Staphylococcal infection symptoms in adults. How does staphylococcus manifest itself and why is it dangerous? Common symptoms of staphylococcus can be

Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) is a spherical, nonmotile and aerobic (capable of existing in the air) Gram-staining bacterium that causes various diseases in children and, less commonly, in adults.

Staphylococcus aureus gets its name from the golden glow it produces when sown on a nutrient medium. Translated from the Greek slaphyle - “bunch” and coccus - “spherical”, staphylococcus under a microscope resembles a bunch of grapes. Staphylococcus aureus is widespread in environment, it can be sown from household items, from toys, from medical instruments, from breast milk and affected skin and mucous membranes of a sick and healthy person.

Why is Staphylococcus aureus dangerous?

Fine Staphylococcus aureus lives on the skin and mucous membranes of almost all people. But healthy people with good immunity do not suffer from staphylococcal infection, since normal microflora suppresses the growth of staphylococcus and does not allow its pathogenic essence to manifest itself. But when the body’s defenses are weakened, the microbe “raises its head” and causes various diseases, including blood poisoning or sepsis.

The high pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is associated with three factors.

  • Firstly, the microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics and environmental factors (withstands boiling for 10 minutes, drying, freezing, ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, with the exception of brilliant green).
  • Secondly, Staphylococcus aureus produces the enzymes penicillinase and lidase, which makes it protected from almost all antibiotics penicillin series and helps to melt the skin, including sweat glands, and penetrate deep into the body.
  • And thirdly, the microbe produces endotoxin, which leads to both food poisoning and a syndrome of general intoxication of the body, up to the development of infectious-toxic shock.

And, of course, it should be noted that there is no immunity to Staphylococcus aureus, and a person who has had a staphylococcal infection can become infected with it again.

Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous for infants in the maternity hospital. It is in hospitals that the concentration of this microbe in the environment is high, which is of no small importance due to violation of the rules of asepsis and sterilization of instruments and carriage of staphylococcus among medical workers. personnel.

Causes

There is no doubt that the cause of staphylococcal infection is, as a rule, Staphylococcus aureus. Infection occurs when immunity decreases, which is facilitated by a number of factors:

  • taking antibiotics and hormonal drugs;
  • stress;
  • poor nutrition;
  • hypo- and vitamin deficiencies;
  • infections;
  • intestinal dysbiosis;
  • failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
  • immaturity of the child at birth;
  • artificial feeding;
  • late breastfeeding.

Types of staphylococcal infection

There are generalized and local forms of staphylococcal infection.

Generalized forms include sepsis (septicopyemia and septicocemia).

Local forms include diseases of the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, joints, mammary glands and umbilical cord. Also, food poisoning with staphylococcus endotoxin should be highlighted in a separate column.

In addition, staphylococcal infection can be primary and secondary (if there is a primary focus). Along the flow, sharp, lingering and chronic forms, and according to the severity of staphylococcal infection, mild, moderate and severe.

Symptoms depending on the affected organ

Symptoms of staphylococcal infection depend on the location of staphylococcus in the child’s body and the degree to which the body’s defenses are reduced. The main signs of staphylococcal infection include

  • increase in body temperature
  • severe intoxication syndrome (lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, nausea).

Omphalitis

Microbial infection of the umbilical wound, which is accompanied by swelling of the umbilical ring, purulent discharge from the wound. When the umbilical vein is involved in the process, a compacted and thickened vein is palpated. There is also hyperemia that spreads upward, towards the sternum.

Defeat skin

  • With pseudofurunculosis (damage to the sweat glands, not the sebaceous glands), dense, red nodules appear in the skin folds (accumulation of sweat glands), which then fester.
  • Vesiculopustulosis is characterized by the formation of bubbles with liquid contents, which spontaneously open and a crust forms in their place.
  • Exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease), or “scalded skin syndrome,” is characterized by the formation of large blisters that look like burns, then the skin peels off and unprotected wounds form.
  • An abscess is a lesion of the deep layers of the skin with visible redness and thickening. A cavity containing pus is formed.
  • Panaritium is a lesion of the extreme phalanx of the finger.
  • Phlegmon - in addition to the skin, the process involves subcutaneous tissue, which suppurates.

Eye damage

When the mucous membrane of the eyes is damaged, conjunctivitis develops (photophobia, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, purulent discharge from the eyes).

Respiratory tract damage

Food poisoning

It develops when eating contaminated or spoiled food and occurs with symptoms of acute enterocolitis. Characterized by fever, nausea, vomiting up to 10 or more times a day, loose stool with a touch of greenery.

Sepsis

Blood poisoning, or sepsis, occurs with severe immunodeficiency. The course of the disease is severe, with a very high temperature, severe symptoms intoxication, impaired consciousness (from excitement to lethargy).

With the development of infectious-toxic shock, blood pressure drops sharply, the patient loses consciousness and may fall into a coma.

Septicopyemia is the circulation of Staphylococcus aureus in the blood with the formation of purulent foci, both on the child’s skin and in the internal organs.

Septicemia is characterized by the development of infectious toxicosis. Septicemia can be complicated by the addition of pneumonia, the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, etc.

Diagnostics

Differential diagnosis of staphylococcal infection should be carried out with streptococcal infection. In the diagnosis of diseases of staphylococcal etiology, the following serological methods are used, which are characterized by speed and high accuracy:

  • Standard coagulase test in vitro, which lasts 4 hours, but negative result extended for a day.
  • Latex agglutination, which uses commercial kits of latex particles associated with antibodies to staphylococcus (A-protein, clumping factor and a number of surface antigens), which makes it also useful for species and strain identification of the pathogen

Also used:

  • General blood and urine tests (leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased ESR are detected in the blood, and protein, leukocytes, staphylococci in the urine).
  • Sowing biological material on nutrient media.

Sowing on nutrient media is carried out to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine its sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics.

Stool culture should be done no later than 3 hours after defecation; swabs from the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasopharynx should be taken on an empty stomach, before brushing your teeth and before taking medications.

A smear for staphylococcal conjunctivitis is taken from the lower eyelid with a sterile swab soaked in distilled water before washing.

At skin diseases smears are taken after pre-treating the skin around the wound with an antiseptic solution and removing necrotic areas (crusts) from the wound.

  • Widal agglutination reaction

Allows you to determine the dynamics of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. It is carried out 2 or more times with breaks of 7-10 days. An increase in antibody titer in the blood of more than 1:100 indicates the progression of the infection.

  • Phagotyping of isolated staphylococci

Allows you to determine the sensitivity of a microbe to phage viruses in order to prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment

For mild forms of staphylococcal infection, antibiotics are not required.

For moderate and severe forms semisynthetic penicillins (amoxiclav), which are effective when the microorganism is resistant to penicillins, and cephalosporins (kefzol, ceftriaxone) are prescribed.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and infection of the skin or internal organs (from 7 days to several months).

For purulent-inflammatory skin diseases (furunculosis, carbuncle, impetigo) it is prescribed local treatment- mupirocin or pleuromutilin derivatives. In their absence, wounds can be treated with antiseptic solutions: brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate and antibacterial ointments (synthomycin, oleandomycin ointments, Bactroban).

At conjunctivitis The eyes are washed daily with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and a 30% solution of albucid is instilled 4-5 times a day.

For purulent skin lesions ( abscesses, phlegmon), surgical opening of the abscesses is performed to drain the pus.

In addition, the administration of antistaphylococcal bacteriophage, antistaphylococcal plasma and immunoglobulin is indicated (for sepsis and severe diseases).

