JAMA Netw Open

Rapid RSV testing linked to reduction in unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in young children

March 6, 2026

A community-based cohort study from Italy found that implementing rapid RSV antigen tests (Ag-RDT) in primary care was associated with significantly reduced inappropriate antibiotic use among children aged 9 to 36 months with suspected viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs). Among 256 children, those who tested RSV‑positive had notably lower antibiotic prescribing rates than RSV‑negative peers (0.18 vs. 0.29 prescriptions per 10 person‑days) and a 48% lower risk of receiving an antibiotic (risk ratio [RR], 0.52). Compared with matched VLRTI cohorts from the 2023–24 and 2022–23 seasons, Ag‑RDT implementation was associated with a 39% (RR, 0.61) and 46% (RR, 0.54) reduction in antibiotic use, respectively.

Clinical takeaway: Consider incorporating rapid RSV testing to guide decision‑making and reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in young children with respiratory infections.

Source:

Boracchini R, et al; Pedianet Network Group. (2026, March 2). JAMA Netw Open. RSV Detection and Antibiotic Prescribing Decisions for Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41774441/