What is the treatment of choice for Listeria infection in pregnant women?

The treatment of choice for Listeria infection in pregnant women is ampicillin. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that poses significant risks during pregnancy, potentially leading to serious complications such as spontaneous abortion, premature labor, or neonatal sepsis. Ampicillin is effective against Listeria as it exhibits good activity against this organism.

In addition, ampicillin is often preferred because it has an excellent safety profile in pregnancy and penetrates well into the placenta and amniotic fluid, providing adequate treatment for both the mother and the fetus.

Other antibiotics listed, such as vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin, are not the first-line therapies for Listeria. While vancomycin is effective against certain Gram-positive bacteria, it does not cover Listeria well. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development. Azithromycin, another antibiotic, is not indicated specifically for Listeria infections. Thus, ampicillin remains the recommended treatment to ensure both maternal and fetal health during a Listeria infection.