For staphylococcal foodborne toxic infection, antibiotics are not prescribed; antistaphylococcal toxoid is used. Gastric lavage is carried out and the volume of circulating blood is replenished with intravenous infusions of saline solutions (saline solution, glucose solution, rehydron and others).

To prevent intestinal dysbiosis, it is recommended to use antifungal drugs (Diflucan, nystatin) in parallel with antibiotics.

At the same time, immunocorrective therapy is prescribed (vitamins B, C, levamisole, Tactivin and others).

A pediatric infectious disease specialist treats staphylococcal infections in children.

Treatment methods are selected depending on the damage to certain organs. The child is hospitalized in a separate ward-box, where bed and underwear are changed daily and the patient showers daily.

Complications and prognosis

Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous for infants. Possible complications:

  • sepsis;
  • infectious-toxic shock;
  • coma;
  • death.

The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

With mild lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, the prognosis is favorable. Massive infection with Staphylococcus aureus, especially with the development of sepsis, is fatal in 50%.

Article about staphylococcus: diagnosis, treatment, symptoms of staphylococcal infection. The term staphylococcal infection includes the group infectious diseases which are caused by Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogenic staphylococci

Staphylococcus (lat. Staphylococcus, from the ancient Greek "staphylo" "grapes" and "kokkos" - "grain") is a genus of bacteria of the Staphylococcaceae family. Representatives of this genus are non-motile gram-positive cocci, the cell diameter of which ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 µm. Pathogenic staphylococcus (Staphylococcus aureus) was discovered by R. Koch (1878), isolated from the pus of a boil by L. Pasteur (1880), described as the causative agent of many suppurative processes by A. Auguston (1881), and studied in detail by F. Rosenbach (1884).

Staphylococci are spherical in shape and arranged in irregular clusters resembling bunches of grapes.

Pathogenic staphylococci produce exotoxin, which has hemolytic and necrotic effects.

The most famous types:

Staphylococcus aureus(Staphylococcus aureus), as the most pathogenic for humans. Named for its ability to form a golden pigment. It can cause purulent inflammatory processes in humans in almost all organs and tissues.

Staphylococcus epidermidis(Staphylococcus epidermidis) - often found on human skin and mucous membranes, can cause sepsis, endocarditis, conjunctivitis, purulent wound infections and purulent infections urinary tract.

Staphylococcus saprophytic(Staphylococcus saprophyticus) - can cause acute cystitis and urethritis.

Staphylococcus hemolytic (Staphylococcus haemolyticus)

Symptoms and diseases caused by staphylococcus

In humans, staphylococci cause a number of purulent lesions - abscesses, dermatitis, hydroadenitis, felons, boils, blepharitis, periostitis, carbuncles, osteomyelitis, folliculitis, dermatitis, sycosis, eczema, pyoderma, pneumonia, peritonitis, meningitis, cholecystitis, appendicitis.

Staphylococci cause the development of secondary diseases with influenza, smallpox, postoperative suppuration, and wound infections. Staphylococcal pneumonia and staphylococcal sepsis in children are terrible diseases.

In mixed infections, staphylococci play an important role. Staphylococci are found together with streptococci in diphtheria, wound infections, tuberculosis, tonsillitis, influenza, actinomycosis, parainfluenza and other forms of acute respiratory infections.

Staphylococcal infections reduce human immunity. Damage to the skin (violation of hygiene rules, splinters, injuries, friction against clothing) is a favorable condition for local staphylococcal infections, a decrease in the body’s immune forces due to other diseases, stress, hypovitaminosis, nutritional disorders are prerequisites for the development of common staphylococcal infections.

Staphylococcus aureus produces an enzyme - coagulase - during its life. Staphylococcus penetrates from the surface of the skin into the vascular bed under the action of coagulase and the blood begins to clot. Staphylococci turn out to be inside microthrombi - this leads to the development of staphylococcal sepsis, and the infection can also enter any organ and provoke a purulent inflammatory process. Staphylococcal infections can also cause the development of osteomyelitis. Staphylococcus can penetrate from the skin into mammary gland(reason for development purulent mastitis), and from the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract - into the paranasal sinuses, ear cavity, and down into the lungs.

Staphylococcal infections are characterized by the diversity of pathogens. Quite often, infection occurs not with one, but with several or more varieties of staphylococcus.

Treatment of staphylococcal infections and diseases caused by staphylococcus:

Staphylococci are characterized by relatively high resistance to drying, freezing, exposure to sunlight and chemical substances. In a dried state they are viable for more than 6 months, in dust - 50-100 days. Repeated freezing and thawing does not kill staphylococci. They do not die for many hours from the action of direct sun rays. Staphylococci can withstand heating at a temperature of 70 0 C for more than one hour. At a temperature of 80 0 C they die in 10-60 minutes, from boiling - instantly; A 5% phenol solution kills staphylococci within 15-30 minutes. Staphylococci are very sensitive to some aniline dyes, especially brilliant green, which is successfully used in the treatment of superficial purulent skin lesions caused by staphylococci.

The modern approach to the treatment of staphylococcal infections includes the following areas of treatment:

  • Use of modern antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics;
  • Surgical methods treatment;
  • Immunomodulation methods;
  • Normalization of the hormonal status and metabolic process of the body with the help of food additives (chitosan, cordyceps), mineral preparations, vitamins.

Most effective drug against staphylococci - bacteriophage staphylococcal- immunobiological preparation, phage. This is a lysate of phages that are capable of lysing staphylococcal bacteria isolated during purulent infections. It is used for the treatment and prevention of purulent infections of the skin, mucous membranes, visceral organs caused by staphylococcal bacteria (sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, purulent wounds, infected burns, abscess, phlegmon, boil, carbuncle, hidradenitis, panaritium, paraproctitis, mastitis, bursitis, osteomyelitis, urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, colpitis, endometritis, salpingoophoritis, gastroenterocolitis, cholecystitis, omphalitis, sepsis), as well as intestinal dysbiosis . The drug is a phagolysate filtrate, active against staphylococcal bacteria of the most common phagotypes, incl. Staphylococcus aureus. An important condition for effective phage therapy is the preliminary determination of the phage sensitivity of the pathogen (determination of the sensitivity to staphylococcal bacteriophage of strains isolated from the patient).

The staphylococcal bacteriophage is introduced into the source of infection. The duration of the course of treatment is 5-15 days. Doses and route of administration depend on the nature of the source of infection (locally in the form of irrigation, lotions and tamponing; intradermally; in the cavity - abdominal, pleural, articular; into the bladder through a catheter; per os and per rectum). In case of recurrent course of the disease, it is possible to carry out repeat courses treatment.

Locally in the form of irrigation, lotions and tamponing with liquid phage in an amount of up to 200 ml, taking into account the size of the affected area, or lubrication with ointment.

It is advisable to treat purulent-inflammatory diseases with localized lesions simultaneously both locally and through the mouth for 7-20 days.

For purulent-inflammatory diseases of the ear, throat, nose, staphylococcal bacteriophage is administered in a dose of 2-10 ml 1-3 times a day; used for rinsing, washing, instillation, introduction of moistened turundas (leaving them for 1 hour).

For boils and carbuncles, liquid staphylococcal bacteriophage is injected directly into the lesion or under the base of the infiltrate, as well as around it. Injections are made daily, every other day, depending on the reaction, in successively increasing doses: for 1 injection - 0.5 ml, then 1 - 1.5 - 2 ml. A total of 3-5 injections are performed per treatment cycle.

