Penicillin

Penicillin, a widely used antibiotic, is vital in preventing and treating bacterial infections, including secondary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). These conditions disproportionately affect populations in regions like Africa and South-East Asia, causing significant mortality and disability. Despite its efficacy, the fear of allergic reactions leads to overreported penicillin allergies, with less than 5% of these being confirmed upon testing. Such mislabeling restricts treatment options and compromises antimicrobial stewardship. Delabeling false penicillin allergies through clinical evaluation or low-dose oral challenges improves patient access to effective antibiotics and enhances global healthcare outcomes.

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