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Can Staphylococcus aureus be treated? Staphylococcus aureus: symptoms in adults. Treatment of staph infection

Instructions

Golden is a permanent inhabitant of the human body. But as soon as its defenses weaken, the infection becomes threatening. In this case, protective forces are understood as normal metabolism, balanced hormonal background, immune system integrity, healthy functioning internal organs, skin and mucous membranes.

Reduced immunity plays a major role in its occurrence. In a normal state, the immune system works in such a way that the penetration and reproduction of microbes is practically impossible. Staphylococcus aureus It also easily occurs with impaired metabolism associated with hormonal imbalance and lack of vitamins and minerals. Therefore golden staphylococcus lies primarily in the normalization of these processes.

Get rid of staphylococcal infection possible by following your doctor's recommendations. Its consequences can be very unfavorable, so self-medication is not recommended. The doctor will select the necessary antibiotic drugs and will monitor the patient's condition. Staphylococcus aureus is quite resistant to various antibiotics Moreover, he easily adapts to them. Therefore, only a specialist should prescribe a treatment regimen and monitor it.

Whenever purulent forms staphylococcal infection that cannot be treated with medications or in case of a high risk of complications, resort to surgical intervention. Usually carried out when opening abscesses and boils resulting from golden staphylococcus.

When treating staphylococcal infections, immunostimulating drugs are used. They are becoming increasingly popular because this treatment is aimed directly at the cause of the disease – decreased immunity. In addition, the use of immunostimulating drugs is safe without taking antibiotics.

note

In order to determine your disease, you need to contact a special hygiene center. Features of the disease. Staphylococcus aureus will never appear in healthy person. It can only appear in a person with a weakened immune system. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out where the immune system is weakened and the reasons for its weakening.

Helpful advice

Staphylococcus aureus in newborns has a variety of clinical manifestations: from purulent skin lesions to damage to internal organs, bone marrow, nervous system. How to cure staphylococcus folk remedies. Staphylococcus aureus can be found on the skin, in the intestines, in feces, mucous membranes of the throat and nose, and in mother's milk. In this case, the child can feel great.

Sources:

  • how to remove Staphylococcus aureus

The onset of sore throat is usually acute, with fever and chills, the throat feels sore and dry, gradually increasing painful sensations. Cervical and submandibular The lymph nodes enlarge and become painful. You can treat purulent sore throat at home.

You will need

  • - alkaline drinks (milk with soda, mineral water etc.);
  • - chamomile, sage, eucalyptus leaves;
  • - soda, iodine;
  • - Lugol's solution;
  • - hydrogen peroxide;
  • - propolis.

Instructions

Provide bed rest- this need is caused possible complications diseases that can be quite severe (rheumatism, myocarditis, otitis media, laryngeal edema, etc.).

Plenty of warm drinks - alkaline drinks (milk with, mineral water, etc.), fruit juices, herbal infusions and teas. Increased fluid intake helps the body get rid of pathogens and breakdown products formed as a result of their activity.

If formed purulent abscess, then shown surgery.

Go through the procedure of hardware cleansing of the tonsils - in the hospital the lacunae will be washed out big amount antiseptic liquid, which will remove purulent plugs from tonsil tissue. After the temperature has normalized, it is necessary to undergo a course of physiotherapeutic procedures to speedy recovery fabrics.

Use folk remedies to treat purulent sore throat– prepare infusions and rinsing solutions. Mix chamomile, sage and eucalyptus leaves in equal quantities, thoroughly grind the dry herb and boil in a glass of water for seven minutes. You should gargle with the decoction as often as possible - up to 10 times a day.

Alternate herbal gargles with gargling with a solution of soda with added iodine (7 drops per 150 ml of water). Such rinsing should be done for three days. After this period, if there is still pus left, then lubricate the tonsils with Lugol's solution (wrap a little cotton wool around a pencil and treat the throat).

Gargle with hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (15 ml per 50 ml of warm water) 5 times a day. At night, place a piece of propolis the size of a match head under your tongue - do this for two weeks, even when your tonsils have already cleared.

