Implementation of a rapid antigen test for community‑acquired pneumonia diagnostics in Primary Care. A preliminary multi‑centre study
Anthony GADOULEAU and Fanny SERMAN
Community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP), particularly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, particularly for selecting the appropriate antibiotic therapy, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Rapid antigen tests can improve the accuracy of bacterial etiology diagnosis and facilitate targeted therapy. This study evaluates the feasibility of implementing a rapid antigen test for pneumococcal pneumonia in primary care settings across Poland.The aim of this study is to assess the preliminary outcomes of implementing a rapid antigen test for diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia in primary care. We focus on the impact of training primary care teams on the number of patients tested, the confirmation rate of bacterial etiology, and the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy with respect to AMR.Ten primary care teams from various regions in Poland were trained in using a rapid antigen test to diagnose pneumococcal pneumonia. Data were collected via online monitoring and a Computer‑Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) survey of healthcare staff, which gathered information about the number of patients with suspected pneumonia who were tested, the number of confirmed positive and negative cases, and the subsequent antibiotic treatment prescribed. Data analysis will compare the diagnostic and antibiotic management outcomes before and after the introduction of the test.In the initial phase 75 patients with suspected pneumonia will be enrolled. Of these the authors suspect that 37% were confirmed positive for pneumococcal antigen (according to Polish morbidity data). The proportion of patients receiving narrow‑spectrum antibiotics increased in the tested group, compared to the non‑tested group. Barriers to the use of the test will be identified via survey. Hypothetically there will include time limitations, logistical challenges, and cost‑effectiveness concerns.Preliminary results suggest that implementing a rapid antigen test in primary care improves pathogen‑directed therapy and may contribute to better antibiotic stewardship, potentially reducing AMR. However, overcoming operational barriers is key for broader adoption.The rapid antigen test for pneumococcal pneumonia shows promise in improving diagnosis and antibiotic selection in primary care. Further analysis will provide insights into its full potential for enhancing patient outcomes and combating AMR.
