ABSTRACT
Respiratory tract infections are the most common communicable diseases, which include pharyngitis, otitis media, rhinosinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Although the majority of pathogenic agents responsible for these conditions are cosmopolitan, the differences in frequency and severity of these diseases associated with climate and living conditions may appear. The aim of the study is to assess if there are significant differences in frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections in different countries. A survey, consisting of 49 questions involving the frequency of respiratory tract infections, antibiotics’ usage and demographic data was delivered to the users of a social network used to finding penfriends from abroad. Collected data was statistically analyzed and compared with climate conditions and economic indices in different countries. 462 respondents, aged 12-79 (mean age 25,15 ± 9,43, median 23) from 119 countries submitted their answers. First raw, preliminary data describe a prevalence of different types of respiratory tract infections and commonness of antibiotic therapy. This initial report with preliminary results of the survey should be a first step towards determining the differences in frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections, as well as in antibiotic treatment. Data gained during the survey need further analysis.
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