ESCMID clinical guidelines on the evaluation and management of a reported antibiotic allergy

Antibiotic allergies remain one of the most frequently documented drug allergies in clinical records. It is well established that only a small proportion-estimated at 5% to 10%-represents true immune-mediated hypersensitivity. Mislabelling can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance via prescription of suboptimal antimicrobial therapy (i.e. unnecessary avoidance of first-line antibiotics), increased use of broad-spectrum agents, and complications such as drug toxicity. This guideline, developed by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, provides evidence-based recommendations for the clinical evaluation and management of patients with reported antibiotic allergies. It is aimed at nonallergist clinicians and seeks to harmonize practice across healthcare settings in Europe and beyond.