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Diagnosis and treatment of listeriosis

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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

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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