Treatment for Listeriosis
Listeriosis can be treated with several antibiotics. The antibiotics that have the most activity are ampicillin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxizole (BactrimŽ, SeptaŽ) (Gilbert, Moellering & Sande, 2001).
When infection occurs during pregnancy, antibiotics given promptly to the pregnant woman can often prevent infection of the fetus (Mayo Clinic, 2007). Babies with listeriosis receive the same antibiotics as adults, although a combination of antibiotics is often used until physicians are certain of the diagnosis.
Even with prompt treatment, some infections result in death. This is particularly likely in patients with central nervous system involvement, the elderly, and in persons with other serious medical problems.
Contact a health care provider if you believe you have consumed Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated foods and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis.