Blood infection with staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus - what is it, types, symptoms and treatment in adults of staph infection

Why are staphylococci dangerous? Diseases caused by staphylococci

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Staphylococci are classic representatives of the microflora of the skin and mucous membranes that inhabit our body in abundance.. It is estimated that on average the mass of microflora (that is, all the microbes inhabiting the human body) of an adult is approximately 3 kg. Of course, the bulk of the bacteria of the microflora of the body is concentrated in the intestines, however, a significant number of bacteria also live on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

The study of the microflora of the body is useful not only by elucidating its positive qualities (in fact, the populations of some microbes that make up the microflora of the body perform a number of extremely important and useful functions for the body, for example, the synthesis of vitamins), but also because it allows us to prevent certain diseases, which arise in the case of the transition of the microflora into an aggressive state.

Diseases caused by staphylococci are extremely common. For the most part, these are banal suppurations or food poisoning that happen to all people without exception. However, in some cases, a staph infection can be severe and even life-threatening. Below we will talk about the main forms of diseases caused by staphylococci (including Staphylococcus aureus), but first we will consider the conditions that make it possible for the transition of "peaceful" microflora to the state of "pathogen".

In reality, there is a constant struggle between the human body and the microflora inhabiting it: microbes try to attack the organs and tissues of the body, which in turn defends itself with the help of its own defense mechanisms. At the same time, under the action of the defense mechanisms described below, the number of microbes practically does not increase, but only decreases, and the microbes themselves are unable to show all their aggressiveness. The main mechanisms of protection of the human body are primarily the immune system, secondly, the normal metabolism and the normal functioning of vital organs, and thirdly, the integrity of the mucous membranes and skin of the body.

If at least one of these lines of defense of the body is violated, the microbes "go into a counterattack", in which case this or that infectious disease occurs.

The main forms of diseases caused by staphylococci

Forms and symptoms of staphylococcal infection are extremely diverse.. In order to make it easier for the reader to understand the main forms of staphylococcal infection, we will divide them into several main groups, which we will later consider separately and in more detail. So, we distinguish the following types of staphylococcal infections:

Food poisoning caused by contamination of food with staphylococcal toxins;
Staphylococcal infection with damage to the skin (skin) and mucous membranes - "superficial infections";

Staphylococcal infections with damage to internal organs;

Septic forms of staphylococcal infection - "blood poisoning".

In order to prevent the occurrence of food poisoning, you must, firstly, follow the rules for preparing and storing food (food must be stored in the cold), and secondly, do not eat food of dubious origin or food that you doubt.

Symptoms of food poisoning caused by staphylococci is: acute diarrhea (loose stools up to 10 or more times), acute "stabbing" and "twisting" pains in the abdomen, false urge to defecate, slight fever, possibly vomiting. In adults, as a rule, such poisoning occurs without any special complications. If children show signs of food poisoning (see above), parents should be extremely vigilant and seek medical attention if possible. In young children, such poisoning can be very difficult and dangerous.

How to treat food poisoning caused by staphylococci?

To wash the stomach, you can use just warm boiled water, but tea or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate in boiled water is better. Adults need to drink up to a liter of such a solution, and then provoke vomiting. Drinking solution is given to children in quantities in which they are able to drink it. It is best to repeat the flush two or three times until the vomit contains no spoiled food particles that still contain toxins.

In order to prevent dehydration for the entire period of illness, you need to keep drinking plenty of water - this is especially important for children. You can abstain from food for a while or eat baked fruits and crackers.

You can use loperamide-type diarrhea remedies, but with great care and for a very short time. If an adult does not get rid of diarrhea after taking 1-2 capsules, you should consult a doctor, as it is quite possible that the diarrhea is caused by another infection.

Taking antibiotics or other antibacterial drugs during staphylococcal poisoning is not prescribed, since the microbes themselves that have entered the intestines are not dangerous for humans, and antibiotics do not affect the activity of toxins.

Note that the symptoms of food poisoning caused by staphylococci last no more than 2 days (if all the measures described above are taken). If diarrhea (diarrhea) lasts more than two days, or if the temperature rises against the background of ongoing diarrhea, or traces of blood appear in the feces, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The best way to prevent staphylococcal poisoning is to observe hygienic rules for the preparation and storage of food.

- characterized by purulent lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. In this article, we will describe only the general symptoms and principles of treatment of such infections. Skin staphylococcal infections are also often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which inhabits the skin and mucous membranes in abundance.

Staphylococcal angina

When a sore throat appears, it is best to see a doctor and get a course of treatment appropriate to the severity of the disease. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed in the treatment of angina.

Staphyloderma

You can not squeeze boils

Felon

Panaritium cannot be squeezed out or opened on its own. With a simple panaritium, the patient can be helped by rinsing a finger in a concentrated saline solution, as well as local application of antimicrobial ointments: levomikol, Vishnevsky ointment, etc.

Staphylococcal infections with damage to internal organs

Staphylococcal infections of the internal organs are manifested by specific signs of damage to a particular organ (for example, back pain with pyelonephritis, pain in the lower abdomen with cystitis), as well as non-specific signs of infection: fever, fatigue, weakness.

Diagnosis and treatment of staphylococcal infections of internal organs is a matter for specialists. Most often, a course of antibiotics is used in the treatment of such diseases. The dose of antibiotic and duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.

Septic forms of staphylococcal infection

In the event of blood poisoning, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply, the temperature rises sharply, the amount of urine excreted decreases, the pulse quickens, and a rash may appear on the skin. In such cases, the patient must be urgently hospitalized, because blood poisoning or toxic-septic shock are deadly conditions. Treatment of these diseases is carried out under the strict supervision of doctors.

Bibliography:

Kuznetsova E.A. Microbial flora of the oral cavity and its role in the development of pathological processes, M., 1996

Medical Microbiology, Military Medical Academy, St. Petersburg, 1999

Diagnosis and treatment of major infectious diseases in modern conditions, Minsk, 1990

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Reviews

Read bacteriophage!

And I got this infection from a normal scratch. And now any scratch or sore, so everything starts to steam, the skin begins to rot, the sore begins to rot and scars remain even from a small scratch.

Yes, I agree. I also took cordyceps - an excellent immunomodulator, in addition, it also works as an anti-inflammatory and has an even greater bunch of beneficial effects.

I'm not advertising, I just drank the Tiansha product itself called cordyceps, a natural antibiotic. All information can be found on the Internet. Cordyceps fight staphylococcal infections, including Staphylococcus aureus.

Tanya, everyone has staphylococci, including you.
Only your immunity copes with them, but someone's immunity is broken, weakened and cannot cope with them, so they cause various painful manifestations in him.
But you cannot become infected with staphylococcus aureus, since you already have it, just in an inactive state, since your immunity is strong enough and suppresses it.

Hello! I have such a situation: We were going to buy upholstered furniture from friends, but the other day we found out that our friends are sick with staphylococcus aureus. What to do? Can such a disease be transmitted, through furniture, to children or adults? What could be the consequences?

Good evening! Tell me, can someone come across purulent staphylococcus in the throat of a child. My daughter often gets colds, this year in the first grade. The tests seem to be nothing, good, but for sowing microbes, staphylococcus was sowed and even purulent. I just never I didn’t come across this, although I often get sick with various colds. The doctor wrote a whole notebook on treatment .. and I once again feel sorry for my daughter stuffing regular pills .. with injections .. she is so afraid of them, poor thing. Tell me, is this so serious? maybe there are some other methods treatment? Please help. With SW. Irina.

