A Comprehensive Overview of Upper and Lower Respiratory Infections in Turkey - PubMed

3 days ago

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and healthcare use in Turkey, posing a significant public health burden.
RTIs range from self-limiting upper respiratory illnesses to severe lower respiratory tract infections affecting all age groups.
Viral agents like influenza viruses, RSV, rhinovirus, and seasonal coronaviruses cause most acute RTIs in Turkey, especially in winter.
Empirical antibiotic prescribing remains common despite viral predominance, contributing to high antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance.
Declining penicillin susceptibility in Streptococcus pneumoniae highlights stewardship challenges, while Streptococcus pyogenes retains high susceptibility to first-line therapies.
Current diagnostic strategies include culture-based methods, rapid antigen tests, and molecular assays, with emphasis on appropriate specimen collection and test selection.
Key challenges include limited surveillance, underuse of rapid diagnostics, and inappropriate antibiotic use.
Strengthening diagnostic capacity, expanding surveillance, and implementing targeted stewardship interventions are essential for improved RTI management and resistance control in Turkey.

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