Staphylococcus can cause serious diseases that occur chronically in the body. The infection is extremely resistant to therapy, so select the necessary pharmaceuticals can only be done by an experienced doctor based on the results of the study.

Instructions

Saprophytic, epidermal and are the main representatives of this family. As a rule, saprophytic settles on the skin and mucous membranes. Its favorite habitat is considered urethra. Chronic cystitis often occurs against the background of staphylococcal infection and is therefore difficult to treat classical treatment.

At the same time, the immune system is corrected. The doctor prescribes immunomodulators or immunostimulants that help activate the body’s immune response and cope with any type in the shortest possible time.

After treatment, repeat treatments are prescribed. If staphylococcus is not detected within three cultures, the patient is considered healthy. It is recommended to continue immunotherapy for a long time, since it is quite difficult to completely get rid of staphylococcus without strengthening the immune system.

note

Don’t forget, staphylococcus is an insidious infection that can only be cured under supervision experienced doctor. Taking large doses of antibiotics is often not justified and does not give appropriate results. At the same time, the immune system becomes weaker and vicious circle, from which it is becoming increasingly difficult to escape.

An abscess is a formation that occurs as a result of the accumulation of a large amount of pus in a person’s organs or tissues. Abscesses can occur in any part of the human body, but most often they appear on the skin and can be self-diagnosed by the patient.

The appearance of abscesses

Purulent inflammations appear as a result of pathogenic microbes of pyogenic origin coming into contact with the skin or mucous membrane of a person. The main symptoms of an abscess are inflammation with the appearance of pus, as well as swelling of the body, organ dysfunction, weakness and appetite disturbances. Inflammation occurs at the site of the abscess.

Treatment with antibiotics

Some of the drugs that are active against microbes that cause abscesses are. They destroy pathogenic organisms, resulting in the end of pus and healing of the already affected area. Often used as drugs to treat abscesses antibacterial groups penicillins, which usually relieve redness and improve general state body, curing the infection. However, the use of antibiotics should be consulted with your doctor to diagnose inflammation and obtain information about alternative ways treatment of abscesses, since in some cases this group of drugs is not appropriate.

In some cases, doctors prescribe physical therapy, which can relieve redness and have an effect on pathogenic organisms. For skin lesions, the patient may be treated with an alcohol bandage. When treating small lesions, pus is suctioned, as well as local application or administration of an antibiotic solution.

To get rid of pus, the affected area is opened. The operation to extract pus is performed in the clinic if the patient has no contraindications. In some cases, the surgeon may refer the patient to the hospital. If it is not possible to go to the hospital, you should use an anti-inflammatory (for example, Aspirin) and then apply ice to the affected area. Opening ulcers on your own can cause pus to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to infection or even sepsis.

Among traditional methods Treatment of abscesses can include the production of special compresses and lotions. An effective way to get rid of ulcers are lotions made from grated carrots or freshly squeezed juice. Compresses made from crushed sorrel help a lot. You can also lubricate the abscess with St. John's wort oil. To speed up the process of skin regeneration after damage by an abscess, you can use aloe leaves. For this it is necessary boiled water rinse the plant, and then crush it and apply it to the damaged area, bandaging it sterile bandage.

Video on the topic

Barley is infection, characterized by the appearance of inflammation on the eyelid. There are many universal and effective ways to treat this disease, allowing not only to treat it, but also to prevent it. reappearance.

You will need

  • - water;
  • - soap;
  • - cotton swab;
  • - coriander seeds;
  • - a clean towel;
  • - tea bags;
  • - “Aspirin”, “Ibuprofen”;
  • - antibacterial drugs.

Instructions

The cause of barley is Staphylococcus aureus. It amazes lacrimal glands, polluting them. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is regularly wash the infected eyelid. Use this only warm water, mild soap and a cotton or cotton swab. Do not use any additional chemicals.

Barley is usually accompanied by quite sensitive pain. To relieve these aches and pains, use coriander seeds, which can be purchased at some grocery stores. Place coriander seeds in warm water and leave for 1 – 2 hours. Then remove the seeds and use water to clean the eyelid. Moisten a cotton swab with the prepared tincture and rinse the barley with it. Repeat this procedure 3 – 4 times a day for at least a week.