The child has a temperature of 37-37.3 for a month, there is no cough and runny nose. What can it be

Hello. Help kindly. Give advice on what to do next. A 1.7-month-old child had loose stools up to 10 times a day and a temperature of up to 39 on the first day. On the second and third days there was no temperature, only loose stools up to 10 times. On the fourth day, streaks of blood and mucus appeared in the stool, tests were carried out. For four days the stool was up to 5 times, there was no vomiting or temperature. At 9, sudden fever and vomiting. On the 10th day they said that Staphylococcus, which one they did not say. The first three days I struggled with the temperature, there was vomiting, loose stools up to 10 times a day. On the 13th day, the temperature returned to normal, the vomiting disappeared, we follow a diet, but a streak of blood and mucus appeared in the stool again. Please tell me what to do next, maybe this is how the treatment proceeds or other tests need to be done.

Stomach tormented. Bleeding and vomiting. Applied something. For the first time, I spent 120 dollars for 2 months, I spent 370 dollars in a year, and other problems with concussion and vision also disappeared. Already 5 years without problems. A week ago I resumed the course. It should have been annually, damn it, dumbass ....

A red rash in a child (1.1 years old) on the legs, buttocks, according to the analysis, Staphylococcus aureus was found in the feces, I can’t find anything similar on the Internet! I didn’t notice irritation in the child for this rash! Tell me what to do in this situation, this is generally, otherwise the doctors in our city know little

Irina, it is necessary to bring a bacteriological sowing of a swab from the pharynx + to reveal the sensitivity of the staphylococcus grown in this way to various antibiotics (antibiogram). According to the results of this examination, the ways of its adequate treatment will be obvious.

FENUNYK TREATES STAPHYLOCOCIS, TREATED TWO OF HER CHILDREN. FIRST, THE WHOLE BODY WAS aggravated, it was in small boils, then it passed. DRINK BY brewing 1 teaspoon per glass of boiled water.

Is it possible to find out if there is staphylococcus aureus by hair color?

My relative has a "disease" of her nose. They found staphylococcus aureus in a smear, antibiotics were prescribed. Advise what else can be done.

Microbiologists count more than twenty types of staphylococci. Some of them are representatives of the natural human flora, while others are capable of causing the development of diseases. So what types of staphylococcus pose a danger to humans and what to do if this microorganism is detected in the laboratory?

Types of staphylococcus

Staphylococcus belongs to cocci - bacteria of spherical shape. From the Greek "staphylo" is translated as grapes. This name for the microorganism was not chosen by chance. The whole point is that the bacteria are grouped together, in a microscope it looks like bunches of grapes.

A person gets acquainted with staphylococcus already in infancy. So, literally from the first days of life, this microorganism begins to actively colonize the skin, mucous membranes, and also the intestines. Staphylococcus is usually referred to as conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, that is, those with which a person is able to coexist peacefully, but which, under certain circumstances, can cause diseases.

In humans, the development of diseases is caused by such types of bacteria:

- the most pathogenic for humans, capable of causing the development of purulent-inflammatory processes in almost all organs;
Epidermal staphylococcus aureus - is located on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, can cause the development of endocarditis, purulent, urinary tract;
Saprophytic staphylococcus aureus - located on the surface of the external genital organs, the mucous membrane of the urethra, can cause the development and;
Hemolytic staphylococcus aureus - is the cause of sepsis, endocarditis, urinary tract infections, skin lesions.

Causes of a staph infection

Staphylococcal diseases develop when the bacterium enters the body (in the blood, respiratory tract, digestive organs).

There are such transmission mechanisms:

Contact household (upon contact with staphylococcus-infected household items);
Air-aerosol (when inhaling air emitted from a sick person or a bacteria carrier when sneezing);
Alimentary mechanism (when eating food contaminated with staphylococcus aureus);
Artifical mechanism (through contaminated medical instruments during diagnostic procedures and operations).

In order for opportunistic staphylococcus to be able to exert a pathogenic effect, certain conditions are needed, for example, a decrease, chronic debilitating diseases, hypovitaminosis, etc. It is known that staphylococcal infection often develops against the background of previous ones.

Diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus

The state of the body's immune system and the characteristics of the bacterium itself depend on what final staphylococcus will lead to. So, if the bacterium enters through lesions on the skin and the protective mechanisms manage to localize the process, then the disease is limited to local purulent inflammation. If the immune system cannot cope, the microorganism from the focus migrates through the bloodstream and can enter any organ with the development of an inflammatory process in it.

Staphylococcus is capable of causing a large number of diseases. Most often it leads to the development of:

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (staphyloderma, abscesses,);
Burn-like skin syndrome;
Respiratory damage;
Damage to the urinary organs;
, brain abscess;
Endocarditis;
Staphylococcal;
Toxic shock syndrome;
Damage to bones, joints (osteomyelitis, arthritis);
food poisoning;
sepsis.

Respiratory damage

In the population, a large percentage of people are carriers of staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria's favorite places are the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. If there is a decrease in local immunity, they develop and, depending on the location of the bacteria. Healthy people can also get sick with staphylococcal rhinitis or pharyngitis by talking with sick people or bacteria carriers.

In favor of rhinitis, difficulty in nasal breathing, a change in voice timbre, and the appearance testify. When staphylococcus enters the paranasal sinuses, it develops. With sinusitis, the discharge from the nose becomes yellow-green and thick. A person may be disturbed by spilled or localized from the side of the affected sinus. With pharyngitis, there are complaints of sore throat, pain when swallowing, and also.

It is especially dangerous for staphylococcus aureus to enter the lungs.. Among all cases of pneumonia, 10% falls precisely on staphylococcal. They can be primary, but still more often develop already against the background of viral infections. It is worth noting that Staphylococcus aureus is rarely the cause of community-acquired pneumonia, but often nosocomial. The development of pneumonia is signaled by severe weakness, high fever, chest pain, cough with purulent sputum, cyanosis. Staphylococcal pneumonia is characterized by a more severe course, as well as a tendency to purulent complications: abscess, empyema.

Skin lesion

Staphylococcal skin lesions can be localized in the form of staphyloderma or widespread. Staphyloderma called a purulent skin lesion that arose in response to the introduction of staphylococcus aureus. Staphyloderma includes:

Folliculitis - inflammation at the mouth of the hair follicle, accompanied by the formation of a pustule (abscess);
- inflammation of the hair follicle, as well as the connective tissue surrounding it, with the formation of a painful pustule;
Carbuncle - inflammation of a group of hair follicles, as well as the connective tissue surrounding them;
Hydradenitis - a purulent-inflammatory process located in the sweat glands with the formation of a painful infiltrate.

A common skin lesion manifests itself in the form of a staphylococcal burn-like syndrome (). Most often, newborns, as well as children under five years of age, suffer, adults rarely get sick. The disease in newborns begins suddenly with reddening of the skin, the appearance of conflicts, cracks, followed by peeling. In place of the opening large blisters, burgundy skin is exposed, reminiscent of burned.

toxic shock syndrome

For the first time, this syndrome was talked about at the end of the 20th century, when outbreaks were recorded among young women during menstruation, in whom Staphylococcus aureus was found in the laboratory in the vagina and cervix. The occurrence of this syndrome was provoked by the use of hyperabsorbent tampons. With a long stay of such a tampon in the vagina, optimal conditions are created for the reproduction of staphylococcus and the synthesis of the toxin. With the discontinuation of the sale of such tampons in the United States, the number of patients with this disease has decreased markedly.

The main manifestations of toxic shock syndrome are:

The infection can cause shock and liver failure.

Toxic shock syndrome, although rare, still occurs today. Therefore, women with a fever, rash should immediately remove the swab and consult a doctor.