For abscesses, staphylococcal bacteriophage is injected into the cavity of the lesion after puncture removal of pus. The amount of the administered drug should be slightly less than the volume of removed pus. When opening an abscess, a tampon richly moistened with staphylococcal bacteriophage is inserted into the cavity.

For chronic osteomyelitis, staphylococcal bacteriophage is infused into the wound immediately after surgical treatment.

To treat deep forms of pyodermatitis, staphylococcal bacteriophage is used intradermally in small doses of 0.1-0.5 ml in one place or, if necessary, up to 2 ml in several places. A total of 10 injections every 24 hours.

Introduction into cavities - abdominal, pleural, articular and others - up to 100 ml of bacteriophage. Capillary drainage is left, through which the bacteriophage is reintroduced every other day, a total of 3-4 times.

For cystitis, a staphylococcal bacteriophage is injected into the cavity using a catheter Bladder.

At purulent pleurisy, bursitis or arthritis, staphylococcal bacteriophage is injected into the cavity after removing pus from it in an amount of up to 20 ml. and more, every other day, 3-4 times.

Orally in the form of tablets, staphylococcal bacteriophage is used to treat urogenital infectious pathologies - cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, endometritis, salpingoophoritis, enteral infections and other diseases caused by staphylococcal bacteria.

For intestinal forms of the disease caused by staphylococcus and intestinal dysbiosis, liquid staphylococcal bacteriophage is used: orally 3 times a day on an empty stomach 1.5-2 hours before meals; rectally - once a day (liquid in the form of enemas or suppositories). For intestinal dysbiosis, treatment is carried out for 7-10 days under bacteriological control. For children in the first days of life, the staphylococcal bacteriophage is diluted in the first two doses boiled water 2 times. In the absence of adverse reactions (regurgitation, skin rash), the undiluted drug is subsequently used. In this case, it can be mixed with breast milk.

For sepsis and enterocolitis in newborns, including premature babies, staphylococcal bacteriophage is used in the form of high enemas (through gas outlet pipe or catheter) 2-3 times a day. A combination of rectal (in enemas) and oral (by mouth) use of the drug is possible.

In the treatment of omphalitis, pyoderma, and infected wounds in newborns, staphylococcal bacteriophage is used in the form of applications twice daily (a gauze cloth is moistened with staphylococcal bacteriophage and applied to the umbilical wound or the affected area of ​​the skin).

Staphylococcal bacteriophage is used for prophylaxis in an amount of 50 ml. for irrigation of postoperative wounds, etc.

In order to prevent sepsis and enterocolitis in newborns with intrauterine infection or the risk of nosocomial infection, staphylococcal bacteriophage is used in the form of enemas 2 times a day for 5-7 days.

Staphylococcal bacteriophage in aerosol form is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in the form of irrigation of staphylococcus-infected skin and mucous membranes for burns, purulent-inflammatory diseases, infected wounds, and sore throat.

The most appropriate use of bacteriophage is in cases where the infection is caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Combination treatment with staphylococcal bacteriophage in combination with antibiotics can be carried out.

In case before local application staphylococcal bacteriophage, chemical antiseptics were used, except furatsilin, the wound should be washed saline solution sodium chloride or 2-3% soda solution (sodium bicarbonate).

There are no contraindications to the use of staphylococcal bacteriophage.

Reactions to the introduction of staphylococcal bacteriophage have not been established.

With intradermal administration, there may be rapidly reversible redness and inflammation.

Liquid staphylococcal bacteriophage is not suitable for use if it is cloudy or has flakes.

Use during pregnancy is possible as prescribed by a doctor, subject to dosage.

The use of staphylococcal bacteriophage does not exclude the use of other drugs. It is possible to carry out combined treatment with staphylococcal bacteriophage in combination with antibiotics.

Silver preparations, aniline dyes, copper compounds, cranberry juice, allicin (a substance obtained from garlic) are effective against staphylococci.

Effective antibiotic against MRSA(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is ceftobiprole is the first drug of a new generation of cephalosporins with anti-MRSA activity.

Also, according to some studies by US scientists, the following are effective against Staphylococcus aureus: hydrogen peroxide, tobramycin, chlorgrexidine digluconate and gluconate, levofloxacin and silver preparations.

There are various resistant strains, for example to vancomycin (formerly effective antibiotic against staphylococcus until 1996) VRSA - effective against it (2012) combination drug - Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (bactrim, biseptol)

typical MRSA antibiogram in Russia (2012):

Erythromycin - resistant

tetracycline - resistant

clindamycin - resistant

gentamicin - resistant

fluoroquinolones - resistant

rifampicin - resistant

Bactrim, Biseptol - resistant

vancomycin - sensitive

linezolid - sensitive

cubecin (daptomycin) - sensitive

Thus, antibiotics currently effective against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): vancomycin, linezolid, cubicin (daptomycin), levofloxacin


Type: Firmicutes
Class: bacilli
Order: Bacillales
Family: Staphylococcaceae (Staphylococcal)
Genus: Staphylococcus
International scientific name: Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus(lat. Staphylococcus) is a non-motile spherical bacterium belonging to the Staphylococcus family (Staphylococcaceae).

Staphylococcus belongs to the group of positive, immobile, anaerobic, opportunistic microorganisms for the human body. The type of metabolism is oxidative and enzymatic. They do not form spores or capsules. The diameter of a staphylococcus cell is 0.6-1.2 microns, depending on the strain (species). The most common colors are purple, gold, yellow, and white. Some staphylococci are capable of synthesizing characteristic pigments.

Most types of staphylococcus bacteria are colored purple and spread in clusters similar to grapes, which is why they got their name, which translated from ancient Greek means “σταφυλή” (grapes) and “κόκκος” (grain).

Staphylococci in a certain amount are almost always found on the surface of the human body (in the nasal and oropharynx, on the skin), but if this infection gets inside, it weakens the body, and some types of staphylococcus can even cause the development various diseases, and almost all organs and systems, especially if the immune system weakened. The fact is that staphylococcus, getting inside, produces a large number of endo- and exotoxins (poisons) that poison the cells of the body, disrupting their normal functioning. The most common pathologies caused by staphylococci are pneumonia, toxic shock, sepsis, purulent skin lesions, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous, digestive and other systems, general poisoning body. It is not uncommon for a staphylococcal infection to occur as a secondary disease, as a complication of other diseases.

The conditional pathogenicity of this type of infection suggests that staphylococci have a negative effect on human or animal health only under certain conditions.

There are quite a large number of types of staphylococcus - 50 (as of 2016). The most common are Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic, saprophytic and epidermal staphylococci. Each of the strains of these bacteria has its own severity and pathogenicity. They are resistant to many antibacterial drugs, as well as various harsh climatic conditions, but are sensitive to aqueous solutions silver salts and its electrolytic solutions.
Staphylococcal infection is widespread in soil and air. Exactly by air Most often, a person becomes infected (infected). It is also worth noting that this type of infection can affect not only people, but also animals.

It has been noted that children are most susceptible to infection with staphylococcus, which is associated with an undeveloped immune system and non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, as well as elderly people.

Causes of staphylococcus

The cause of the development of almost all staphylococcal diseases is a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes, as well as the consumption of contaminated food. The level of harm also depends on the strain of the bacterium, as well as the functioning of the immune system. The stronger the immune system, the less harm staphylococci can cause to human health. Thus, we can conclude that in most cases, staphylococcus disease requires a combination of 2 factors - infection inside and disruption of the normal functioning of the immune system.

