Hashimoto H, et al. - In this retrospective cohort study, researchers examined oral antibiotic prescription patterns and antibiotic prescription-related factors in order to guide future interventions to lessen inappropriate prescription. Investigators found that third-generation cephalosporins, macrolides and quinolones accounted for 88% of oral antibiotic prescription. Antibiotics were most often prescribed for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), including pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis/bronchiolitis and viral upper respiratory infections. For ARTIs and gastroenteritis, approximately 70% of antibiotics were prescribed; a modest benefit was seen from treatment with antibiotics. It is necessary to improve the quality of antibiotic prescription. Interventions in antimicrobial stewardship should focus on ARTIs and gastroenteritis, as well as on young patients and small institutions.