Sepsis

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This is the most severe and dangerous manifestation of a staphylococcal infection. Most often observed in newborns and premature babies. The primary foci can be a variety of local staphylococcal diseases: mastitis, omphalitis in newborns (inflammation of the navel). The disease is characterized by a significant daily fluctuation in body temperature from 37 to 40 degrees, chills, hemorrhagic rash, pale skin, shortness of breath, palpitations, lowering blood pressure. At the same time, metastatic foci of infection appear in various organs: meningitis, brain abscess, etc. Sepsis is a dangerous condition and requires active treatment.

Staphylococcal endocarditis

Staphylococcus is the second most common cause of endocarditis. Often the disease develops in the elderly, as well as weakened people. Endocarditis develops acutely with a strong rise in body temperature. Examination reveals progressive valvular insufficiency, as well as heart murmurs. Abscesses of the myocardium and valve ring may form. The disease is often accompanied by pulmonary infarction. People with valvular prostheses are also susceptible to staphylococcal endocarditis. Infection with staphylococcus aureus (mostly epidermal) often occurs during the operation to install a valve prosthesis, but clinical symptoms may appear a year later.

food poisoning

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The disease develops when eating food contaminated with staphylococcus aureus. The bacterium actively multiplies in confectionery creams, salads, meat products. The microorganism enters food as a result of the use of contaminated kitchen utensils, inventory, as well as with contaminated hands of the cook. From the pustules on the hands of the cook, staphylococcus enters the products, where it actively multiplies and becomes the cause of food poisoning in the future.

The incubation period is short. A few hours after eating an infected product, a person suddenly experiences repeated vomiting, weakness, severe pain in the epigastrium, and diarrhea may join. The disease usually ends after a couple of days with a complete recovery.

Principles of treatment

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With the laboratory detection of staphylococcus in the body, a person immediately begins to sound the alarm, how to treat, what to do? The detection of a bacterium without accompanying symptoms of the disease is not a reason for the appointment.

For mild forms of localized staphylococcal disease, symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient. In moderate, severe forms, antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides), as well as specific anti-staphylococcal drugs are used.

Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous bacterium that causes over 100 human diseases. What is this microorganism and why does it scare doctors and patients so much, says MedAboutMe.

Who is staphylococcus?

Staphylococci are bacteria from the Staphylococcaceae family. "Kokki" means round. They really resemble balls, and some species, due to the ability to divide in several planes, form whole “grape clusters”. It was this property of theirs that gave the family its name: in Greek, “stafili” means “grapes”.

Ordinary staphylococcus does not know how to move. Some of the members of this family are aerobes, that is, they need oxygen to provide themselves with energy and nutrients, and some are anaerobes that can do without oxygen. But these types of staphylococci can also exist in the presence of oxygen, therefore they are facultative anaerobes.

Most bacteria from the staphylococcal family cannot form either spores or capsules (Staphylococcus aureus forms a capsule under certain conditions). At the same time, they are distinguished by a sufficient degree of resistance to the following types of external influences:

high temperature: at 150°C, the bacterium dies immediately, and at 70-80°C - only after 20-30 minutes;
pure alcohol;
saline solutions (and this allows staphylococcus to live in the sweat glands);
lack of moisture - staphylococci are able to stay in a dried state for up to six months.

Best of all, staphylococci multiply at a temperature of 35-40 ° C - ideal for the human body.

Staphylococci are part of the healthy microflora of the human skin, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and mucous membranes. This means that you should not equate the presence of staphylococci in the body and a staph infection. Often a provoking factor in increasing the activity of staphylococcus aureus is a weakened immune system or other infections. And in this case, we are talking about infection with staphylococci, which manifests itself in the form of general intoxication (poisoning) of the body and in the development of inflammatory processes with the release of pus.

According to the ability to produce the enzyme coagulase, which coagulates (leads to clotting) blood plasma, staphylococci are divided into:

coagulase-negative: the most "popular" are epidermal staphylococcus aureus and saprophytic;
coagulase-positive: Staphylococcus aureus is dangerous for humans.

The human body is hard to tolerate staphylococcal infection due to the fact that these bacteria in the course of their life activity actively produce various toxins that are dangerous to health:

Membrane damaging toxins.

These substances bind to receptors located on the cell membrane and form a channel-pore passing through the membrane. Through the formed channel, ions and molecules rush into the cell. The cell swells and ruptures. These toxins include hemolysins, which destroy red blood cells.

exfoliative toxins.

It is these substances that cause a scarlatina-like rash, pemphigus in newborns, etc.

An exotoxin that causes toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Under its influence, fever, a drop in blood pressure, kidney damage develop, rashes, lymphocytopenia (a decrease in the level of lymphocytes in the blood) and others are observed on the skin.

True leukocidin.

This substance is similar in principle to hemolysins, but does not destroy erythrocytes, but leukocytes.

Staphylococcus aureus also produces a number of enzymes designed to penetrate into a foreign body and protect the bacterium itself. These enzymes can also have a pathogenic effect.

Both exotoxins and individual components of bacterial cells have the ability to cause an allergic reaction. It is staphylococci that most often lead to the development of skin allergies (dermatitis) and respiratory allergies, such as bronchial asthma.

We should also mention the special factors (proteins) that staphylococcus produces to slow down the processes of phagocytosis. Actually phagocytosis is designed to destroy foreign organisms and diseased or destroyed cells. By inhibiting this vital process, staphylococci do not allow the body to get rid of them. And even more than that, these factors affect the work of T- and B-lymphocytes, reducing the effectiveness of the body's immune response and undermining human health.

Epidermal staphylococcus aureus can most often be found on the skin and mucous membranes of a person. As mentioned above, this is an opportunistic infection. Normally, it does not affect health and does not have increased virulence (the ability to become infected), but is quickly activated when it enters the body of a susceptible person with a weakened immune defense.

This type of staphylococcus is included in the list of hospital infections. The fight against it is complicated by the fact that a considerable time can pass between the infection entering the body and the appearance of the first symptoms. For example, it is Staphylococcus epidermidis that is the most common cause of endocarditis - in 40% of cases. In most cases, it enters the body during surgery and can manifest itself only after a year.

Infection with epidermal staphylococcus is one of the main dangers that arise when medical devices (catheters, etc.) are installed in the human body. Bacteria are able to remain on their surface for a long time due to the special protein adhesin, which ensures the attachment of staphylococcus to the object.

Staphylococcus aureus, when grown on special media, gives colonies colored golden due to carotenoid pigments. For this he got his name.

It can be found in 70-90% of the noses of healthy people, with 20% of them living with Staphylococcus aureus for many years. This microorganism can also be found in the vagina. Less commonly, it occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as on the skin - in the groin and armpits.

Staphylococci are highly variable bacteria. They are constantly mutating and learning to cope with the antibiotics that humanity is developing. Staphylococcus aureus reached perfection in this process. 90% of bacteria of this species are resistant to penicillins. Scientists and doctors around the world separately talk about methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and erythromycin-resistant varieties of Staphylococcus aureus. This is what makes it so dangerous.

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Widespread genus of bacteria. Under the microscope, clusters of staphylococci look like bunches of grapes. There are opportunistic staphylococci (for example, epidermal and saprophytic staphylococci), which under normal conditions are present on the skin, in the nasopharynx and oropharynx without causing disease. Other staphylococci are highly pathogenic for humans (for example, Staphylococcus aureus) and cause purulent lesions of various organs and tissues with high frequency.

Staphylococcus is perhaps the most famous bacterium. After all, it is associated with the development of a variety of diseases. Some species are capable of affecting any organs and tissues, causing various purulent processes. What is the main danger of this microbe? And what should be done with a positive analysis for staphylococcus aureus? Portal MedAboutMe will help our readers understand all the important issues.

