Streptoderma: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. Atypical mycobacterial infection. Can a cat infect a human?

Streptococcosis (Streptococcosis, streptococcal septicemia, streptoderma) - bacterial disease predominantly young dogs and cats, manifested in acute course septicemia and ompholitis, and in subacute and chronic cases, mainly damage to the lungs, skin, joints and intestines.

The causative agent belongs to the Streptococcaceae family, the genus Streptococcus covering almost 40 species.

Pathogenic streptococci are gram-positive, catalase-negative, non-motile round or ovoioid cocci with a diameter of at least 2 microns, located in pairs or in a chain. They are encapsulated and microaerophilic conditions favor their growth. They grow on nutrient media supplemented with serum or blood. For isolation, it is better to use blood agar, semi-liquid agar with maltose. In addition to capsules, virulence factors are adhesive structures, protein and glucoprotein of cell membranes, hemolysins, hyaluronidase, fibrolysin, neuramidase toxins.

Epizootological strains of streptococci often differ in the set of antigens and immunogenicity. When serological typing for a specific group polysaccharide, RDP and capillary precipitation are used. Of the laboratory animals, young mice are the most sensitive.

Streptococci are particularly sensitive to sunlight and desiccation, as well as to β-lactane, macrolide, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. True, the pathogen, dried in a protein medium (blood, sputum, pus), lasts up to two months, and in milk - for an hour. It has a natural resistance to aminoglucosides. Heating at 55 ° C kills it in 10 minutes, 2% formaldehyde solution or 20% freshly slaked lime - in 10-15 minutes.

epizootology. Pathogenic streptococci, being ubiquitous microorganisms, are widely distributed in nature, and they are often permanent or temporary symbionts. normal microflora, mucous membranes and skin of animals. Overt infection often develops endogenously - from places of permanent colonization or exogenously - after infection of sensitive tissues.

All types of young animals and adult animals are susceptible to streptococcosis. Streptococcal sepsis of newborns develops in the first days of life, acute lesions of the bronchi, lungs, intestines, skin and joints - mainly up to 3 months of age. In adult dogs and cats, local and generalized pyogenic infection of a streptococcal nature (arthritis, abscesses, eczema, streptoderma) is possible. With an exogenous infection, the source of the pathogen is an animal sick or ill with streptococcosis, as well as mothers with mastitis and endometritis of streptococcal etiology. Streptococci are isolated from a sick animal with nasal discharge, urine, feces and semen.

The pathogen can be transmitted different ways: alimentary with mother's milk, aerogenic, contact, during childbirth, in utero. In dogs, streptococcosis usually presents sporadically. At the same time, the intensity of the epizootic process depends on the degree of violations in the feeding and maintenance of dogs and cats. Factors contributing to the development of the disease are a decrease in resistance, transportation, dirty premises, mixed infections etc.

Pathogenesis. The development of streptococcosis depends on the potential ability of the pathogen to suppress local defense mechanism mucous membranes and skin of the animal, which is determined by virulence various kinds(groups) of streptococcus, its quantity and decrease in resistance. By suppressing the local barrier mechanisms of the mucous membranes and skin, streptococci penetrate the blood, lymph and cause septicemia and streptoderma. Exotoxins of the pathogen destroy the capillary endothelium, diapedesis of erythrocytes and multiple hemorrhages in organs, serous and mucous membranes occur. Septic phenomena and signs of hemorrhagic diathesis are associated not only with the virulence factors of the pathogen, but also with the development of immune- allergic condition, which in acute course leads to death. In chronic course, in addition to dystrophic phenomena internal organs, usually develops purulent pneumonia, pyoderma and arthritis. Dogs often develop abscesses under the skin and in the lymph nodes, eczema.

Symptoms and course. Incubation period lasts 1-2 days, sometimes up to a week. Streptococcosis can be hyperacute, acute, subacute, and chronic in dogs.

Superacute current streptococcosis in dogs begins with sudden weakness, sero-catarrhal conjunctivitis and rhinitis. The temperature rises to 40-41°C. During a clinical examination of a sick dog, we note shortness of breath, wheezing, an arrhythmic pulse, cyanosis of visible mucous membranes with hemorrhages and before death - we note the discharge of foamy fluid from the nose (pulmonary edema). A sick dog develops a clinical picture of septicemia, and the animal dies a few hours later.

