Volume : 12, Issue : 06, June – 2025
Title:
INAPPROPRIATE ANTIBIOTIC USE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH VIRAL EXANTHEMATOUS ILLNESSES (MEASLES, MUMPS, AND RUBELLA): A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW FROM A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors :
Fatimah Alkhamis , Ibrahim abdulmonem almajed , Fatimah Sami Alkhalifah, Sarah Abdulghani Alyamani, Ekram Alkhalifah , Anwar Sami Alkhalifah
Abstract :
Background: Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral exanthematous illnesses common in pediatric populations. Despite being caused by viruses, children diagnosed with these illnesses are often prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), adverse effects, and increased healthcare costs.
Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence and contributing factors of inappropriate antibiotic use among pediatric patients diagnosed with MMR at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia and to synthesize global literature on this issue.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and regional databases including Saudi Digital Library. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 were screened. Eligible studies included pediatric patients diagnosed with measles, mumps, or rubella, and reported on antibiotic use, prescription patterns, or physician decision-making.
Results: Twelve studies, including three from Saudi Arabia, were included. Rates of inappropriate antibiotic use ranged from 32% to 75% among children with confirmed viral exanthems. Key contributing factors included diagnostic uncertainty, pressure from caregivers, lack of point-of-care testing, and fear of secondary bacterial infection. In the Saudi tertiary hospital setting, over 58% of measles and mumps cases received unnecessary antibiotics.
Conclusion: Inappropriate antibiotic use for MMR remains a significant problem, especially in resource-constrained settings. Multifaceted interventions—such as antibiotic stewardship programs, public education, rapid diagnostic tools, and physician training—are urgently needed to curb misuse.
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press Fatimah Alkhamis et al., Inappropriate Antibiotic Use In Pediatric Patients Diagnosed With Viral Exanthematous Illnesses (Measles, Mumps, And Rubella): A Systematic Review From A Tertiary Hospital In Saudi Arabia, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12(07).
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