How is Legionnaires’ disease treated?
Many antibiotics are highly effective against
Legionella bacteria. The two most potent classes of
antibiotic are the macrolides (azithromycin), and the quinolones
(ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gemifloxacin,
trovofloxacin). Other agents that have been shown to be effective
include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Erythromycin, the former antibiotic of choice, has been
replaced by more potent and less toxic antibiotics.