Acute course accompanied high temperature body -40-41°C, increased heart rate and respiration, hyperemia of the conjunctiva, mucous membranes oral cavity and nose, profuse lachrymation and catarrhal-purulent discharge from the nostrils. The heart beat is pounding, the pulse is weak, frequent and arrhythmic, there is no appetite. In the future, a sick dog with increasing weakness and depression dies with signs of septicemia after 1-3 days (septic form).

Subacute course streptococcosis is clinically manifested in a dog by a weak intermittent fever and poor appetite. Then the dogs show clinical signs of lung damage (small-medium and large bubbling rales on auscultation) - pulmonary form, joints (arthritis) - articular form, digestive tract(diarrhea, etc.) - intestinal form and skin (cutaneous form).

mixed form streptococcosis is clinically manifested by symptoms, gastroenteritis and inflammation of the skin and joints. Fecal matter liquid, watery-foamy with an admixture of blood. A sick dog quickly weakens, loses weight, due to diarrhea, the eyes sink deep into the orbits. With untimely provision of veterinary care, the death of the dog occurs in 2-7 days.

chronic course streptococcosis is usually diagnosed in adult animals. For chronic course streptococcosis is characterized by intermittent fever, occasional diarrhea and marked signs of pneumonia. , turning into catarrhal-purulent, dry and rare cough becomes later frequent, moist and painful; wheezing and bronchial breathing, with percussion in the region of the lungs, foci of dullness. Weeping eczema, purulent, folliculitis, redness, dandruff develop on the skin, itching intensifies. Foci of inflammation on palpation are painful and hot.

With timely and effectively started treatment, the disease in dogs ends in recovery.

Diagnosis. The diagnosis of streptococcosis is based on the analysis of epizootological data, clinical signs diseases, pathological and anatomical changes and are confirmed by the data of bacteriological studies (detection of the pathogen). In lifetime diagnosis importance It has bacteriological examination blood and contents from purulent foci (where the causative agent of the disease is found).

Differential Diagnosis. When conducting differential diagnosis veterinarians need to exclude pasteurellosis, staphylococcosis and other mono- and mixed viral and bacterial infections with similar clinical presentation.

Treatment. Sick animals are isolated in separate clean, warm rooms and complex local (omphalitis, eczema, dermatitis, pyoderma) and general treatment according to the clinical form of the disease. Antistreptococcal serum is administered intramuscularly in doses: dogs - 5-10 ml (2 ml / kg), cats 1-5 ml; if necessary, the injection is repeated after 12-24 hours. At the same time, antibiotics penicillin, tetracycline, macrolides (klacid, erythromycin), cephalosporins (klaforan, fortum), fluoroquinolones (tsifran), sulfonamides and nitrofurans are prescribed to brl animals. Dose and chickens treatment determines veterinarian veterinary clinic.

Symptomatic treatment for streptococcosis includes the use of antitoxic, adsorbing, antihistamine, expectorant and other drugs.

During treatment, sick animals are prescribed diet therapy and the introduction vitamin preparations. Young animals are injected with blood from their mothers or undergo a course of autohemotherapy.

In case of skin lesions, disinfectant solutions of rivanol, furacillin or hydrogen peroxide are used, as well as ointments and suspensions - ichthyol, synthomycin, Vishnevsky, Wilkinson, Konkov, etc.

Prevention. In prevention special meaning give complete nutrition to animals. Eliminate food from the diet allergic and itching. Proper veterinary and sanitary order is maintained in the premises for keeping animals and preventive disinfection is carried out. used to prevent streptococcosis inactivated vaccine"Streptoevak", which ensures the production of a sufficient level of protective bodies in dogs, protecting them from disease. The vaccine is administered to puppies twice intramuscularly with an interval of 14 days at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 cm³.

With a therapeutic and prophylactic purpose, the immunomodulator "Polyoxidonium" is used, which contributes to the activation defensive forces body to prevent clinical forms diseases, and in infected animals elimination of the pathogen and reduction of intoxication. The drug is used at a dose of 250 mcg / kg intramuscularly with an interval of 48 hours.

Staphylococcus aureus causes severe skin lesions in cats. Such a disease is sometimes very difficult to cure. In addition, pathology very often leads to serious complications. Staphylococcal infection is especially dangerous for small kittens. Animals very easily become infected with this bacterium from each other. Every cat owner needs to be aware of the signs and treatment of this. serious illness.

Description of the microorganism

Staphylococci is a group of bacteria. Currently, several varieties of these microorganisms are distinguished:

saprophytic;
epidermal;
golden.

