What is the treatment of choice for Listeria during pregnancy?

The treatment of choice for Listeria during pregnancy is intravenous ampicillin. Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, leading to severe complications such as fetal loss, preterm labor, and neonatal sepsis.

Ampicillin is particularly effective against Listeria due to its bactericidal properties and ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial in treating infections that may lead to central nervous system involvement. The intravenous route is preferred due to the need for rapid and effective treatment, especially in cases of severe infection or when the patient is unable to take oral medications.

While oral amoxicillin is effective for various bacterial infections, its limited bioavailability can make it less ideal for serious infections like listeriosis. Azithromycin is not typically used to treat Listeria, as it is not indicated for this specific organism, and Bactrim, which is combination therapy including trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, is contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester due to potential teratogenic effects.

Thus, intravenous ampicillin stands out as the best treatment option to effectively manage Listeria infections in pregnant