Date: {{ $ActivityAssignDate }}

Dear Dr. {{ $doctorName }},

Subject: Participation in survey for " Understanding Decision-Making Practices & Perspectives on the Use of antibiotics for Respiratory Tract Infections: A Comprehensive Survey "

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are among the most widespread and most often non- serious infections that compel an individual to seek medical attention and prescription of antibiotics. Increases in the number of newly identified or previously unrecognized pathogens, the availability of new antimicrobial agents, and the evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms have contributed to changes in the epidemiology and treatment of RTIs. It represents one of the most common bacterial diseases encountered in medical practice today, and affects people of all ages. These infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients in developing countries. The respiratory tract is a frequent site of infection as it comes into direct contact with the physical environment and is exposed to airborne microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. RTIs, such as sore throat, whooping cough (pertussis), pneumonia, pharyngitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, common cold, otitis media, and mastoiditis are among the most prevalent infections in humans. They are usually contracted through the air and by direct contact. This could be via inhalation of small infectious nuclei containing the pathogenic organisms, sharing cups, and eating materials with infected persons. It can also be transmitted by direct inhalation of the pathogens released by infected persons during sneezing, coughing, or talking. Pharyngitis or tonsillitis, a throat infection that usually presents with a sore throat, is a common upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis and tonsillitis is group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Approximately 0.5% of all upper respiratory tract infections are complicated by sinusitis; the incidence of acute sinusitis ranges from 15 to 40 episodes per 1000 patients per year, depending on the setting. It is much more common in adults than it is in children, whose sinuses are not fully developed. Acute sinusitis is the second most common infectious disease seen by General Practitioners. Although up to one-third of adult patients seen in ears, nose, and throat clinics might have acute bacterial sinusitis (and cultures of antral puncture specimens show Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae to be the most common causative bacteria), the proportion of cases of acute sinusitis due to bacteria is much smaller in primary care probably less than 2%. The effectiveness of orally-administered “third generation” or “extended spectrum” cephalosporins against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria has been demonstrated in vitro. Cefpodoxime, as a third-generation cephalosporin, is an appropriate choice for treating community-acquired RTIs because of its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Cefpodoxime exhibits a balanced spectrum of activity against the principal bacterial pathogens responsible for outpatient respiratory tract and other infections when compared with other widely used earlier generation oral cephalosporins, or amoxicillin. It is highly stable to hydrolysis by the most commonly found plasmid-mediated β-lactamases.

This survey aims to gather valuable insights from healthcare professionals regarding the prescribing patterns, efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes associated with antibiotics used to treat RTIs. HCP’s responses will help us understand current clinical practices, identify potential areas for improvement, and develop strategies to optimize antibiotic use. By sharing their experiences and expertise, HCPs will contribute to enhancing patient care and addressing important public health issues related to antibiotic resistance.

If you agree to participate, you will be required to respond to questions of the enclosed questionnaire. We trust you and we are partners in promoting safe and effective drug therapy. In that spirit we hope you will consent to participate in this survey. If you do, please sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.