The most common is the golden bacterium. He calls severe inflammation with suppuration.

Translated from the ancient Greek language, the word "staphylos" means "bunch of grapes." Hence the name of the microorganism. Staphylococci under a microscope look like spherical clusters of golden color.

Such bacteria are opportunistic microbes.. Staphylococcus can long time be in the cat's body and not cause any damage. At this point, the bacterium is in an inactive state. But under the influence of unfavorable external and internal factors staphylococcus becomes pathogenic. This is what leads to painful manifestations. Most often, the emergence of pathogenicity contributes to a decrease in immunity.

Causes of pathology

There are certain factors that can contribute to the activation of staph in cats. Under their influence, bacteria become pathogenic and lead to the development of the disease. Can be distinguished the following reasons contributing increased activity microorganisms:

A cat of any breed can become infected with staphylococcus aureus and get sick. However, hairless animals ( different types sphinxes) are more susceptible to infection. They easily form wounds on the skin through which bacteria penetrate. In addition, such animals are often supercooled, which helps to reduce the body's resistance.

Often found staphylococcus aureus in cats of the Persian breed. This is especially true of animals that the owners let out on independent walks. Persian cats are often aggressive and get into fights with their stray relatives. As a result, pets get wounds through which bacteria enter the body. In addition, animals with long hair skin lesions with staphylococcus are more severe.

Is it possible to get infected from a cat

Can a person get staphylococcal bacteria from a sick cat? This way of infection is quite possible. A person can get staph from an animal in the following ways:

contact;
alimentary;
airborne.

Most often, infection occurs through a bite. Even a small wound from a cat's teeth is enough for bacteria to penetrate. The infection is also transmitted if a person does not wash their hands after playing with a pet or cleaning the tray. Also, do not lean close to the nose of the animal. Your face should be kept as far as possible from the muzzle of a sick cat.

Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to the bacteria. Therefore, each person should be aware of the symptoms and treatment. Staphylococcus aureus in cats. This will help to identify the disease in time and protect yourself from infection.

Symptoms

The incubation period can be different: from several days to several weeks. At this time, the pet looks quite healthy and his health remains normal.

Then appear general symptoms staphylococcus in cats

temperature rise;
apathy;
thirst;
weakness;
refusal to eat.

There is a lesion of the skin - pyoderma. The animal suffers from severe itching. Small sores can be seen on the epidermis. it initial signs staphylococcus in cats. Photos of the manifestations of the disease can be seen below.

If not treated for initial stage, then pyoderma turns into weeping dermatitis. Areas of baldness appear, fluid (exudate) is released from the skin with bad smell. Dermatitis is especially severe in animals with overweight, in cats of long-haired breeds, as well as in pets infected with fleas and ticks.

Further inflammatory process captures hair follicles. Bubbles with purulent contents form on the skin. Due to severe itching, the cat becomes aggressive and irritable. The animal cannot eat and sleep normally.

If left untreated, pyoderma spreads to deep areas of the epidermis and to subcutaneous tissue. Furuncles are formed. The foci of baldness are increasing. Scabs can be seen in the nose.

Staphylococcus in cats can affect not only the skin, but also other organs:

reproductive system. In females, inflammation of the vagina occurs, and then the infection enters the uterus. This leads to endometritis. The cat is worried about pain in the lower abdomen, exudate is released from the genital tract. Cats get inflamed foreskin, and pus comes out of the penis.
Organ of hearing. Staphylococcus aureus causes otitis media - inflammation of the middle ear. In this case, the cat often scratches the ears and shakes its head. Then there is pain syndrome. The animal does not tolerate even light touches on the ears. The shells look swollen and inflamed.
Eyes. Very rarely, staphylococcus aureus can affect the organ of vision. In this case, cats develop purulent conjunctivitis.

Features of infection in kittens

Signs of staphylococcus in kittens resemble clinical picture poisoning or pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. The baby is suffering from severe diarrhea. Ulcers form in the throat. Such symptoms are often observed in kittens in the first weeks of life.

In such cases, the kitten needs emergency veterinary care. Very often, babies die from dehydration. At staph infection diarrhea is rare in adult cats.

Complications

It is very important to treat Staphylococcus aureus in cats on time. AT advanced cases bacterial disease may lead to sepsis. This complication is often referred to as blood poisoning. In this case, bacteria constantly circulate in the plasma. Toxins of microorganisms accumulate in the blood, which have an extremely negative effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels. Blood poisoning often leads to septic shock and death of the animal.