How is staphylococcus transmitted? Let's look at the most popular ways of contracting staphylococcal infections.

How can staphylococcus enter the body?

Airborne path. During the season of respiratory diseases, frequent stay in places with large crowds of people also increases the risk of infection, not only staphylococcal, but also many other types of infection, incl. viral, fungal. Sneezing, coughing - such symptoms serve as a kind of beacons from which healthy people If possible, you should stay away.

Airborne dust path. Household and street dust contains a large number of different microscopic particles - plant pollen, exfoliated skin particles, hair of various animals, dust mites, particles of various materials (fabric, paper), and all this is usually seasoned with various infections - fungi. Staphylococcus and other types of infection are very often found in dust, and when we breathe such air, it does not in the best possible way affects our health.

Contact and household path. Infection usually occurs through sharing personal hygiene items, bed linen, especially if one of the family members is sick. The risk of infection increases when the skin and mucous membranes are injured.

Fecal-oral (nutritional) route. Infection occurs when eating food with dirty hands, i.e. - in case of non-compliance. It is also worth noting that infection through nutritional routes is also common cause diseases such as - and other complex ones.

Medical path. Infection with staphylococcus occurs through contact with insufficiently clean medical instruments, both during surgical interventions and during certain types of diagnostics, which imply a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes. This is usually due to the treatment of instruments with a product to which the staphylococcus has developed resistance.

How can staphylococcus seriously harm human health, or what weakens the immune system?

Presence of chronic diseases. Most diseases indicate a weakened immune system. If pathological processes are already occurring in the body, it is more difficult for it to protect itself from other diseases. Therefore, any disease increases the risk of a secondary infection, and staphylococcal one of them.

The most common diseases and pathological conditions, in which staphylococcus often attacks the patient, are: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, diseases of other systems, as well as other chronic diseases.

In addition, the risk of infection with staphylococcus increases:

  • Bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking narcotic drugs;
  • , lack of healthy sleep;
  • Sedentary lifestyle;
  • Use ;
  • (vitamin deficiency);
  • Abuse of some medicines– vasoconstrictors (violate the integrity of the nasal mucosa), antibiotics;
  • Violations of the integrity of the skin, mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and mouth.
  • Insufficient ventilation of rooms in which a person often stays (work, home);
  • Work in enterprises with high air pollution, especially without protective equipment (masks).

Symptoms of staphylococcus

The clinical picture (symptoms) of staphylococcus can be very diverse, which depends on the organ affected, the strain of the bacterium, the age of the person, and the functionality (health) of the immune system of the potential patient.

Common symptoms of staphylococcus can be:

  • Increased and high body temperature (often local) - up to, ;
  • (a rush of blood to the site of inflammatory processes);
  • General malaise, soreness;
  • Swelling;
  • Pyoderma (develops when staphylococcus gets under the skin), folliculitis, carbunculosis,;
  • Decreased appetite;
  • - , And ;
  • Respiratory tract diseases:, and;
  • Purulent discharge from the nasopharynx and oropharynx is yellow-green;
  • Impaired sense of smell;
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, sneezing;
  • Changing the timbre of the voice;
  • Toxic shock syndrome;
  • Drop in blood pressure;
  • "Scalded Baby Syndrome";
  • Impaired functioning of certain organs and tissues, which have become a source of infection;

Complications of staphylococcus:

  • Lung abscess;
  • Empyema of the pleura;
  • Loss of voice;
  • Fever;
  • Convulsions;

Scientists have divided most types of staphylococcus into 11 groups:

1. Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus)— S. aureus, S. Simiae.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic for the human body. Once inside, they can cause inflammation and damage to almost all human organs and tissues, as well as form a golden pigment. Staphylococcus aureus has the property of producing the coagulase enzyme, which is why it is sometimes called coagulase-positive staphylococcus.

2. Ear staphylococci (Staphylococcus auricularis)- S. auricularis.

3. Staphylococcus carnosus- S. carnosus, S. condimenti, S. massiliensis, S. piscifermentans, S. simulans.

4. Epidermal staphylococci (Staphylococcus epidermidis)- S. capitis, S. caprae, S. epidermidis, S. saccharolyticus.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is most often found on human skin and mucous membranes. It is a common cause of diseases such as endocarditis, sepsis, purulent lesions of wounds of the skin and urinary tract. With the normal functioning of the immune system, the body does not allow epidermal staphylococci to multiply inside the body and infect it.

5. Hemolytic staphylococci (Staphylococcus haemolyticus)- S. devriesei, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis.

Hemolytic staphylococcus is most often the cause of diseases such as endocarditis, sepsis, inflammatory processes with suppuration on the skin, and urethritis.

6. Staphylococcus hyicus-intermedius- S. agnetis, S. chromogenes, S. felis, S. delphini, S. hyicus, S. intermedius, S. lutrae, S. microti, S. muscae, S. pseudintermedius, S. rostri, S. schleiferi.

7. Staphylococcus lugdunensis— S. lugdunensis.

8. Saprophytic staphylococci (Staphylococcus saprophyticus)– S. arlettae, S. cohnii, S. equorum, S. gallinarum, S. kloosii, S. leei, S. nepalensis, S. saprophyticus, S. succinus, S. xylosus.

Saprophytic staphylococcus is often the cause of urinary tract diseases such as cystitis and urethritis. This is due to the fact that saprophytic staphylococcus is found mainly on the skin of the genitals, as well as the mucous membranes of the urinary tract.

9. Staphylococcus sciuri– S. fleurettii, S. lentus, S. sciuri, S. stepanovicii, S. vitulinus.

10. Staphylococcus simulans– S. simulans.

11. Staphylococcus warneri– S. pasteuri, S. warneri.

Degrees of staphylococcus

To determine the exact treatment regimen, doctors divided the course of staphylococcal disease into 4 conventional degrees. This is due to the fact that different kinds infections, as well as their pathological activity in different times and vary under different conditions. In addition, this approach to diagnosis distinguishes between a staphylococcal infection and which group it belongs to - a completely pathogenic effect on the body, an opportunistic one, and saprophytes, which practically do no harm to humans.

Degrees of staphylococcus

Staphylococcus stage 1. Localization of infection for collection for diagnosis - nasopharynx, oropharynx, skin, genitourinary system. Clinical manifestations absent or minimal. With a healthy immune system, drug therapy is not required.

Staphylococcus stage 2. Clinical manifestations (symptoms) are minimal or absent. If there are complaints, a thorough diagnosis is carried out for the presence of other types of infection. If it is determined that another type of bacteria is present in the body, privately prescribed antibacterial therapy.

Staphylococcus 3 degrees. The patient has complaints. In most cases, antibiotic therapy is necessary, unless the attending physician considers the use of antibiotics to be unjustified. Treatment of stage 3 staphylococcus is usually aimed primarily at strengthening the immune system. If within 2 months the body does not recover, an individual treatment regimen for the infection is developed, incl. using antibacterial agents.

Staphylococcus stage 4. Therapy is aimed at strengthening the immune system, eliminating... Before using antibacterial therapy, a thorough diagnosis is carried out to determine the reaction of a particular type of staphylococcus to the drug.

Diagnosis of staphylococcus

Testing for staphylococcus is carried out from smears taken usually from the surface of the skin, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract or urinary tract.

Additional examination methods may include:

How to treat staphylococcus? Treatment of staphylococcus usually consists of 2 points - strengthening the immune system and antibacterial therapy. If there are other diseases, their treatment is also carried out.

