Matched Case-Control Study of the Long-Term Impact of Beta-Lactam Antibiotic Allergy Testing

Abstract

Whereas the short-term impacts of antibiotic allergy testing on delabeling and antibiotic usage have been demonstrated, the long-term impacts have been less well defined. In a single-center matched case-control study from Melbourne, Australia, we demonstrate that a beta-lactam antibiotic allergy testing program has a significant impact on antibiotic usage and infection-related outcomes. This study supports implementation of an antibiotic allergy testing program as a standard of care of antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Keywords: adverse drug effects; allergy; allergy testing; antibiotic allergy; antimicrobial allergy; antimicrobial resistance; antimicrobial stewardship; beta-lactam allergy; beta-lactams; penicillin allergy.