Which antibiotics help best against streptococci?
Pneumonia is most commonly caused by pneumococcus, especially in young adults. Typical symptoms are high fever, purulent sputum and increased respiratory rate with shortness of breath. The antibiotic of choice for pneumococcal pneumonia are aminopenicillins, such as amoxicillin.
Pneumonia in newborns can be caused by Streptococcus agalactiae in addition to pneumococcus. In Germany, most strains of Streptococcus agalactiae are still sensitive to penicillins, such as Penicillin G, Ampicillin or Amoxicillin. Also possible is the administration of macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin or cephalosporins (ceftriaxone or cefuroxime).
The exact dosage and form of administration depend on the clinical picture. Depending on which bacterium has caused the infection, there is a different antibiotic of choice. Penicillin G, for example, is the antibiotic of choice for pneumococcal infections.
This means that in such an infection, penicillin G should also be given if possible, and not another broader antibiotic, so that no resistance is bred. In the group of Viridans streptococci, the antibiotic of choice is the cephalosporin ceftriaxone. In enterococci, ampicillin or linezolid is preferred if resistance is suspected.
Streptococci in pregnancy – you must be aware of this
During pregnancy, streptococci that colonize the exit of the vagina and rectum are particularly relevant. These are B streptococci.If these streptococci are present, they can be transmitted to the newborn at birth. There is then a risk that the pathogens can cause meningitis, pneumonia or blood poisoning in the newborn.
To avoid this risk, a smear of the vagina and rectum can be taken between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy and examined for B-streptococci. If colonization does occur, the woman is recommended to take antibiotic prophylaxis. The smear test is a voluntary examination, which has to be paid by the woman herself so far.
Besides it is not completely undisputed and it is considered the investigation only for groups at risk, for example with women with premature bladder jump or with an infection of an earlier child to offer. During pregnancy it is of course also possible to become infected with streptococci and then develop, for example, an inflammation of the middle ear. Most streptococci can be treated with penicillins, which can also be taken during pregnancy. It is important to note that many common painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may only be taken during certain parts of the pregnancy. It is therefore essential to discuss drug therapy during pregnancy with a doctor.