To remove pain you can also use a hot compress. Wet a clean towel with hot water or hold it over hot steam. Then apply to the swelling caused by the stye. This procedure may cause pus to drain from the infected area. Rinse it off with warm water and apply the compress again. Such treatment will not only relieve you of pain, but will also speed up the removal of the barley itself.

Enough effective way To get rid of stye, use a compress of tea bags. Moisten several bags with hot water and apply them to. Once they have cooled, wet them again. The tannic acid contained in tea can cause a burning sensation in the stye area, but this sensation passes rather quickly.

To get rid of barley you can also use medicines. As a rule, the most severe pain occurs in the first days of the onset of the disease. To get rid of such pain, you can use Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To remove the barley itself, it is necessary to use antibacterial creams, namely bacteriostatic and bactericidal. The former help prevent the development of bacteria, causing growth barley. They perform a mainly preventive role. The second ones have a direct effect on the protein components of these bacteria, thereby destroying them. In addition to creams, you can also use antibacterial drugs. However, before using them it is necessary to consult with specialists.

First, let's figure out what a boil is. This is a boil purulent inflammation hair follicle and connective tissue, occurring acutely. This disease is caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Most often, Staphylococcus aureus lives on mucous membranes, so close contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmitting the bacterium to another person.

In many cases, infection occurs during surgical operations, procedures involving the installation of catheters and other devices. This occurs when using unsterile medical instruments.

In hospitals, infection can occur from medical personnel who do not thoroughly clean their hands during procedures.
Infection with staphylococcus in young children occurs when playing with dirty toys or in the sandbox.

When staphylococcus gets into food products, the bacteria multiplies and releases toxins. Infection can occur through meat and dairy products, fish, and flour products.

The most common staphylococcal infections are:

  • Sick
  • women
  • Nursing
  • Aged people

Infection of newborns most often occurs through the birth canal. With improper hygiene, staphylococcus can penetrate through cracks in the nipples along with breast milk.

Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus, when it gets on the skin and mucous membranes, releases toxins and enzymes that have a detrimental effect on humans. Typically, signs of staphylococcal infection depend on the location, concomitant diseases and other factors.

When it comes into contact with the skin, the bacterium provokes the development of acne, pimples, boils, etc. More often you can find pyoderma on the skin. This disease is characterized by damage to the area around the mouth of the hair. Later, ulcers appear on the neck, buttocks and thighs.

If the bacterium infects hair follicle, then there is thickening and redness of the skin around it. When touched, the patient feels pain. Subsequently, staphylococcus spreads further and captures sebaceous glands. The result is a carbuncle. When it appears, the body temperature rises and general weakness is observed. It is prohibited to squeeze out the abscess yourself, as it can cause an infection.

On the mucous membranes of the throat or nose, Staphylococcus aureus leads to sore throat, sinusitis, otitis and other diseases of the ENT organs.

With staphylococcal sore throat, body temperature rises, severe pain appears, and the lymph nodes increase in size. A purulent plaque forms on the tonsils, which also indicates a sore throat, the cause of which is Staphylococcus aureus.

In newborns, the bacterium can lead to Ritter's disease. Another name is scalded skin syndrome. This disease is characterized by peeling, blistering with further detachment of large layers of skin. It is important to consult a doctor immediately, as the bacteria will penetrate deeper, which can lead to purulent melting.

In infants, staphylococcal infection can provoke the development of pneumonia. Children suffer from this disease very hard. Staphylococcal pneumonia is characterized by shortness of breath and chest pain. During the examination, foci of inflammation and areas with ulcers are detected in the lung tissues.

During surgery, when infected with Staphylococcus aureus, osteomyelitis may occur. This disease is characterized by pain in the joints and muscles. The pain is especially severe during movement. This is due to the formation of a purulent focus of inflammation. There is also an increase in body temperature and redness of the inflamed area.

When the gastrointestinal tract is affected, dry mouth and vomiting appear, loose stool, abdominal pain.

It is important to start treatment on time, since inflammatory process will spread further and as a result, a fistula with purulent contents will burst.

