Table 1.

Grading system for the level of evidence of recommendations adopted by the Lebanese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (LSIDCM)

Grading category	Definition
1	Based upon high-level evidence with multiple well-designed, controlled, randomized blinded studies and meta-analysis. There is uniform consensus that the intervention is adequate.
2A	Based upon lower level of well-controlled, non- blinded or randomized studies, with retrospective reviews. There is uniform consensus that the intervention is adequate.
2B	Based upon lower level of well-controlled, non- blinded or randomized studies, with retrospective reviews. There is majority consensus that the intervention is adequate.
3A	Based upon any evidence that is less than well-controlled, or randomized, or large sample studies, mostly retrospective. There is uniform consensus that the intervention is adequate.
3B	Based upon any evidence that is less than well-controlled, or randomized, or large sample studies, mostly retrospective. There is no uniform consensus that the intervention is adequate.
3C	Based upon any evidence that is less than well-controlled, or randomized, or large sample studies, mostly retrospective. There is no consensus that the intervention is adequate.
4A	There is any level of evidence from literature against the intervention. There is uniform consensus against the intervention.