The use of antibiotics based on diagnosis is very important, since it is almost impossible to determine the type of staphylococcus from the clinical picture, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can cause a large number of side effects.

However, the following most popular antibiotics are used to treat staphylococcus.

Antibiotics for staphylococcus

Important! Before using antibiotics, be sure to consult your doctor.

"Amoxicillin". Has the property of suppressing infection, stopping its reproduction and negative impact on the body. Blocks the production of peptidoglycan.

"Baneotsin". Ointment for the treatment of staphylococcus in skin lesions. It is based on a combination of two antibiotics - bacitracin and neomycin.

"Vancomycin". Promotes the death of bacteria by blocking a component that is part of its composition cell membrane. It is used intravenously.

"Clarithomycin", "Clindamycin" And « » . They block the production of proteins by bacteria, without which they die.

"Cloxacillin". Blocks the proliferation of staphylococcus by blocking their membranes present during the stage of cell division. Usually prescribed at a dose of 500 mg/6 hours.

"Mupirocin"antibacterial ointment for staphylococcal skin lesions. Used for external use. The ointment is based on three antibiotics - Bactroban, Bonderm and Supirocin.

"Oxacillin". Blocks bacterial cell division, thereby destroying them. Method of administration: oral, intravenous and intramuscular.

— In hot weather, avoid eating confectionery, meat, dairy and other products that are not stored in proper conditions;

— If the skin is injured, be sure to treat the wound with antiseptic agents, then cover it with a band-aid;

— Try not to visit beauty salons, tattoo parlors, solariums or dental clinics of dubious nature, where they may not adhere to sanitary standards for processing medical instruments.

Which doctor should you contact if you have a staphylococcal infection?

What is staphylococcus?

Staphylococcus is a bacterium that has a regular spherical or spherical shape, belonging to the group of positive non-motile microorganisms. For humans, staphylococcus in some cases is an opportunistic bacterium, one that always lives on his body. But they also highlight pathogenic staphylococcus, which, once inside the body, will definitely cause disease. In addition, it is widely distributed in nature.

In the presence of certain conditions conducive to this, the bacterium can exhibit pathological activity and cause an inflammatory process in any organ or organ system of a person. This could be the skin, nervous tissue, brain, heart, digestive system etc.

Staphylococcus has a large number of strains (27), the most common and pathogenic of which are Staphylococcus aureus, epidermal, saprophytic and hemolytic staphylococci. Each of them has a varying degree of aggressiveness and pathogenetic activity.

The danger of these microorganisms is that they produce toxins and enzymes that are pathogenic for cells and disrupt their vital functions. Bacteria have a destructive effect on connective tissues, skin and subcutaneous tissue. They call a number the most dangerous diseases, including sepsis, toxic shock, central nervous system disorders nervous system, pneumonia, purulent skin lesions, general intoxication of the body. Often complications after various diseases are associated with staphylococcal infection.

Staphylococci are stable in the environment and have a fairly high resistance to antibiotics.

Types of staphylococcus

There are three types of staphylococcus, which are the most common and harmful to the human body:

    Saprophytic staphylococcus most often affects women, causing them inflammatory diseases of the bladder (cystitis) and kidneys. Saprophytic staphylococcus bacteria are localized in the layers of the skin of the genitals and the mucous membrane of the urethra. Of all the types of staphylococcus, it causes the least damage.

    Staphylococcus epidermidis can live on all mucous membranes and any part of human skin. With normal immunity, the body copes with this bacterium, and it does not cause any damage. But if somehow epidermal staphylococcus gets from the skin into the blood of a person with weak immunity (after surgery), due to blood poisoning, inflammation of the endocardium may develop ( inner shell hearts).

    Staphylococcus aureus is the most common and dangerous looking. Adults and children, men and women are equally susceptible to infection. The bacterium can infect any organ, causing inflammatory diseases, the number of which exceeds a hundred. This is an extremely persistent and tenacious microorganism that can withstand very high temperatures, exposure to direct sunlight, 100% ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and a number of antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus causes purulent skin lesions (boils, boils, styes, etc.). It also causes a large number of dangerous systemic and general infections: staphylococcal sepsis, pneumonia, toxic shock, the formation of abscesses in the brain, heart, liver and kidneys, osteomyelitis, food poisoning, etc.

Symptoms of staphylococcus

Symptoms of staphylococcus will depend on which organ or system is affected. The degree of their severity is influenced by the aggression of the microorganism and the state of the immune system of a particular person.

Among the most common signs of infection are:

    Pyoderma. As a result of the introduction of bacteria under the skin, a purulent inflammatory process occurs. In this case, the sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as hair follicles, can become inflamed. Among the most common manifestations of pyoderma are folliculitis (manifested in inflammation of the upper part of the hair follicle), hidradenitis (when the site of infection is the sweat glands), carbuncle (when the skin, skin tissue and a group of hair follicles become inflamed), furuncle (the hair follicle becomes inflamed, sebaceous gland and connective tissues around). Wherever the inflammatory process is localized, it is always accompanied by the appearance of purulent masses, swelling and hyperemia of the surrounding tissues, and painful sensations of varying intensity. In some cases, there is an increase in temperature, vomiting and nausea may occur (more often with carbuncles and hidradenitis).

    Rhinitis. By causing an inflammatory process in the nasal mucosa, the bacterium leads to copious discharge mucus, which makes nasal breathing difficult. This is where the most common type of bacteria settles - Staphylococcus aureus. In this case, a person can be either a permanent or temporary carrier of it. Most often, the patient complains of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, impaired sense of smell, increased secretion of mucous secretion, change in voice timbre, mouth breathing. At the beginning, there is little mucus, but as the disease progresses, its amount increases and it becomes purulent.

    Sinusitis. Characterized by an inflammatory process localized in paranasal sinuses nose The maxillary and frontal areas are most often affected, which leads to the development of diseases such as sinusitis or frontal sinusitis. The disease is very common in the practice of otolaryngologists. Sinusitis accounts for up to 10% of all upper respiratory tract diseases in adults. Patients present the following complaints: inability to breathe through the nose, rhinophonia, severe runny nose with yellow-green discharge, general weakness, sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, increased body temperature, sometimes up to high values, pain, localized in the area of ​​the inflamed sinuses. If the infection is acute, then the thermometer shows numbers up to 39 degrees, if it progresses to chronic stage, then no more than 37.5 degrees.

    Pharyngitis. They are characterized by an inflammatory process localized in the mucous membrane lining the pharynx. Often the infection involves nearby tissues of the tonsils. In this case, the disease is called tonsillopharyngitis. Patients experience the following symptoms: redness back wall pharynx, the appearance of viscous mucus, a sore throat, dry cough, hoarseness, pain. All these signs occur against a background of general weakness, elevated body temperature and decreased appetite. According to statistics, pharyngitis caused by staphylococci is diagnosed in adults in no more than 5% of cases.

    Laryngitis. Accompanied by the presence of an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane lining the larynx. The trachea often becomes infected, which is called laryngotracheitis. Distinctive feature Staphylococcal infection is the presence of purulent discharge. In addition, the patient complains of pain in the larynx, dryness and soreness, changes in voice timbre, even loss of voice. In addition, there is a low body temperature, mostly not exceeding 37 degrees.

    Bronchitis. The disease is characterized by inflammation in the bronchi. Most often it begins with the development of a pathological process in the upper respiratory tract We gradually move on to the larynx, trachea and bronchi. The patient suffers from a cough, which can be either dry or wet with sputum discharge. If the bronchi are damaged by a bacterium, the sputum produced will contain purulent contents. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature, up to 39 degrees, shortness of breath and pain in the chest area.