Staphylococcus aureus in adults

Staphylococcus is found everywhere. It is found on the skin and mucous membranes, often settles in the throat and nose of a person. But at the same time, it does not cause unpleasant symptoms or severe diseases - carriage of the bacteria is the most common form of staphylococcus in adults. That is why all types of this microorganism are classified as conditionally pathogenic microflora. This means that they do not threaten a healthy person, but under adverse conditions they can cause a disease.

Moreover, if nevertheless the bacterium provokes an infection, it can cause a variety of lesions of organs and tissues. In fact, a specific diagnosis depends only on the localization of the purulent process. Staphylococcus in adults can cause such diseases:

Lesions of the skin and mucous membranes - boils, carbuncles, purulent wounds.
Food poisoning.
Inflammation of the lungs of a bacterial nature.
Bronchitis.
Endocarditis.
Osteomyelitis.
Meningitis.
Blood poisoning.

Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous in this regard, which can penetrate anywhere in the body and cause a generalized infection.

Staphylococcus aureus in women

Among the bacteria that are dangerous specifically for women, saprophytic staphylococcus is isolated, which in some cases can lead to inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. However, this happens quite rarely, since it is this type of bacteria that is easily controlled by the immune system. Subject to hygiene standards, the risk of developing such diseases is minimized.

Staphylococcus aureus during pregnancy

Pregnant women and women in childbirth constitute a risk group for the development of staphylococcal infection. This is due to the fact that a woman's immunity is weakened, metabolic processes are being rebuilt, and against the background of such changes, staphylococcus aureus can become more active. Therefore, it is very important to get tested, even if there are no signs of infection. A positive result is not a reason for the treatment of staphylococcus aureus, however, in this case, a woman should control her condition and be attentive to preventive measures.

Of particular danger during pregnancy is Staphylococcus aureus, since this type of bacterium can easily pass through the placental barrier. This is fraught with serious consequences for the unborn child - the fetal membranes and the fetus itself become infected. Often this ends in a miscarriage.

A pregnant woman with a positive analysis for staphylococcus must take into account the risks of infecting the baby. In particular, if the bacterium is found in the vagina, treatment should be carried out, even if there are no symptoms of inflammation. When passing through the birth canal, a child can become infected with a bacterium, and this will provoke the development of the disease in him.

Since the children's immune system is also underdeveloped, staphylococcus aureus often causes infectious processes in children. Most often in preschool and school age, this bacterium, along with streptococcus, causes respiratory diseases:

sinusitis.
Rhinitis.
Pharyngitis.
Bronchitis.
Pneumonia.

Skin lesions are also common. Moreover, in childhood they can be provoked even by those types of staphylococcus that practically do not bother adults - epidermal and saprophytic. Rashes, pustules appear on the skin and mucous membranes, sometimes the disease is similar to an allergic reaction.

Staphylococcus in children, if it enters the intestines, often provokes eating disorders. Moreover, their cause may not even be the development of a purulent process, but poisoning with toxins that the bacterium secretes.

Staphylococcus aureus in newborns

Since staphylococcus is ubiquitous, a meeting with a microbe often occurs already in infancy, sometimes in the first days of life. And in this case, the development of infection is very likely, moreover, staphylococcus in newborns causes a number of specific diseases that are not typical for other ages. Among them are dermatological problems:

Scalded skin syndrome (Ritter's disease), in which large areas of affected skin form, detachment of the upper layers of the epidermis occurs. Moreover, this particular disease is caused by the exfoliatin toxin secreted by the bacterium, and not by the purulent process itself. Staphylococcus venom is especially dangerous for babies, because it provokes severe lesions.
Pemphigus of newborns. It is characterized by the appearance of many painful blisters.

Staphylococcus in infants can also cause purulent mastitis, food poisoning, and cause poor wound healing. Most often, the infection develops in premature babies, after difficult births, and also if basic hygiene rules are not followed.

Staphylococcus aureus in a newborn, most often aureus, can quickly lead to a generalized lesion - the bacterium easily spreads throughout the body. Even minor lesions of the skin are dangerous, which, without treatment, can turn into phlegmon of newborns - a purulent lesion of fatty tissues, accompanied by necrosis.

If the mother is a carrier of the bacteria, the infection can easily enter the baby's intestines (during breastfeeding), and this leads to serious digestive disorders that affect the growth and development of the newborn. In addition, staphylococcus aureus in children can enter the bloodstream from skin suppurations and cause an extensive inflammatory process that threatens life with sepsis.

What is staphylococcus

Staphylococci are round bacteria that can form clusters resembling clusters. Hence its name: translated from the ancient Greek "kokk" - grain. This is an extensive group of bacteria, numbering 27 species, 14 of which are found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans. At the same time, only 3 species are capable of causing diseases, therefore they are classified as conditionally pathogenic microflora.

Epidermal staphylococcus aureus (S. epidermidis).

Settles on any mucous membranes and skin areas. It poses the greatest danger during operations, for example, it can be introduced into the body with an infected prosthesis - a valve, a shunt, and others. The most common cause of catheter suppuration. In most cases, this staphylococcus does not require treatment, and the infection caused by it goes away on its own after the removal of the prosthesis or replacement of the catheter, as well as cleansing the wound.

Saprophytic staphylococcus (S. Saprophyticus).

The least dangerous of all opportunistic species, most often lives in the urethra and genitals. May cause cystitis and urethritis.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus).

The most pathogenic species of all existing. The vast majority of diseases caused by staphylococcus bacteria are associated with this species. It may also be present in the microflora of a healthy person.

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus got its name for the ability to form a specific pigment - under a microscope, its colonies have a yellowish-orange color. This species was first described in 1880. It is resistant to drugs, withstands boiling, survives under the scorching sun, withstands desiccation. Insensitive to hydrogen peroxide, survives in saline solutions. The latter provides Staphylococcus aureus with the opportunity to live and multiply in the human sweat glands.

The microbe secretes the following main enzymes:

Lipase.

It is able to destroy fats, due to this, the bacterium easily enters the blood from the skin layer, and from there it can move to any organ and tissue.

Coagulase.

Once in the bloodstream, due to this enzyme, the microbe provokes blood clotting and, as a result, surrounds itself with a clot. So staphylococcus protects itself from immune cells - leukocytes.

Penicillinase.

A special enzyme that was developed by staphylococcus aureus by natural selection after the antibiotic penicillin was used to treat infections caused by it. Now many bacteria of this genus are able to break down the penicillin molecule and thus be resistant to such drugs.

In addition, it is Staphylococcus aureus that secretes exo- and endotoxins, which can cause severe poisoning of the body. Even without the development of the inflammatory process, this microbe can harm health.

Staphylococcus aureus is quite resistant to drugs, constantly mutates, and therefore the diseases caused by it are quite difficult to treat. One of the most dangerous strains of bacteria is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, which has developed resistance to methicillin (chemically modified penicillin). Its prevalence is directly related to the frequency of treatment of infections, therefore it occurs mainly as a hospital strain in developed countries.

Staphylococci are classified as immobile bacteria, but recent studies by scientists at the University of Nottingham and Sheffield have shown that it is the methicillin-resistant strain that is able to move.

Diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcal infection is a purulent lesion of a particular area of the skin, mucous membrane, organ, or tissue. The list of diseases caused by staphylococcus includes more than 100 different names. At the same time, each person faced the most common manifestation of infections - the vast majority of abscesses on the skin (boils, barley, carbuncles) are caused by the golden type of this bacterium.

Diseases depend on the place of development of the infectious process:

Respiratory tract: sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis, etc.
Intestine: digestive disorders, poisoning.
Blood: sepsis.
Brain: meningitis.
Bone tissue: osteomyelitis.
Heart: endocarditis.
Mammary gland: purulent mastitis.

