Role of Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs): Improving Prescribing, Resistance Control, and Patient Outcomes

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) remain one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, frequently associated with inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing and rising antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are essential in optimising therapy, reducing misuse, and improving patient outcomes in both community and hospital settings. This presentation highlights the burden of LRTIs, key drivers of antimicrobial resistance, and the principles of stewardship interventions tailored to respiratory infections. Specific strategies discussed include evidence-based prescribing guidelines, diagnostic stewardship, de-escalation protocols, audit and feedback, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Emphasis is placed on the pharmacist’s role within stewardship teams, contributing through medication optimisation, prescriber education, and monitoring of outcomes. Case examples and international guidelines are reviewed to demonstrate the impact of stewardship in reducing resistance rates, preventing treatment failures, and promoting safer, more sustainable antimicrobial use.