This ICARS-supported study protocol describes the 2CARE trial, a multicentre randomised controlled trial conducted across 15 primary healthcare centres in Kyrgyzstan. The study evaluates whether combining C-reactive protein (CRP) testing with patient information leaflets (PILs) can safely reduce unnecessary antibiotic use among adults with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). The trial will generate evidence on the effectiveness of PILs in reducing antibiotic use and establish safe CRP thresholds for adults with ARTIs in a low-resource setting. Findings will inform antimicrobial stewardship policies and guide national CRP implementation in Kyrgyzstan.
