Amoxicillin and Ceftriaxone: A Synergistic Association Against Listeria monocytogenes

Thibault Sixt1, Florian Moretto1, Sylvia Das Neves1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Dijon Bourgogne University Hospital, Dijon, France.

PubMed

Insights

Amoxicillin and ceftriaxone show synergy against Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium. This combination could offer a new future treatment for listeriosis infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen.
  • Listeriosis, the infection caused by L. monocytogenes, can be severe, particularly in vulnerable populations.
  • Effective antibiotic treatments are crucial for managing listeriosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the synergistic effects of amoxicillin and ceftriaxone against Listeria monocytogenes.
  • To evaluate the potential of this antibiotic combination as a future therapeutic strategy for listeriosis.

Main Methods:

  • Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) strips were used to assess drug synergy.
  • Checkerboard methods were employed for quantitative synergy testing.
  • Time-killing curves were utilized to evaluate the bactericidal activity of the combination.

Main Results:

  • Synergistic activity between amoxicillin and ceftriaxone was observed in 14 out of 15 (93%) Listeria monocytogenes strains by MIC strips.
  • Checkerboard methods confirmed synergy in 12 out of 15 (80%) strains.
  • Time-killing curves demonstrated synergistic effects in 2 out of 3 tested strains.

Conclusions:

  • A significant synergy exists between amoxicillin and ceftriaxone against Listeria monocytogenes.
  • This antibiotic combination presents a promising alternative treatment option for listeriosis.