diagnosis and treatment of listeriosis
Last edited 02/2020
Seek expert advice.
Diagnosis:
- mother - blood cultures and clinical picture; serology, vaginal swabs, stool culture - no value
- neonate - blood cultures, surface swabs, gastric aspirate
- products of conception - placenta - tissue / swabs
Treatment:
- suspected maternal case - amoxicillin or erythromycin
- proven case - IV ampicillin OR penicillin OR erythromycin AND gentamicin
Notes:
- Listeria spp. are resistant to cephalosporins.
- gentamicin should be avoided in pregnancy - if listeriosis in pregnancy then amoxicillin/ampicillin therapy only
- erythromycin is used instead of amoxicillin/ampicillin if the patient is allergic to penicillin