This study protocol, developed as part of an ICARS-supported project, outlines a randomised controlled trial that will assess whether C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing can improve antibiotic treatment decisions for hospitalised neonates and children in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It addresses limited evidence on rapid CRP testing in a setting where diagnostic and healthcare access constraints can contribute to antibiotic overuse and misuse.
The trial will take place at four hospitals and include neonates at risk of sepsis or showing signs of infection, and children aged six months to 12 years admitted with fever and/or diarrhoea. Hospitals will receive CRP testing equipment and training to support clinical assessment and antibiotic management.
Participants will be followed for 28 days, with researchers evaluating antibiotic treatment duration and infection relapse. The findings will help assess whether CRP-guided care can reduce antibiotic exposure while monitoring relapse risk, informing paediatric antibiotic stewardship.