Diagnostics

To diagnose staphylococcus, various materials are used: sputum, pus, nasal discharge, urine, etc. For this purpose, a smear is taken from the throat, nasal mucosa or other surfaces.

There are 2 methods for diagnosing Staphylococcus aureus: microscopic and cultural.

Microscopic examination allows you to detect pathogenic cocci under a microscope. When stained using the Gram method, staphylococcus will turn blue.

The cultural method involves inoculating the test material in a nutrient medium.

An antibiogram is also used. This method allows you to determine the sensitivity of this type pathogenic microflora to antimicrobial drugs. To do this, pathogenic microflora is inoculated onto a solid nutrient medium.

An antibioticogram is necessary for the correct prescription of treatment.

Drug treatment

Staphylococcus aureus is resistant to many antibiotics, making treatment more difficult. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotic therapy. If antibiotic treatment is not completed, a small number of bacteria remain in the body, resulting in resistance to the drug being taken.

To eliminate Staphylococcus aureus, various antibacterial agents are used. From the group of synthetic penicillins: Amoxicillin, Cloxacillin, Cefazolin, Cephalexin, Oxacillin, etc.

Among the macrolides that effectively act on Staphylococcus aureus are Erythromycin and Clarithromycin.
Along with taking antibiotics, antifungal drugs are prescribed to prevent dysbacteriosis: Diflucan, Nystatin, etc.

For purulent skin lesions, Mupirocin is applied topically. The skin can be treated with brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial ointments.

In severe cases, in the presence of abscesses and phlegmon, surgical opening of the abscesses is performed.

Antistaphylococcal bacteriophage, plasma or immunoglobulin are prescribed in advanced cases.

It effectively helps with diseases of the ENT organs. This drug is available as an oil or alcohol solution, which is used for gargling.

For staphylococcal toxicoinfection, antibacterial drugs are not prescribed. In this case, the patient's stomach is washed and saline solutions are administered intravenously.

In young children, Staphylococcus aureus is treated by an infectious disease specialist. The child is admitted to the hospital.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and averages 7 days. In some cases, treatment may last several months.

The dosage of drugs is strictly prescribed by the doctor. Self-treatment with antibiotics is strictly prohibited.

Traditional treatment

Traditional methods of treatment are successfully used in the fight against Staphylococcus aureus. There is a large number medicinal plants, which have a detrimental effect on the bacterium.

Black currant berries help fight staphylococcal infections. They contain a large amount of vitamins and phytoncides that cope with staphylococcus. not only help strengthen the immune system, but also enhance the effect of certain antibiotics.

A decoction of the string is good remedy in the fight against staphylococcus in children. Take 250 g of dry raw materials and pour a liter cold water. Place the container on the fire and bring to a boil. Then boil for another 15-20 minutes. After this, let it sit for 30 minutes. The prepared decoction should be added to the bath when bathing the baby.

Cranberry-honey will help get rid of staphylococcus. Take fresh berries and chalk in a 2:1 ratio and mix well. Then put it in the refrigerator for an hour. Divide the resulting mixture into several servings and consume throughout the day.

Parsley root and celery (2:1) are excellent helpers in the fight against staphylococcal infections. They should be washed well and passed through a meat grinder. Then the juice is squeezed out of the resulting consistency. It must be consumed daily on an empty stomach.

It will help with furunculosis caused by staphylococcus. Take a few cloves, chop them and add water. It is recommended to insist for 2 hours. After this, soak a cotton swab in garlic water and apply to the affected area.

Skin lesions with Staphylococcus aureus are treated with apple cider vinegar. It is added to the bath or made as compresses. Pour 50 ml of vinegar into a hot bath, and for a compress, dilute 2 tablespoons in a glass of water.

If sinusitis, tonsillitis, or caused by Staphylococcus aureus, then you can use an alcohol tincture of propolis to rinse the mouth. To prepare the tincture, you need to take a couple of small pieces of propolis, chop them and add alcohol. Store the container in a dark place. Propolis has a strong antibacterial effect.

When using traditional methods of treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor to exclude possible complications.