    Pneumonia. When lung tissue is damaged by staphylococcal infection, it has a severe course. Statistics indicate that outside a hospital, a person can get this type of pneumonia in only 1% of cases, but inside a hospital, staphylococcus affects the lungs much more often, on average, in 15% of cases. Among the complex of symptoms there are regular repeated increases in body temperature. That is, it periodically rises and falls, which manifests itself in the form of chills. The patient suffers from severe shortness of breath, muscle weakness, pain when coughing and even when breathing. Localization location painful sensations- chest, they are associated with stretching of the pleura. The sputum becomes not just mucous, but with purulent impurities. The complexion becomes bluish, which is a consequence oxygen starvation. Often it is staphylococcal pneumonia that leads to the development of lung abscesses and pleural empyema. The most serious complication is sepsis.

    Osteomyelitis. Manifests itself in purulent-necrotic lesions bone tissue and bone marrow, as well as the surrounding soft tissue. In adults, the spine is most often affected; the route of infection is hematogenous, that is, the bacterium reaches its destination through the bloodstream. However, the symptoms are not too pronounced. The temperature, as a rule, does not exceed subfebrile levels, while the person experiences pain at the site of inflammation and disorder motor function in the relevant area.

    Food poisoning caused by staphylococcus develops acutely. Often, the first signs of infection are observed within half an hour after eating contaminated products. Among the symptoms, patients note: abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, feeling of nausea.

    These are the most common diseases caused by bacteria.

However, in order clinical picture, which is caused by staphylococcus was complete, it is necessary to give the general symptoms caused by the microorganism:

    Local increase in body temperature. It is the local increase in temperature that is due to the fact that in this way the body tries to cope with the pathogenic bacteria and prevent its proliferation. This method of protection is called the bacteriostatic effect.

    Hyperemia, which is formed due to a rush of blood to the site of inflammation. At the same time, the vessels dilate, and the outflow venous blood decreases. This is also defensive reaction body for infection. Thus, he tries to increase the flow of oxygen to neutralize the toxic effect.

    Tissue swelling due to increased vascular permeability.

    Painful sensations caused by compression of nerve endings by swollen tissues. Damage to the vessel may also occur due to excess blood flow, which contributes to pain.

    Impaired functionality of organs and tissues as a result of their damage at the cellular level.

It is important not to apply knowledge regarding the symptoms of the disease in adulthood to children. This is because signs of infection will be in different ages slightly different. This is especially true for newborns and children under one year old.

How is staphylococcus transmitted? Causes of infection

All diseases that the bacterium causes can occur as a result of the fact that the infection enters the body through a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes, because it is a permanent inhabitant of the human skin and mucous membranes. In addition, infection can occur exogenously, that is, ingested through food or through close contact.

At the same time, we should not forget that some people are permanent or temporary carriers of this bacterium, which also has a significant role in the possibility of transmission. At the same time, pathogenic bacteria do not manifest themselves in any way and such people pose a particular danger to those around them.

The following possible routes of transmission of infection are distinguished:

    Contact and household path. When bacteria enter the body through various household items or through direct contact with the skin. Sometimes it is enough to use someone else's towel or bedding for infection to occur. In this case, the bacterium can cause both an inflammatory process and simply exist in the host’s body.

    By airborne droplets. That is, a person inhales air in which bacteria are present. The most common source of infection is sick people who release bacteria when they cough, sneeze, or simply breathe.

    Dust. Bacteria tend to exist for a long time in the surrounding dust. When it enters the respiratory tract, infection occurs. This path is called air-dust path.

    The fecal-oral route, which is also called the nutritional route. In this case, the bacteria are released when an infected organism vomits or defecates. An uninfected person eats foods that contain staphylococcus and becomes ill. This often happens due to insufficient hygiene, namely through dirty hands.

    Medical instruments. Infection can get inside healthy body through poorly processed medical instruments, which is called an artificial method of infection. This occurs during diagnostic procedures, such as bronchoscopy, and also during surgery. An additional danger is that instruments may be processed in the usual way, but they contain bacteria that have developed resistance to specific processing methods.

In addition to the existing routes of infection, there are also reasons that provoke a person to become infected with a bacterium:

    Any disease that causes a decrease in human immune strength. This also includes frequent and severe stress and irregular sleep.

    General hypothermia of the body. This reason plays a leading role in the development of the inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract. At low temperatures body, the work of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium, which line the nasal mucosa, slows down. Thus, it is much easier for infections to enter the body and provoke an inflammatory process.

    Available diabetes and malfunctions endocrine system.

    Bad habits such as smoking and frequent use alcohol-containing drinks.

    The presence of the immunodeficiency virus or AIDS.

    Chronic diseases.

    Age. According to statistics, newborns and young children are most susceptible to infection. preschool age and older people.

    Viral infections often precede the disease becoming bacterial. In most cases, this is observed with influenza and ARVI, when, against the background of a decline in immunity, the staphylococci existing in the body begin to exhibit pathological activity.

    Prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops, which disrupt the integrity of the nasal mucosa and promote infection.

    Inhalation of allergens and toxic substances leads to trauma to the bronchi, which can become a provoking factor in the development of bacterial inflammation.

    Insufficient hygiene.

    Eating contaminated foods.

    Violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes or skin.

In medicine, it is customary to distinguish four degrees of staphylococcus. Moreover, each of which is characterized by a certain degree of activity and requires various treatments. It is necessary to distinguish between staphylococci that are definitely pathogenic, which are destructive to blood cells, and opportunistic, which contribute to the development of a minor inflammatory reaction. In addition, there are also saprophytes that cause virtually no damage.

It is knowledge of the degree of infection that helps doctors more accurately select treatment and predict the nature of the disease. Although the division by degree is rather conditional, and the prognosis largely depends on the level of immunity of the infected person, as well as his resistance to the bacterium.

A doctor can determine the degree of activity of staphylococcus by taking blood or other materials from the laboratory test. He also decides on the need for treatment and the nature of future therapy.

Stage 1 staphylococcus

If immunity is normal, then pathological processes this degree of staphylococcus cannot cause, which means treatment is not required.

Stage 2 staphylococcus

When staphylococcus is detected in such a low diagnostic titer, doctors most often do not prescribe treatment. However, it is necessary comprehensive examination to identify other infections. This is especially true if there are any complaints about pathological processes occurring in the body.

If it is discovered that a person has a concomitant infection, then staphylococcus must be eliminated from the body using antibacterial therapy. However, the need for treatment is determined by the doctor and depends on each specific case.

Stage 3 staphylococcus

When it is discovered that a person has stage 3 staphylococcus, most doctors agree that antibacterial therapy is necessary. Although, in the normal state of immune forces, the bacterium will not be able to provoke an infectious process. This degree is considered acceptable, but with any disruption in the body it can lead to serious inflammatory reactions.

First of all, the doctor will prescribe treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system; if it does not have an effect after 2 months, then a further therapeutic regimen is developed individually in each specific case.

4 degree staphylococcus

When grade 4 staphylococci are detected, it is required specific treatment, although such indicators are considered only potentially dangerous. It is important to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to the drug, and it is also necessary to determine the sensitivity of a specific bacterium to a specific drug. Only after this can treatment begin, which in the vast majority of cases (if there are no signs of inflammation) boils down to increasing immunity and getting rid of possible dysbacteriosis and vitamin deficiency.

Complications and consequences of staphylococcus - what will happen if left untreated?

