infections; Community-acquired pneumonia; Endocarditis; Endocarditis; Urinary tract infections; Community-acquired pneumonia; Healthcare-associated; pneumonia; Endocarditis
Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
Divisions: Medicine > Abteilung für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie
Depositing User: Dr. Gernot Deinzer
Date Deposited: 21 Jul 2026 05:10
Last Modified: 21 Jul 2026 05:10
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/66324

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item