Chemotherapy of Listeria infections

Abstract

The combination of amoxicillin or ampicillin, respectively, with an aminoglycoside remains still the standard therapy of infections with Listeria monocytogenes, although it has been questioned in clinical studies as well as in animal experiments whether the addition of an aminoglycoside really improves the outcome. There are some alternatives for example cotrimoxazole. Several microbiological and experimental evidences vote for the use of quinolones, in particular of moxifloxacin, against these facultative intracellular bacteria; clinical experiences with these agents are, however, limited. In addition to these drugs a large number of antimicrobials can be used for therapy of listeriosis in certain situations. Cephalosporins should be avoided. Resistance development is not a major problem.

Keywords

• Listeria
• antibiotics
• in vitro activities
• intracellular action
• animal experiments
• clinical activities