Diagnostics

If staphylococcus is suspected, the veterinarian prescribes a series of tests. The manifestations of this infection resemble those of many other diseases. Therefore, for differential diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct the following studies:

blood test for bacterial culture;
microscopy of scrapings from the affected area of the skin;
smears of secretions from the genital tract.

A general blood test for staphylococcal infection is not informative, since pronounced changes observed only at the stage of sepsis.

Treatment Methods

How to treat staphylococcus aureus in cats? This infection requires a long complex therapy. It is impossible to get rid of a bacterial lesion in a few days.

Assign a polyvalent antistaphylococcal toxoid (drug "ASP"). This medicine acts on the cause of the disease. It can kill bacteria. Anatoxin is administered intramuscularly.

Therapy is supplemented with the use of antibiotics:

"Gentamicin".
"Amicina".
"Ciflox".
Baytril.
"Azithromycin".

Topical treatment of staphylococcus aureus in cats is also necessary. For this purpose, antibacterial external agents are used:

Streptocid ointment.
Sulfacyl ointment.
"Mafenid".

These drugs are able to destroy staphylococcus, and also have a wound healing effect.

"Anti-staphylococcal bacteriophage" is effective local remedy. The solution is applied to the lesions in the form of lotions or tampons. The drug is particles of special viruses that kill strains of staphylococci.

For little kittens severe diarrhea and dehydration put droppers with saline solutions. The same therapy is indicated for adult cats with severe intoxication.

Prevention

Staph in cats is easier to prevent than to cure. After all, such a bacterial lesion requires long-term therapy. You need to protect your pet from infection. To do this, it is necessary to exclude contact of the pet with stray cats and dogs. Care must be taken to ensure that the cat's diet is complete. Vitamin deficiency and an excess of carbohydrates in food can cause a decrease in immunity and activation of bacteria.

In the article I will talk about the main diseases of the ears in a cat: otitis, dermatitis, scabies, ulcers, eczema, etc. I will list the symptoms of these ailments. I will give the reasons for the development of the disease. Why suddenly a clean pet starts to itch and what to do. I will tell you when you need to take your pet to the veterinarian.

If a kitten or cat experiences discomfort or pain in the ear area, they become restless, tilt their head, and act unusually.

The pet becomes irritable, not too willing to make contact.

Ear diseases can be recognized by the following symptoms:

the appearance of abundant plaque in the auricle;
an unpleasant odor comes from the cat's head;
the pet constantly scratches his ears, sometimes he combs them until deep wounds appear;
the cat periodically shakes its head;
sores, small scratches, a rash appear on the surface of the ear, and in advanced cases a squelching sound is heard.

Any of these symptoms indicate the development of an ear disease.

If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, then a banal fungus can cause deafness or even death of a pet.

Ear diseases and home remedies

Ear diseases are divided into two groups: contagious and non-contagious. The first group includes the presence subcutaneous tick or otodectosis. The second group includes: dermatitis, eczema, necrosis, neoplasms, hematomas, ulcers, otitis media, inflammation, lymphoextravasate.

Scabies mite (otodectosis)

If untreated, the infection penetrates deeper and eventually affects inner ear.

Otodectosis is easily transmitted from a sick cat to a healthy one.

It can develop for many reasons:

ear mite;
neoplasm;
water in the ear
head injury;
an infection caused by staphylococci or streptococci.

Otitis externa of a cat or cat is manifested by itching, profuse secretion of sulfur.

With inflammation of the middle or inner ear the pet can get sick, then he constantly shakes his head, there is a purulent exudate.

The cat's ears smell unpleasant, they become hot to the touch. The animal often has a fever.

Otitis media is treated with antibiotics, ear ointments and lotions.

Lymphoextravasate

This disease is characterized by the accumulation of lymph under the skin. auricle. Reasons for the development of the disease: mechanical impact (trauma, bruises, bites, etc.). Lymphoextravasate develops slowly, while the ear has a normal temperature.

Treatment consists in removing the lymph with a syringe. This procedure should only be carried out by a veterinarian. AT rare cases the skin is incised, then the cavity is thoroughly cleaned and stitched.

Prevention

Each owner should regularly inspect the ears of his cat at home for the appearance of copious discharge, crusts, sores or other signs of the disease. If the pet began to shake his head, scratch his ear vigorously, or if he had a fever, this is a reason to consult a veterinarian.

