Introduction
bacterial infection
RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION, RTI, BACTERIAL INFECTION, RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION (RTI)
Many bacteria in Nigeria have developed resistance to antibiotics Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is caused by viruses and bacteria, however, a majority of cases are caused by viruses According to the Federal House of Representatives of Nigeria, there is a shortage of primary healthcare centers in Nigeria, with less than 20% of the 30,000 primary healthcare centers in Nigeria functioning Accordingly, most patients in Nigeria with RTI receive their treatments from PCPs Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) rises well above normal when there is a bacterial infection This study aimed to ascertain if providing PCPs in Nigeria with CRP test kits and training them on how to use them accordingly in the management of RTI has the potential to improve their objective assessment of antibiotic needs in patients with RTI without prescriptions and reduce their dispensation of antibiotics to such patients. Research in context.CRP, C-reactive protein; PCPs, private community pharmacies; RTI, respiratory tract infection.