What antibiotics treat Vibrio (Vibrio) infections?

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From the FDA Drug Label

Doxycycline is also indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative microorganisms: ... Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae (formerly Vibrio comma).

Key points:

  • Doxycycline is indicated for the treatment of cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae.
  • The FDA label does not provide information on the treatment of other Vibrio species.

The antibiotic doxycycline treats Vibrio cholerae infections, which is a type of Vibrio infection 1.

From the Research

Vibrio infections should be treated with ciprofloxacin as the first-line antibiotic, given its sustained efficacy and low resistance rates, as demonstrated in the most recent study 2.

Treatment Options

  • For mild to moderate infections, ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily for 7-10 days) is recommended.
  • Severe infections may require intravenous antibiotics like ceftriaxone (1-2 g daily) or cefotaxime (1-2 g every 8 hours).
  • Combination therapy with doxycycline plus either ceftazidime or cefotaxime may also be considered for Vibrio vulnificus infections.

Key Considerations

  • Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications, especially in patients with seafood allergies or those who have been exposed to contaminated seawater with open wounds.
  • Supportive care and sometimes surgical debridement may be necessary alongside antibiotic therapy for severe infections.
  • The choice of antibiotic should be guided by the most recent susceptibility data, with ciprofloxacin being a reliable option due to its low resistance rates 2.

Evidence Summary

  • A 2024 study found that all Vibrio isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, indicating its sustained efficacy as a first-line agent in the treatment of severe vibriosis 2.
  • Another study from 2024 established clinical breakpoints for various antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, against Vibrio species 3.
  • A 2019 study compared the outcomes of patients treated with third-generation cephalosporin plus ciprofloxacin or doxycycline and found no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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