From the Guidelines
Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is a suitable treatment option for group B streptococcal (GBS) cellulitis, as it is active against streptococci, including GBS. According to the 2014 practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, therapy for typical cases of cellulitis should include an antibiotic active against streptococci, and Augmentin is listed as a suitable option.
The recommended dosage for Augmentin in the treatment of GBS cellulitis is typically 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate twice daily or 500 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate three times daily for 5-10 days, depending on the severity of the infection. For children, the dose is typically 45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in Augmentin works well against GBS by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis and preventing bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes from inactivating the amoxicillin, making it an effective treatment option.
Key points to consider when treating GBS cellulitis with Augmentin include:
- Completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve
- Staying hydrated
- Elevating the affected area when possible
- Monitoring for signs of worsening infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pain, or fever, which would require prompt medical attention As noted in the guidelines 1, a 5-day course of antimicrobial therapy can be as effective as a 10-day course if clinical improvement has occurred by 5 days, highlighting the importance of monitoring patient response to treatment.
From the Research
Treatment of Group B Streptococcal Cellulitis
- The treatment of group B streptococcal (GBS) infections, including cellulitis, is typically with antibiotics such as penicillin G, as stated in the study 2.
- According to the study 3, all GBS strains were sensitive to penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin, suggesting that these antibiotics may be effective in treating GBS cellulitis.
- However, the study 4 notes that therapy traditionally used for Group A streptococcal pharyngitis may be suboptimal for GBS pharyngitis in compromised patients, and alternative drugs such as erythromycin or clindamycin may be used.
Use of Augmentin in Treating GBS Cellulitis
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the use of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) in treating GBS cellulitis.
- However, the study 5 discusses the use of Augmentin in treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including its effectiveness against beta-lactamase-producing pathogens.
- Although Augmentin has a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, its use in treating GBS cellulitis is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, and its effectiveness against GBS is not directly addressed 2, 6, 3, 4.