When antibacterial therapy is not started in a timely manner, this can lead to serious complications:

    Endocarditis. IN in this case The heart valve and inner layers of the heart are affected. In this case, the patient experiences joint pain, increased heart rate, decreased performance, and sometimes body temperature rises. This pathology, in turn, is accompanied by no less serious diseases, including heart failure, meningitis, etc.

    Meningitis caused by staphylococcus is characterized by purulent inflammation membranes of the brain, accompanied by high body temperature, nausea and vomiting, convulsions, and severe headache. Moreover, even timely started therapy is not a guarantee that the patient will avoid fatal outcome. Mortality with adequate treatment is up to 30%.

    Toxic shock syndrome is often considered a symptom of a staph infection, however, it is a complication of the disease. It consists of a shock reaction of the body in response to infection. At the same time, drug therapy is difficult. The patient suffers from elevated body temperature, up to 40 degrees, repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Arterial pressure falls, there is a high probability of death.

    Blood poisoning is another serious complication of an untreated infection. Happens in that case. When a bacterium enters the bloodstream and begins to poison the body with the toxins it produces. It is sepsis caused by staphylococcus that is the most common blood infection and also the most dangerous. In addition to extremely high temperature body, it is accompanied by severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, damage to the liver, intestines, lungs, and brain. At the same time, antibacterial therapy without a preliminary antibiogram often leads to high mortality among patients.

Treatment of staphylococcus

In order to get rid of bacteria, a competent selection of antibacterial therapy is necessary.

The most commonly used treatments are the following:

    Amoxicillin, which is able to suppress the reproduction and growth of pathogenic bacteria and promote their destruction. It has a fairly wide spectrum of action and blocks the production of peptidoglycan. Use regardless of meals, no more than 1 g three times a day.

    Vancomycin helps block a component that is part of the bacterial cell membrane, changes the degree of permeability of its wall, which leads to the death of staphylococcus. It is given intravenously, either every 6 or every 12 hours. The dosage is determined by the doctor.

    Cloxacillin. Helps block membranes that are at the stage of bacterial division. It is necessary to take the drug every 6 hours at a dosage of 500 mg.

    Cefazolin. It has a wide spectrum of action and prevents the production of bacterial cell wall components. Can be used both intravenously and intramuscularly, up to 4 times a day.

    Oxacillin. It has a detrimental effect in the later stages of bacterial development and contributes to their destruction. Used intravenously, intramuscularly and orally.

    Cephalexin. The drug prevents the synthesis of components that make up the bacterial cell wall. Must be taken before meals, every 6 hours.

    Cephalothin, which disrupts the ability of bacteria to divide normally and also has a destructive effect on the membrane of staphylococci. Used both intravenously and intramuscularly.

    Cefotaxime. The drug is aimed at suppressing the growth of bacteria and preventing them from multiplying. Used both intravenously and intramuscularly. The dosage is selected individually.

    Claritomycin, which prevents bacteria from producing their own proteins. It is most often used in tablet form, although it may be given intravenously for severe infections.

    Erythromycin also interferes with protein production and must be used every 6 hours.

    Clindamycin is also aimed at eliminating the ability of bacteria to produce a certain protein, which leads to its death.

Before you start using this or that drug, it is necessary to conduct an antibiogram. This will help identify the sensitivity of staphylococcus to the drug. Conducting such a study is important for the patient’s health, which will guarantee that the bacteria will not develop resistance.

Treatment of staphylococcal infection requires strict adherence to the frequency of administration and time of use medicine and its dosage. It is important to take the prescribed remedy not until the first symptoms disappear, but for at least 5 days. If it is necessary to extend the course, the doctor will inform you about this. In addition, treatment cannot be stopped; therapy must be continuous.

Prevention in the fight against infection is a necessary measure that doctors around the world insist on. Firstly, this is due to the fact that every year the bacterium becomes more and more resistant to antibacterial agents designed to eliminate it. This makes fighting infection especially difficult. Secondly, staphylococcus can cause serious harm to the human body, so it is easier to prevent the development of inflammation than to fight it later. And thirdly, treatment with antibacterial agents always involves certain health risks in the form of various side effects.

Therefore, compliance with the following preventive measures will help maintain health:

    Timely elimination of possible foci of infection. Sources can include dental caries, constantly inflamed tonsils, enlarged adenoids, conjunctivitis, unremoved tooth roots, boils, barley, inflammatory diseases of the genital area and urinary tract. Any outbreak is a source of increased danger that should be eliminated immediately. Moreover, harm can be caused not only to one’s own health, but also to the health of others.

    Prevention of ARVI and seasonal influenza epidemics. Regarding the latter, it is advisable to undergo vaccination.

    Cleanliness of the workplace, home and clothing, ventilation of the room, especially when there is a congestion large number of people. It is no secret that not only clothes, but also dust are often contaminated with staphylococcus. In addition, it is unacceptable to use other people’s items for personal hygiene.

    Exercising, eating healthy, avoiding bad habits, maintaining an active lifestyle. All this will strengthen the body’s immune forces and help it resist possible infection.

    Compliance with personal hygiene rules. In terms of preventing staph infections, it is most advisable to talk about regular hand washing.

    Eating clean, preferably heat-treated foods that have not expired. Often the source of infection is confectionery products, canned foods, poorly processed fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and milk from cows with mastitis.

    Timely treatment of wounds with antiseptic and, if necessary, antibacterial agents.

    Visit a doctor if you notice the first symptoms of the disease or if you suspect a possible carrier of the infection.

    Careful processing of instruments by medical personnel. Avoidance of negligence regarding sanitary standards.

    Refusal to go to dubious tattoo parlors, manicure salons, solariums and other establishments of this kind.

Why are staphylococci dangerous? Diseases caused by staphylococci

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

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 microbes inhabiting the human body) of an adult is approximately 3 kg. Of course, the bulk of the body's microflora bacteria is concentrated in the intestines, but a significant number of bacteria also live on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

Studying the microflora of the body is useful not only by finding out 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 beneficial functions for the body, for example, the synthesis of vitamins), but also because this allows us to prevent some diseases that arise when the microflora goes into an aggressive state.

Diseases caused by staphylococci occur extremely often. For the most part, these are banal suppurations or food poisoning, which happen to all people without exception. However, in some cases, 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 look at the conditions that make it possible for the “peaceful” microflora to transition into the state of “disease 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 is protected using its own defense mechanisms. At the same time, under the influence of the protection 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, first of all, the immune system, secondly, 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 on a counterattack”, and in this case one or another infectious disease occurs.

The main forms of diseases caused by staphylococci

The forms and symptoms of staphylococcal infection are extremely varied. 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 infection:
  1. Food poisoning caused by contamination of food with staphylococcal toxins;
  2. Staphylococcal infection with damage to the skin (skin) and mucous membranes - “superficial infections”;

  3. Staphylococcal infections with damage to internal organs;

  4. Septic forms of staphylococcal infection are “blood poisoning.”

  5. Food poisoning caused by staphylococci is a very common form of food infection. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main types of staphylococci that cause poisoning. As a rule, food contamination with microbes occurs due to failure to comply with basic rules for preparing and storing food. Conditions favorable to the production of staphylococcal toxins are warmth and the presence nutrients. Food contaminated with staphylococci can become poisoned (spoiled) within a few hours (usually 10 hours or more) of being in a warm place. Food poisoning is often observed when eating dairy products, meat, and broths.

    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 products whose quality you doubt.

