[Diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of infectious diseases in general practice. Results of an inquiry].

In February 1982 a questionnaire was sent to 2138 doctors in general practice in West Berlin, to obtain data relating to the incidence and treatment of infectious diseases. Replies were received from 453 (21%). Regular bacteriological tests were undertaken only for urinary tract infections, by 60% of those replying. The 453 doctors reported a total of 9280 cases of infectious disease during a one-week period, 6094 respiratory and 1723 urinary ones. Antibiotic prescriptions numbered 6118 during this period, 56.7% for respiratory and 27% for urinary tract infections. Indications for antibiotic treatment were predominantly decided on clinical grounds.