Ear infections without treatment can lead to serious complications. If the inflammation spreads to the inner ear, the animal may become deaf.

Many diseases are accompanied severe itching and pain, so it is necessary to start treatment on time.

Cats are diagnosed with infection by various types of streptococci, but most often Streptococcus canis. This bacterium is a component of the normal microflora of the perianal region, oral cavity and upper division respiratory tract. But it can also cause pyoderma, inflammation of the respiratory tract, genitourinary system, eyes, bones and cardiovascular system.

The most common manifestation of streptococcal pyoderma (streptoderma) is impetigo. In this case, thin and easily vulnerable skin on the muzzle (near the nose and mouth), paws, armpit, inner surface thighs and less often other parts of the body of cats. Impetigo is characterized by a sudden onset. A bubble no larger than a pea appears on the reddened area of the skin, filled with cloudy yellowish contents. It very quickly increases in size, opens, exposing the erosive surface with fragments of the epidermis along the periphery.

Almost immediately, the exudate dries up, forming a yellowish crust. In this case, the animal experiences severe itching and tries to comb the affected area. skin. Scratching contributes to the rapid infection of healthy areas of the skin and the spread of the process along the periphery, to which the rash spreads. The foci of inflammation described above are painful and hot.

To exclude the peripheral spread of infection, wipe the skin around the focus of inflammation with disinfectant solutions (boric or salicylic alcohol) 1-2 times a day.

On the initial stage pathological process quick healing effect give wet-drying dressings with aqueous solutions resorcinol or silver nitrate. They are changed at intervals of 15 minutes for 1-1.5 hours. It is advisable to repeat the procedure in the first days of illness 2-3 times / day.

By proven means local treatment Vishnevsky's ointment, ichthyol, rivanol, zinc and sulfur ointments serve.

Externally, orally and by injection (depending on the extent and severity of the lesions) are used antimicrobials. Their choice should be based on the results bacteriological analysis, including an assessment of the isolated culture of streptococci to antibiotics and sulfa drugs. Most often, the treatment of streptoderma in cats is carried out with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, enrofloxacin and other antibiotics. a wide range actions.

Antibiotic therapy is combined with symptomatic treatment, The latter is carried out with the use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, softening crusts covering the skin and other means.

At the same time, cats are given supplements containing vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acid Omega 3.

Instruction

At healthy person the skin normally performs its own and does not allow the penetration of pathogens inside. But in the presence of certain risk factors, this function weakens, and the disease may begin. Such factors include microtrauma of the skin - scratching, abrasions, abrasions, decreased immunity, the presence of chronic diseases, stress, hypovitaminosis. It can also include a violation of local blood circulation, for example, with varicose disease and skin contamination.

According to the nature of the occurrence, 2 forms of streptoderma are distinguished - primary and secondary. In the primary, bacteria penetrate when the integrity of the skin is violated; in the secondary, it occurs as a result of another disease, most often atopic eczema. Streptoderma is also transmitted from a sick person through household items (dishes, towels, bed sheets) and in direct contact, such as shaking hands.

The incubation (hidden) period lasts from 3 to 10 days, so it is very easy to get infected by accident. The most common form of streptoderma is impetigo. In this case, the skin on open areas of the body is more often affected - hands, elbows, as well as thin skin around the nose and around the mouth.

Usually the disease begins suddenly - at the site of the introduction of streptococcus, an area of redness appears, then a bubble is formed, filled with contents yellow color. It begins to grow very quickly in size and can reach 2 cm, then it opens. In its place, erosion is visible, which dries very quickly with the formation of crusts of a specific honey-yellow color.

The opening of the blisters is accompanied by very intense itching. Combing the skin, the patient transfers the infection to healthy skin resulting in the formation of new areas of inflammation. With extensive lesions, the temperature may rise, the nearest The lymph nodes. This is especially true for young children.

After the crust falls off, there are no cosmetic defects, scars, there are only areas of increased pigmentation, which quickly disappears. As a rule, streptoderma proceeds without complications and completely in no more than 10 days. In rare cases, deep layers of the skin may be affected, and children may develop scarlet fever (since scarlet fever is also caused by hemolytic streptococcus). Reported cases of glomerulonephritis after suffering streptoderma.

To prevent the disease, it is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands more often, and have separate towels. In children's groups, if streptoderma is detected, quarantine is established for 10 days. Medication should be prescribed by a dermatologist.