What is a common treatment for Listeria monocytogenes infection?

The treatment of choice for Listeria monocytogenes infection is commonly a combination of ampicillin and gentamicin. Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is effective against Listeria, while gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is often added to enhance the treatment's efficacy. This combination is particularly important in severe cases or in high-risk populations, such as pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals, as it helps to ensure effective bacterial eradication.

In contrast, options like amoxicillin, vancomycin, and azithromycin are less effective against Listeria. Amoxicillin is a related antibiotic but generally not used in a combination regime specific for this pathogen. Vancomycin is primarily used for Gram-positive infections caused by staphylococci and does not target Listeria effectively. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that lacks the necessary activity against Listeria. Therefore, the combination of ampicillin and gentamicin is the most effective and commonly recommended regimen for treating Listeria monocytogenes infections.