[Antibiotherapy of maternal-fetal infections]

Abstract

The initial antibiotic therapy of neonatal infections must be aimed at Streptococcus B, E. coli and Listeria which are the most frequent responsible pathogens. It must be initiated promptly and be effective against a possible meningeal infection. The first-line therapy with amoxicillin, amikacin and cefotaxime, which in theory should cover all the micro-organisms involved, must be short and rapidly replaced by an antibiotic proved to be active against the isolated pathogen. If aminoglycosides are administered for a long time, serum level assays are recommended for optimal safety.