Group D Streptococcus (GDS) Infections (Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus gallolyticus) Medication

Updated: Mar 02, 2021
  • Author: Shirin A Mazumder, MD, FIDSA; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to eradicate the infection, to reduce morbidity, and to prevent complications.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

Penicillin G (Pfizerpen)

Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptide during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity against susceptible microorganisms.

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Alternative to penicillin. Third-generation cephalosporin equally effective against infections caused by S bovis. Has advantage of once daily administration. For penicillin IgE–mediated hypersensitivity, cross-reactions with third-generation cephalosporins are very rare.

Vancomycin (Lyphocin, Vancocin, Vancoled)

A glycopeptide very active against isolates of S bovis. Useful for patients who are allergic to penicillin.

Gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentacidin)

Should be used together with penicillin when bacterial isolates are only moderately susceptible to penicillin or to reduce treatment duration from 4 wk to 2 wk when infection is fully susceptible to penicillin. Preferred aminoglycoside for synergy. Should be administered at lower dosage (3 mg/kg/d) than for treatment of infections caused by gram-negative organisms (5 mg/kg/d).

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