With severe damage, staphylococcus aureus can cause a generalized infection that affects all or most organs. Also, the growth of its colony on the skin (pyoderma) can develop into phlegmon - an extensive purulent process. In such cases of staphylococcal infection, treatment is carried out in a hospital, without proper therapy, a fatal outcome is possible.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium resistant to environmental factors that can endure long drying, heat, and so on. It can stay on surfaces for up to six months.

Infection with staphylococcus often occurs through wounds on the skin, because in the majority of the world's population it is part of a healthy microflora. The bacterium can be obtained in transport, on the street, at home, with some food and water.

Due to their amazing resistance, staphylococci are frequent residents of hospitals. Even compliance with all sanitary standards is not able to destroy the microbe, moreover, it is here that its most dangerous strains live.

How is staphylococcus transmitted?

There are several main routes of infection transmission:

Contact household. In this case, staphylococcus enters the body through contaminated items - personal hygiene products for the patient (for example, towels), doorknobs, bedding, and so on.
Airborne. The bacterium is airborne during sneezing, coughing and even talking.
Fecal-oral. Directly related to non-compliance with hygiene standards. Staphylococcus aureus is present in the feces and vomit of an infected person. It is transmitted through dirty hands, with poorly washed vegetables, berries and fruits, poorly washed dishes.
Vertical. In this case, staphylococcus is transmitted to the newborn from the mother either during pregnancy or during childbirth, when the child passes through the birth canal.

The bacterium can persist in dust for several months, it is very difficult to remove it from various fleecy surfaces - carpets, plush, rugs and other things. That is why, for the prevention of staphylococcus aureus in children in the first weeks of life, doctors recommend giving up soft toys, and washing plastic and rubber ones often.

Epidermal staphylococcus can be transmitted even in the operating room, through medical instruments during various manipulations.

Risk groups for the development of diseases

All three types of staphylococcus that can provoke diseases are part of a healthy microflora in most people and do not manifest themselves in any way. The immune system is able to control the growth of microorganisms, to keep their numbers within safe limits. The pathogenicity of bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci manifests itself only in specific cases, when the body's defenses cannot effectively resist it. Risk groups for the development of various staphylococcal infections include the following categories:

People with various forms of immunodeficiency, including those caused by HIV.
Patients with endocrine diseases, diabetes mellitus.
People with chronic diseases, such as bronchial asthma.
Newborns, children of the first years of life.
Elderly people.
Pregnant.

The impetus for an increase in the number of staphylococcus in adults and children can be frequent colds, acute respiratory viral diseases. Especially dangerous in this regard is the flu, which greatly weakens the body. Most often, complications after this disease are associated with the activation of streptococci and staphylococci.

People with bad habits, for example, smokers and those with alcohol addiction, also fall into the risk group. A decrease in immunity can provoke an irregular or poor diet - semi-finished products, fast food, canned foods.

For a healthy person, the risk is non-compliance with hygiene rules. Since staphylococcus survives well in the external environment and is easily transferred through objects and through the air, to reduce its numbers in the room, it is often necessary to carry out wet cleaning and ventilate the room. This is especially true for infants, because they often have skin staphylococcal infections.

The final diagnosis can only be made by a doctor and only on the basis of positive tests for staphylococcus aureus. Since in some cases similar diseases can be triggered by other pathogens, for example, protozoa.

Analysis for staphylococcus aureus

A person constantly encounters different types of this bacterium, therefore, when taking tests, it is necessary to separate the concepts of staphylococcus and staphylococcal infection. Since a positive result does not mean the disease itself. Moreover, such checks are recommended only when staphylococcus is accompanied by symptoms of the disease. Otherwise, a person is simply a carrier of a bacterium, and it cannot cause significant harm. It is also important to determine which staphylococcus aureus caused the disease, since different treatment regimens may be recommended for different types.

The analysis is taken from the area in which the infection is supposed to develop:

Blood is tested if a massive infection is suspected.
Scraping from the skin is taken for dermatological problems.
Feces are examined in the presence of indigestion.
A swab from the nose and throat - if there are diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Urinalysis - with cystitis.

The norms of the degree of staphylococcus are prescribed for each type, each type of analysis and patients of different ages. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the organism, because in some patients even an excess of the norm does not lead to illness, while in others, underestimated indicators cause the onset of an infectious process.

So, for example, the average indicator of the norm is the amount of staphylococcus 10 in 3-4 degrees. Such a result is often found in the analyzes of healthy adults, but for a newborn, such a colony of bacteria can pose a serious threat.

One of the main criteria for the presence of a staphylococcal infection is an increase in the number of microorganisms. Therefore, when staphylococcus aureus is detected, it is important for people who are at risk to pass several tests of the same type so that the doctor can assess the dynamics. If the number does not change, but there are no symptoms, then the degree of staphylococcus present is controlled by the immune system.

Staphylococcal infection: symptoms

In the presence of infection, staphylococcus is manifested by severe symptoms. They depend on the localization of the inflammatory process. Combine all staphylococcal infections such signs:

Fever, local (at the site of infection) or general fever.
The presence of purulent processes.
Intoxication - general deterioration, loss of appetite, drowsiness, joint pain.

The following symptoms are also characteristic:

Ulcers on the skin of different sizes: boils, pyoderma, abscesses and more.
Cough and coryza with purulent yellowish-green discharge.
Mucus in the stool, upset stool, nausea.
Pain at the site of infection. For example, with staphylococcal osteomyelitis, bones begin to hurt, endocarditis may be accompanied by heart pain.

Localization of staphylococcus

Staphylococcus aureus, which is the cause of 90% of all infections provoked by this type of bacteria, can settle in any organs and tissues. This distinguishes it from saprophytic and epidermal and at the same time makes it the most dangerous.

In fact, this microbe can cause purulent processes in any organ. It is able to cross the placental barrier. Therefore, infection in pregnant women can threaten infection of the child and subsequent miscarriage. Staphylococcus aureus also passes the blood-brain barrier, which protects the central nervous system and brain from various infections. This explains its ability to cause purulent meningitis.

Staphylococcus in the nose is found very often, since it is the mucous membranes of the sinuses that are one of the most common habitats for this microbe. Moreover, we are talking about the golden form, since saprophytic and epidermal do not settle here.

Normally, a staph score of 10 grade 3-5 in the nose is not a cause for serious concern and should be treated only if symptoms of the disease are present. For example, whitish or yellow-green discharge from the nose, against which chills, fever, intoxication of the body, and headache appear.

The bacterium can cause the following diseases:

Rhinitis.
Sinusitis.
Sinusitis.
Frontit.

Factors that provoke the growth of staphylococcus aureus in the nose include the following:

Deviation of the nasal septum.
Persistent nasal congestion due to an allergic reaction.
Frequent and uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drops.
The use of antibacterial drops in an incomplete course.
Self-medication with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Staphylococcus in the throat

Often staphylococcus is found in the throat. Moreover, quite often the bacterium spreads through all the upper respiratory tract, if a positive analysis for staphylococcus aureus in the nose is obtained, it is more likely that some of it will be detected in the pharynx.

The habitation of a microbe on mucous membranes without pronounced symptoms of the disease is not a sufficient reason for treatment. However, it must be borne in mind that it is here that its presence increases the risk of developing bacterial complications after SARS. The fact is that even mild viral infections weaken the immune system. And against this background, there is often an increased growth of streptococci and staphylococci - bacteria that are often present on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Microbes can cause such diseases:

Laryngitis.
Angina, tonsillitis.
Pharyngitis.

