Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection, affects millions globally and remains a leading cause of hospital deaths. Traditionally, doctors prescribe long courses of antibiotics often 7 to 14 daysto combat the infection and prevent complications. But recent research is questioning whether shorter antibiotic courses could be just as effective.
Why Shorter Courses Are Being Considered
Prolonged antibiotic use comes with risks, including:
- Antibiotic resistance: Overuse encourages bacteria to evolve defenses, making infections harder to treat.
- Side effects: Patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, or kidney stress from extended use.
- Microbiome disruption: Long courses can harm healthy gut bacteria, affecting overall immunity.
Shorter courses could reduce these risks while maintaining effective treatment, provided the infection is monitored closely.
Recent Research Findings
Clinical trials in Europe and North America have begun testing 5- to 7-day antibiotic courses for patients with uncomplicated sepsis. Early results indicate that, for many patients:
- Recovery rates are comparable to longer courses.
- Recurrence of infection does not increase significantly.
- Hospital stays may be shorter, easing pressure on healthcare systems.
Experts caution that these results mainly apply to patients without severe organ failure or multiple co-infections. For critically ill patients in intensive care, longer treatment may still be necessary.
Potential Benefits
If widely adopted, shorter antibiotic courses could:
- Reduce the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Lower healthcare costs due to shorter hospital stays.
- Minimise harmful side effects for patients.
What’s Next?
Ongoing large-scale trials aim to determine the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy for different sepsis scenarios. Researchers are also investigating biomarkers that could help doctors tailor antibiotic length to individual patients’ needs, improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary exposure.
