Which combination is a common broad-spectrum regimen for chorioamnionitis?

Which combination is a common broad-spectrum regimen for chorioamnionitis?

• A. Ampicillin and Gentamicin
• B. Cefazolin and Clindamycin
• C. Vancomycin alone
• D. Amoxicillin alone

Answer: (A)

Broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics are used in chorioamnionitis to cover the common pathogens that ascend from the vagina, including Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods, and sometimes anaerobes. The pairing of ampicillin and gentamicin does this effectively: ampicillin targets Gram-positive organisms such as Group B Streptococcus and Listeria, while gentamicin provides strong activity against Gram-negative rods like E. coli and Klebsiella. Together they offer rapid, wide coverage essential in intrapartum infection when delaying treatment can worsen outcomes. The other regimens don’t provide the same breadth. Cefazolin plus clindamycin covers many Gram-positives and anaerobes but lacks reliable Gram-negative coverage, making it less suitable as a broad empiric regimen for chorioamnionitis. Vancomycin alone misses Gram-negative organisms and isn’t broad enough, and amoxicillin alone does not adequately cover Gram-negative bacteria.

Broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics are used in chorioamnionitis to cover the common pathogens that ascend from the vagina, including Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods, and sometimes anaerobes. The pairing of ampicillin and gentamicin does this effectively: ampicillin targets Gram-positive organisms such as Group B Streptococcus and Listeria, while gentamicin provides strong activity against Gram-negative rods like E. coli and Klebsiella. Together they offer rapid, wide coverage essential in intrapartum infection when delaying treatment can worsen outcomes.

The other regimens don’t provide the same breadth. Cefazolin plus clindamycin covers many Gram-positives and anaerobes but lacks reliable Gram-negative coverage, making it less suitable as a broad empiric regimen for chorioamnionitis. Vancomycin alone misses Gram-negative organisms and isn’t broad enough, and amoxicillin alone does not adequately cover Gram-negative bacteria.