The main danger is that in some cases, staphylococcus aureus does not linger in the throat, the infection descends down the respiratory tract and causes diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. There is also a possibility of swallowing it and getting the bacteria into the intestines, where it will lead to the development of gastrointestinal diseases.

Staphylococcus aureus in the throat, according to statistics, periodically lives in 60% of the world's population. If it causes infection, the following symptoms appear:

Pain and sore throat.
Hoarseness.
Department of purulent, greenish sputum.
An increase in body temperature (sometimes up to 40 ° C).
In some cases, noticeable pustules on the mucous membranes or severe redness, hyperemia of the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall.

Since Staphylococcus aureus in the throat provokes not only a purulent process, but also releases poisons, the sick person also feels signs of intoxication:

Chills.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Strong weakness.

In an acute course, Staphylococcus aureus in the throat, even if the infection is localized, can worsen the condition of people with chronic diseases. First of all, patients with diseases of the lungs and heart are at risk. In addition to the fact that the infection causes an exacerbation of chronic diseases, staphylococcus aureus in the throat can provoke the development of complications such as purulent pneumonia and lung abscess, as well as endocarditis.

Epidermal staphylococcus aureus

This type of staphylococcus normally lives on the skin and mucous membranes. However, here it is extremely rarely able to provoke an infection - abscesses on the skin are most often caused by a golden look. In this case, when changing the localization, epidermal staphylococcus aureus can cause a purulent process.

It is this species that is responsible for the development of complications during prosthetics - the installation of shunts, heart valves, artificial joints. Also, epidermal staphylococcus aureus provokes suppuration of catheters. But since this species does not have a high level of pathogenicity, it is often enough to remove the infected prosthesis or catheter and treat the lesion site to eliminate complications. Since staphylococcus aureus does not need to be treated with antibiotics, it is easier to tolerate than aureus.

The danger of epidermal staphylococcus is not even associated with the infection itself, but with the fact that often complex patients are forced to undergo repeated operations after a short period of time. After all, a staphylococcal infection develops in the first 1-3 days after surgery. And this increases the risk of complications associated with the surgery itself.

An analysis for staphylococcus aureus in feces is a common examination in childhood for various digestive disorders, changes in stool color, diarrhea or constipation. A positive result indicates that staphylococcus aureus is present in the intestine, however, as in other cases, it may well be part of the normal microflora.

Therefore, even in the presence of these symptoms, treatment should not be started without additional tests. It is important to make sure that the gastrointestinal upset is not triggered by other factors. The fact is that it is in childhood that the digestive system is imperfect. The baby's body does not yet produce enough enzymes to break down various products, as a result, even good food can cause indigestion, diarrhea, and provoke skin rashes.

In this case, staphylococcus in the intestine may not be the cause of the listed ailments. At the same time, treatment, which will necessarily include antibiotics, will negatively affect the composition of the microflora and can provoke the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

A staphylococcal infection in the intestine differs from common disorders in the following ways:

Manifestations do not depend on the type of food.
Symptoms are always present.
Staphylococcus in the feces is characterized by mucous, and sometimes purulent discharge.
Diarrhea and abdominal pain are accompanied by fever.
With staphylococcus aureus, there may be blood in the stool.
Often there are purulent rashes on the skin.

With a positive analysis for staphylococcus, it is advisable to take a few more of these - so the doctor can see if the number of bacteria is increasing and whether the disease itself is progressing.

Staphylococcus in urine

The presence of bacteria in the urine is referred to as bacteriuria. And unlike other cases, there should not be a normal staphylococcus in this analysis. However, with a positive result, there is a possibility that the microbe got into the material during collection, from the skin. True bacteriuria is rare. For example, in pregnant women, such a diagnosis is confirmed only in 2-8% of all cases.

Therefore, the decision on the presence of infection and the diagnosis is checked by the results of two independent tests and only if staphylococcus is accompanied by symptoms of diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys. In 15-45% with bacteriuria, diseases of these organs can actually develop:

Cystitis.
Urethritis.
Pyelonephritis.

But even if the analysis is positive, it is necessary to pay attention to what kind of staphylococcus the urine is infected with. So, for example, golden is more likely to provoke a disease and can hurt the kidneys, but saprophytic does not pose a great danger.

Staphylococcus in the blood

A positive test for staphylococcus aureus in the blood is a potentially dangerous situation with any number of microbes. Together with the bloodstream, bacteria can spread throughout the body, causing extensive damage to various organs, as well as blood poisoning - sepsis.

Staphylococcus aureus, getting into the blood, due to the enzyme coagulase, is able to form a blood clot around itself, thus protecting itself from the immune system. The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream can provoke such diseases:

Damage to the heart valves.
Pneumonia.
Osteomyelitis.
Pyelonephritis.
Liver damage.

In addition, if staphylococcus aureus passes through the blood-brain barrier, it will cause brain damage - meningitis. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus found in the blood requires prompt treatment. Especially when it comes to newborns and children of the first years of life.

Staphylococcus in the blood is found extremely rarely, as a rule, in people with immunodeficiency, after severe illnesses and if the purulent process has not been treated.

Treatment of staphylococcal infections in adults and children is quite difficult, sometimes it can take several months. In some cases, it is necessary to change the main drug several times - the originally selected antibiotic. Depending on the severity of the infection, staphylococcus aureus is treated on an outpatient basis or in a hospital.

When is treatment needed?

The indication for treatment is the presence of a staphylococcal infection, and not the pathogen itself. Like any bacterial process, it proceeds with severe symptoms: intoxication of the body is observed, there are signs of purulent processes. If the patient has such complaints, before treating staphylococcus aureus, the patient is sent for tests. Material is taken from the place of the alleged localization of the infection, bakposev is done. After that, it is specified what kind of staphylococcus a person is infected with, the number of bacteria is specified.

In this case, if staphylococcus is detected in the tests, and there are no symptoms of the disease, treatment can only worsen the situation. The fact is that antibiotics are a common medicine for the treatment of staphylococcal infections. These drugs, with all their effectiveness, still significantly affect the composition of the microflora. As a result of taking them while carrying staphylococcus aureus, an increase in the number of microbes can be provoked, and this will already lead to the development of an infection.

If the disease is confirmed, in no case should you self-medicate, especially with the use of antibacterial drugs. Since staphylococcus actively mutates, today it is resistant to many drugs.

After it is determined which staphylococcus a person is infected with, the patient is tested for sensitivity to antibiotics. Only after it is selected the appropriate drug.

At the same time, the treatment of some types of staphylococcus, for example, epidermal or aureus, which caused a lesion on the skin, can take place without antibacterial drugs. Such a lesion with staphylococcus involves treatment using surgical methods. The abscess is opened, pus is removed, the wound is treated with antiseptic agents. Moreover, despite the resistance of this bacterium to many drugs, it dies from aniline dyes. Therefore, wounds are often smeared with brilliant green.

Staphylococcus in the throat, which caused the infection, is also necessarily treated with the use of local remedies. Affected areas can be treated with a solution of chlorophyllipt, as well as various healing ointments, for example, vinylin.

Staphylococcus in the intestine requires the use of antibiotics. Staphylococcal bacteriophage, a special virus that can infect these bacteria, can also be used.

The complex of treatment for staphylococcal infections necessarily includes measures to strengthen the immune system. If the disease progresses rapidly and is of a generalized nature, the patient will be recommended to take tests for the presence of HIV infection or examinations for other possible causes of immunodeficiencies.

Staphylococcus aureus and its treatment

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of infections caused by this family of bacteria. With high pathogenicity, it also has a number of protective mechanisms that make it immune to drugs and some immune defense mechanisms.