    Symptoms of food poisoning caused by staphylococci is: acute diarrhea(loose stools up to 10 times or more), acute “stabbing” and “twisting” pain in the abdomen, false urges to defecation, slight fever, possibly vomiting. In adults, as a rule, such poisonings occur without any particular complications. If children show signs of food poisoning (see above), parents should be extremely vigilant and, if possible, consult a doctor. In children early age Such poisonings can be very serious and dangerous.

    How to treat food poisoning caused by staphylococci?

    Like the treatment of any other food poisoning, treatment of food poisoning caused by staphylococci should begin with gastric lavage. Adults and older children can rinse their stomachs on their own; for children younger age you need to help by pressing on the root of the tongue with a spoon.

    To lavage the stomach, you can simply use warm boiled water, but better tea or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate in boiled water. Adults need to drink up to a liter of this solution and then induce vomiting. Children are given a drinking solution in quantities in which they are able to drink it. It is best to repeat the washing two or three times until the vomit contains no particles of spoiled food that still contains toxins.

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

    You can use anti-diarrhea medications like Loperamide, but with great caution and for a very short time. If an adult's diarrhea does not go away 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, it is not prescribed, since the microbes themselves that enter 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) continues for more than two days or the temperature rises against the background of ongoing diarrhea or stool If traces of blood appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

    The best remedy prevention of staphylococcal poisoning is compliance with hygiene rules on food preparation and storage.

    – 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 sore throat

    It is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by staphylococci. It is impossible to determine the staphylococcal nature of a sore throat with the naked eye, therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, a microbiological examination must be carried out. The main symptoms of staphylococcal sore throat are sore throat, which worsens when swallowing, soreness and swelling. lymph nodes, increased body temperature. The course of staphylococcal tonsillitis is favorable, however, in some cases complications may occur in the form of abscesses or phlegmons, which require urgent surgical treatment.

    When a sore throat occurs, it is best to see a doctor and receive a course of treatment appropriate to the severity of the disease. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to treat sore throat.

    Staphyloderma

    This is a type of diffuse microbial skin lesion. The main symptoms (manifestations) of staphyloderma are: the presence of inflamed pustules located on various parts of the skin, scattered and grouped, boils, barley, etc. There can be many reasons for the occurrence of staphyloderma: non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, hormonal changes in the body of adolescents, disruption of the endocrine system. In all cases of skin staphylococcal infections, you cannot take any treatment measures at home - this is fraught with serious consequences. Do not squeeze out boils(especially those located on the face), and you should not take antibiotics on your own. On the other hand, timely contact a doctor (dermatologist, surgeon, family doctor) contributes to a speedy resolution of the problem and prevents many undesirable consequences.

    Felon

    This is an inflammation of the skin fold around the nail. This inflammation is also often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Typically, the occurrence of panaritium is promoted by minor damage to the skin (for example, when applying a manicure) around the nail. The symptoms of felon are known to everyone - redness and inflammation of the skin around the nail, severe pain in the inflamed finger, and possibly a slight increase in temperature. Panaritium can also occur with inflammation of the nail bed (paronychia), as well as with deep penetration of infection (even necrosis of the bone of the phalanx of the finger can develop). Panaritium itself is not dangerous - its complications associated with the spread of infection are dangerous. The most dangerous panaritium is on the thumb and middle fingers, as well as on the little finger. Anatomical structure The tendons of these fingers predispose to the spread of infection, so felon on these fingers can lead to the formation of phlegmon of the forearm and hand.

    The felon should not be squeezed out or opened independently.. With a simple panaritium, the patient can be helped by rinsing the finger in a concentrated saline solution, as well as local application of antimicrobial ointments: levomikol, Vishnevsky ointment, etc.

    Staphylococcal infections affecting internal organs

    As a rule, they are a consequence of the spread of infection from the primary focus or the primary penetration of staphylococci into a specific organ. The most common cases are staphylococcal pyelonephritis, staphylococcal cystitis or urethritis. Staphylococcal enteritis is possible in young children. In some cases, staphylococcal endocarditis may occur.

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

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

    Septic forms of staphylococcal infection

    They always lead to an extremely serious condition for the patient. This condition is also called blood poisoning. Blood poisoning can occur due to the penetration of a large number of microbes and their toxins into the blood. This can happen due to attempts to independently treat a boil or other purulent disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In women, severe toxic-septic shock can develop due to the use of vaginal tampons during menstruation.

    In case of blood poisoning, the patient’s condition sharply worsens, 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 is fatal. dangerous conditions. Treatment of these diseases is carried out under the strict supervision of doctors.

    Bibliography:

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

    2. Medical microbiology, Military Medical Academy, St. Petersburg, 1999

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

    Before use, you should consult a specialist.
    Reviews

    Read the bacteriophage!

    And I got this infection due to an ordinary scratch. And now any scratch or sore, 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 even more beneficial effects.

    I’m not advertising, I just drank a Tiens product myself, it’s called cordyceps, a natural antibiotic. All information can be found on the Internet. Cordyceps fights staphylococcal infections, including Staphylococcus aureus.

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

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

    Good evening! Tell me, has anyone come across purulent staphylococcus in a child’s throat. My daughter often gets colds - this year in the first grade. The tests seem to be nothing good, but for sowing microbes - it showed staphylococcus, and even purulent. I just never I haven’t encountered this, although we often get various colds. The doctor wrote a whole notebook on treatment.. and I once again feel sorry for stuffing my daughter with yet more pills.. injections.. she, poor thing, is so afraid of them. Tell me, is this so serious? Maybe there are some other methods treatment? please help. with uv. Irina.

    The child has a temperature of 37-37.3 for a month, no cough or runny nose. What could this be?

    Hello. Help please. Give advice on what to do next. On the first day, a 1.7-month-old child began to have loose stools up to 10 times a day and a temperature of up to 39. 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, they took tests. For four days, there was up to 5 stools, no vomiting or fever. At 9 sudden fever and vomiting. On the 10th day they said it was Staphylococcus, but they didn’t say which one. The first three days we struggled with fever, there was vomiting, loose stools up to 10 times a day. On the 13th day, the temperature returned to normal, the vomiting disappeared, we followed a diet, but a streak of blood and mucus again appeared in the stool. Please tell me what to do next, maybe this is how the treatment is proceeding or other tests need to be done.

    The stomach was tormented. Bleeding and vomiting. Applied some. The first time it cost 120 dollars for 2 months, in a year I spent 370 dollars, and at the same time other problems with concussion and vision went away. It’s been 5 years without problems. I resumed the course a week ago. It should have been every year, damn it, stupid....

    A red rash in a child (1.1 years old) on the legs, bottom, tests revealed Staphylococcus aureus in the stool, I can’t find anything similar on the internet! I haven’t noticed any irritation in the child due to this rash! Tell me what to do in this situation, what this is generally the case, otherwise the doctors in our city know little

    Irina, it is necessary to perform a bacteriological culture of a throat smear + identify the sensitivity of the staphylococcus grown in this way to various antibiotics (antibioticogram). According to the results this survey ways to adequately treat it will be obvious.

    Fenugreek TREATS STAPHYLOCOCUS, I TREATED TWO OF HER CHILDREN. AT FIRST THE WHOLE BODY WAS IN SMALL BOOLS, THEN IT WAS GONE. DRINK BY BREWING 1 TEA SPOON PER GLASS OF BOILED WATER.

    Is it possible to find out if there is staphylococcus by the color of your hair?

    My relative has a “disease” of her nose. They found staphylococcus in a smear, antibiotic treatment was prescribed. Please advise what else can be done.