The most dangerous type is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is always extremely difficult to treat because it is resistant to first-line antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins). It was first discovered in the UK in 1961 and has since spread widely around the world, mainly in European countries and North America.

Under normal conditions, this type of bacterium behaves like other staphylococci - it does not cause disease, but coexists with the microflora. However, if it leads to the development of an infection, often the lesions spread throughout the body, and are not local. It is with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus that doctors most often associate complex cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

Antibiotics for streptococci and staphylococci

The first open antibiotics, penicillins, were effective against just two main groups of bacteria that affect humans - streptococci and staphylococci. In the first years of using the drug, it was possible to successfully treat most purulent processes, stop sepsis, and increase survival in severe purulent wounds. However, staphylococci have managed to develop resistance to these drugs, in particular, some strains of aureus produce the enzyme penicillanase, which quickly destroys and neutralizes the drug.

Nevertheless, antibiotics of the penicillin group are still considered first-line drugs. In the treatment of staphylococcal infections, the latest generations of medicines are used - amoxicillin, oxacillin and others.

Also common antibiotics in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections include cephalosporins - cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefazolin.

In severe cases, the following drugs are used:

Vancomycin (although strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to this drug have been identified today).
Clindamycin.
Co-trimoxazole.
Tetracyclines - doxycycline, minocycline.

The choice of any drug, as well as the treatment regimen, is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Before the appointment, tests for sensitivity to antibiotics are taken.

A nosocomial infection is considered to be a disease that has developed in a person 48-72 hours after admission to the hospital. And one of the main causative agents of such diseases is Staphylococcus aureus. At the same time, its most dangerous forms live in the walls of hospitals - antibiotic-resistant, often leading to fatal infections. This is due to the fact that it is in medical institutions that the premises are treated with antiseptic agents, patients take various medications. Thus, conditions are created for the survival of only the most resistant forms of staphylococcus.

Among the most common nosocomial infections is nosocomial pneumonia, which occupies one fifth of all diseases developing in hospitals. Factors that increase the risk of contracting this type of pneumonia include:

Immunodeficiencies.
Chronic lung diseases.
Smoking.
Frequent, uncontrolled use of antibiotics.
Renal failure.
Bronchoscopy and tracheal intubation procedures.
postoperative period.

Since hospital-acquired staphylococcus is very difficult to treat, a patient may need a combination of several antibacterial agents and even the introduction of immunoglobulins.

These bacteria are transmitted in the usual ways: airborne and contact-household. The carriers of the microbe are often the doctors themselves - they have dangerous strains of staphylococcus found in the nose and throat. Also, if hygiene standards are not observed, the infection can be carried on hospital gowns, dishes, bedding, and medical instruments.

Complication of staphylococcal infections

The most dangerous complication of a staphylococcal infection of any localization is the entry of bacteria into the blood. It is in this case that life-threatening conditions can develop - damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, development of sepsis. After an infection, a person can become disabled. Such a course of staphylococcal infection is of particular danger in infants, since irreversible processes can develop within several days, and sometimes even hours.

Superficial skin lesions can provoke the development of phlegmon - an acute and extensive purulent lesion of adipose tissue.

Under certain conditions, Staphylococcus aureus is a mortal danger, so even if the infection is local, it is subject to mandatory treatment.

Also, serious complications of staphylococcal infection include toxic damage to the body. Many strains of Staphylococcus aureus can secrete the strongest poisons - endotoxins. It is with them that severe poisoning is associated (when staphylococcus is detected in the feces), causing diarrhea, vomiting and severe pain in the abdomen. Poisons also cause toxic shock syndrome, which is fatal if left untreated.

Prevention of staphylococcal infections

Understanding how difficult it is to treat staphylococcus, most doctors pay attention to the prevention of infection. It is simply impossible to completely get rid of different types of this microorganism. Therefore, the key task is not to eliminate the bacteria, but to prevent the development of an infectious process. Staphylococcus becomes pathogenic with a large accumulation of bacteria and an uncontrolled growth in their number. And this can happen in two cases:

When the body's resistance is low, when the immune system cannot stop the reproduction of the microorganism.
With frequent contact with a source of infection.

By eliminating these two factors, you can expect that staphylococcus aureus will not cause symptoms of the disease.

Compliance with hygiene standards is a key task in the prevention of infection. Since staphylococcus can be transmitted by household contact, and also stored in dust for a long time, the following rules must be observed:

Washing hands after walking, going to the toilet, before eating.
Eating only well-washed vegetables, fruits, berries, as well as fresh foods.
The intake of drinking water only from clean sources.
Frequent wet cleaning.
Room ventilation.

The overwhelming majority of doctors associate the development of staphylococcal infection in infants with non-compliance with hygiene standards. If the disease develops a few weeks after birth, infection with staphylococcus aureus in childbirth or the perinatal period is excluded.

In order to avoid the risk of infection, you need:

Bathe the child daily.
Change diapers frequently.
Use only clean clothes, diapers, bed linen.
Wash toys regularly.
Disinfect pacifiers and bottles. In no case do not lick them before giving them to the child: if the mother has Staphylococcus aureus in her throat, it will be passed on to the child.
Rinse nipples before breastfeeding.
Refuse fleecy things in the children's room - soft toys, carpets and other things.
Often ventilate the room, spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.

It is also necessary to remember that staphylococcus easily penetrates through small wounds and cuts on the skin and in such cases can cause a local purulent process. Therefore, any skin lesions should be treated:

The wound is well washed and cleaned of dirt.
Damage is treated with an antiseptic.
A bandage is applied.

Immunity

With a normally functioning immune system, even a bacterium that enters an open wound will be quickly neutralized and will not lead to infection. Also, it is the protective functions of the body that prevent the entry of staphylococcus into the blood, and hence the development of pneumonia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis and meningitis.

Immunity can suffer under the influence of such factors:

An unbalanced diet with an insufficient amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements.
Bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.
Hypodynamia, sedentary lifestyle.
Frequent stressful situations, depression.
Insufficient sleep.
Uncontrolled medication, especially antibiotics.

All this is a prerequisite for the emergence of various diseases, which in turn further reduce the protective functions of the body. That is why staphylococcus in adults and children is often activated against the background of SARS, exacerbation of chronic infections, and other things.

Particular attention must be paid to people suffering from primary or acquired immunodeficiencies, since they rarely carry staphylococcus aureus - with any contact, the bacterium causes an infection. The high-risk group includes people with cancer, as well as those undergoing chemotherapy, taking medications for a long time.

Staphylococcus aureus in adults

Lesions of the skin and mucous membranes - boils, carbuncles, purulent wounds.
Food poisoning.
Inflammation of the lungs of a bacterial nature.
Bronchitis.
Endocarditis.
Osteomyelitis.
Meningitis.
Blood poisoning.

Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous in this regard, which can penetrate anywhere in the body and cause a generalized infection.

Staphylococcus aureus in women

Staphylococcus aureus during pregnancy

sinusitis.
Rhinitis.
Pharyngitis.
Bronchitis.
Pneumonia.

Staphylococcus aureus in newborns

Scalded skin syndrome (Ritter's disease), in which large areas of affected skin form, detachment of the upper layers of the epidermis occurs. Moreover, this particular disease is caused by the exfoliatin toxin secreted by the bacterium, and not by the purulent process itself. Staphylococcus venom is especially dangerous for babies, because it provokes severe lesions.
Pemphigus of newborns. It is characterized by the appearance of many painful blisters.

What is staphylococcus

Epidermal staphylococcus aureus (S. epidermidis).

Saprophytic staphylococcus (S. Saprophyticus).

The least dangerous of all opportunistic species, most often lives in the urethra and genitals. May cause cystitis and urethritis.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus).

The microbe secretes the following main enzymes:

Lipase.

It is able to destroy fats, due to this, the bacterium easily enters the blood from the skin layer, and from there it can move to any organ and tissue.

Coagulase.

Once in the bloodstream, due to this enzyme, the microbe provokes blood clotting and, as a result, surrounds itself with a clot. So staphylococcus protects itself from immune cells - leukocytes.

Penicillinase.

Diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus

Diseases depend on the place of development of the infectious process:

Respiratory tract: sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis, etc.
Intestine: digestive disorders, poisoning.
Blood: sepsis.
Brain: meningitis.
Bone tissue: osteomyelitis.
Heart: endocarditis.
Mammary gland: purulent mastitis.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium resistant to environmental factors that can endure long drying, heat, and so on. It can stay on surfaces for up to six months.

How is staphylococcus transmitted?

There are several main routes of infection transmission:

Contact household. In this case, staphylococcus enters the body through contaminated items - personal hygiene products for the patient (for example, towels), doorknobs, bedding, and so on.
Airborne. The bacterium is airborne during sneezing, coughing and even talking.
Fecal-oral. Directly related to non-compliance with hygiene standards. Staphylococcus aureus is present in the feces and vomit of an infected person. It is transmitted through dirty hands, with poorly washed vegetables, berries and fruits, poorly washed dishes.
Vertical. In this case, staphylococcus is transmitted to the newborn from the mother either during pregnancy or during childbirth, when the child passes through the birth canal.

Epidermal staphylococcus can be transmitted even in the operating room, through medical instruments during various manipulations.

Risk groups for the development of diseases

People with various forms of immunodeficiency, including those caused by HIV.
Patients with endocrine diseases, diabetes mellitus.
People with chronic diseases, such as bronchial asthma.
Newborns, children of the first years of life.
Elderly people.
Pregnant.

Analysis for staphylococcus aureus

The analysis is taken from the area in which the infection is supposed to develop:

Blood is tested if a massive infection is suspected.
Scraping from the skin is taken for dermatological problems.
Feces are examined in the presence of indigestion.
A swab from the nose and throat - if there are diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Urinalysis - at.

Staphylococcal infection: symptoms

In the presence of infection, staphylococcus is manifested by severe symptoms. They depend on the localization of the inflammatory process. Combine all staphylococcal infections such signs:

Fever, local (at the site of infection) or general fever.
The presence of purulent processes.
Intoxication - general deterioration, loss of appetite, drowsiness, joint pain.

The following symptoms are also characteristic:

Ulcers on the skin of different sizes: boils, pyoderma, abscesses and more.
Cough and coryza with purulent yellowish-green discharge.
Mucus in the stool, upset stool, nausea.
Pain at the site of infection. For example, with staphylococcal osteomyelitis, bones begin to hurt, endocarditis may be accompanied by heart pain.

Localization of staphylococcus

The bacterium can cause the following diseases:

Rhinitis.
Sinusitis.
Sinusitis.
Frontit.

Factors that provoke the growth of staphylococcus aureus in the nose include the following:

Deviation of the nasal septum.
Persistent nasal congestion due to an allergic reaction.
Frequent and uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drops.
The use of antibacterial drops in an incomplete course.
Self-treatment of a wide spectrum of action.

Staphylococcus in the throat

Microbes can cause such diseases:

Laryngitis.
Angina, tonsillitis.
Pharyngitis.

Staphylococcus aureus in the throat, according to statistics, periodically lives in 60% of the world's population. If it causes infection, the following symptoms appear:

Pain and sore throat.
Hoarseness.
Department of purulent, greenish sputum.
An increase in body temperature (sometimes up to 40 ° C).
In some cases, noticeable pustules on the mucous membranes or severe redness, hyperemia of the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall.

Since Staphylococcus aureus in the throat provokes not only a purulent process, but also releases poisons, the sick person also feels signs of intoxication:

Chills.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Strong weakness.

Epidermal staphylococcus aureus

A staphylococcal infection in the intestine differs from common disorders in the following ways:

Manifestations do not depend on the type of food.
Symptoms are always present.
Staphylococcus in the feces is characterized by mucous, and sometimes purulent discharge.
Diarrhea and abdominal pain are accompanied by fever.
With staphylococcus aureus, there may be blood in the stool.
Often there are purulent rashes on the skin.

With a positive analysis for staphylococcus, it is advisable to take a few more of these - so the doctor can see if the number of bacteria is increasing and whether the disease itself is progressing.

Staphylococcus in urine

Cystitis.
Urethritis.
Pyelonephritis.

Staphylococcus in the blood

Damage to the heart valves.
Pneumonia.
Osteomyelitis.
Pyelonephritis.
Liver damage.

Staphylococcus in the blood is found extremely rarely, as a rule, in people with immunodeficiency, after severe illnesses and if the purulent process has not been treated.

When is treatment needed?

If the disease is confirmed, in no case should you self-medicate, especially with the use of antibacterial drugs. Since staphylococcus actively mutates, today it is resistant to many drugs.

After it is determined which staphylococcus a person is infected with, the patient is tested for sensitivity to antibiotics. Only after it is selected the appropriate drug.

Staphylococcus in the intestine requires the use of antibiotics. Staphylococcal bacteriophage, a special virus that can infect these bacteria, can also be used.

Staphylococcus aureus and its treatment

Antibiotics for streptococci and staphylococci

Also common antibiotics in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections include cephalosporins - cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefazolin.

In severe cases, the following drugs are used:

Vancomycin (although strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to this drug have been identified today).
Clindamycin.
Co-trimoxazole.
Tetracyclines - doxycycline, minocycline.

The choice of any drug, as well as the treatment regimen, is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Before the appointment, tests for sensitivity to antibiotics are taken.

Immunodeficiencies.
Chronic lung diseases.
Smoking.
Frequent, uncontrollable.
Renal failure.
Bronchoscopy and tracheal intubation procedures.
postoperative period.

Since hospital-acquired staphylococcus is very difficult to treat, a patient may need a combination of several antibacterial agents and even the introduction of immunoglobulins.

Complication of staphylococcal infections

Superficial skin lesions can provoke the development of phlegmon - an acute and extensive purulent lesion of adipose tissue.

Under certain conditions, Staphylococcus aureus is a mortal danger, so even if the infection is local, it is subject to mandatory treatment.

Prevention of staphylococcal infections

When the body's resistance is low, when the immune system cannot stop the reproduction of the microorganism.
With frequent contact with a source of infection.

By eliminating these two factors, you can expect that staphylococcus aureus will not cause symptoms of the disease.

Washing hands after walking, going to the toilet, before eating.
Eating only well-washed vegetables, fruits, berries, as well as fresh foods.
The intake of drinking water only from clean sources.
Frequent wet cleaning.
Room ventilation.

In order to avoid the risk of infection, you need:

Bathe the child daily.
Change diapers frequently.
Use only clean clothes, diapers, bed linen.
Wash toys regularly.
Disinfect pacifiers and bottles. In no case do not lick them before giving them to the child: if the mother has Staphylococcus aureus in her throat, it will be passed on to the child.
Rinse nipples before breastfeeding.
Refuse fleecy things in the children's room - soft toys, carpets and other things.
Often ventilate the room, spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.

The wound is well washed and cleaned of dirt.
Damage is treated with an antiseptic.
A bandage is applied.

Immunity

Immunity can suffer under the influence of such factors:

An unbalanced diet with an insufficient amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements.
Bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.
Hypodynamia, sedentary lifestyle.
Frequent stressful situations, depression.
Insufficient sleep.
Uncontrolled medication, especially antibiotics.