Consequences of Staphylococcus aureus

If measures are not taken in a timely manner to eliminate the pathogenic pathogen, this can lead to the development of many serious diseases.
Complications of staphylococcal infection include:

  • Endocarditis
  • Sepsis
  • Toxic shock syndrome

With endocarditis, the mitral or aortic valve is affected. The patient experiences an increase in body temperature, an increase in the number of heart contractions, a decrease in performance, pain in the joints, etc.

Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the meninges. The bacterium enters the brain during pneumonia, sinusitis or endocarditis. As a result, there appear meningeal symptoms, tremor, consciousness is impaired, convulsions appear.

Toxic shock syndrome is difficult to treat. It is characterized by the following symptoms: frequent vomiting, high body temperature, diarrhea. The syndrome develops due to the production of a certain toxin by staphylococcus.

The bacteria can enter the blood. Sepsis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most dangerous complications. This form of sepsis occurs quite often. With staphylococcal sepsis, the intestines, liver, and lining of the brain are affected. This can be fatal if appropriate measures are not taken in time.

To prevent the development of complications, you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms. Only correct and timely treatment will help eliminate staphylococcal infection.

Prevention measures

To avoid infection with Staphylococcus aureus, you must follow the following rules and recommendations:

  • You should eat rationally and balanced. If necessary, replenish vitamin deficiency.
  • Avoid injury. In this way, it will be possible to minimize the penetration of bacteria inside. In this case, it is necessary to treat the damaged area with brilliant green and other antiseptic.
  • It is important to comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap, carry out wet cleaning in the house, etc.

While watching the video you will learn about the symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus.


By following the above tips and recommendations, you can prevent infection by many pathogens.

The epidemiological danger of sources of staphylococcal bacteria can be either surprisingly low or quite high. Thus, the highest danger source of Staphylococcus aureus is considered to be nosocomial infections transmitted through equipment that has not been properly treated. Although hospital workers themselves also carry staphylococci, the degree of danger directly depends on functional responsibilities employee and his individual level of sanitary culture. Find out in this article everything about carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and whether staphylococcus needs to be treated.

Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus - features of the problem

Often the sources of staphylococci in hospitals are the patients themselves. Moreover, in hospitalized patients, the number of staphylococci is greater, the longer he is hospitalized. inpatient treatment. With a relatively long hospital stay, carriage of staphylococci and other opportunistic bacteria can develop into a chronic form. Such carriers of Staphylococcus aureus are not only recognized as quite dangerous sources of infection, but can also be the cause of focal outbreaks of staphylococcal infections.

But you shouldn’t immediately attribute carriage of Staphylococcus aureus to all inpatients; not everything is so simple in this matter. The fact is that the most dangerous sources of bacteria are considered to be patients with open forms pathological processes, those whose infection occurs in closed, may not pose a danger to others at all.

Mechanisms of transmission of staphylococcus bacteria

In a hospital setting, transmission of Staphylococcus aureus for the most part occurs through airborne droplets; sometimes contact and fecal-oral infection are also dangerous. Dust particles contaminated with staphylococcus bacteria accumulate on surfaces and, when dry, rise into the air again, moving quite long distances from the source of infection.

Staphylococci accumulate in the air due to the fact that they are quite resistant to scattered light and drying. Staphylococcus can survive in the air for several minutes or can survive for several hours.

Transmission of staphylococcus bacteria occurs not only through air and dust, but also through food. In this case, the disease can manifest itself in the form of severe food intoxication of the staphylococcal type. In the case of food contamination, the disease often manifests itself in a group of people who have received a dose of staphylococcal enterotoxin through dairy products, where staphylococci successfully colonize and multiply.

Do Staphylococcus aureus need to be treated?

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which look like lush bunches of grapes, are very common in the surrounding area. Staphylococcus bacteria can be found in dust floating in the air, on clothing, on the body, dirty hands and splashes of saliva that enter the air when sneezing and coughing. All this, of course, is dangerous due to infection, but only for those whose immune system is not sufficiently strengthened; if everything is in order with this barrier, then there is no need to be afraid of infection. The staphylococcus bacterium itself can easily “sit out” for some time on the skin of the carrier without infecting it, and this is reassuring.

But, despite the ability of staphylococcus to “sit out” time in anticipation of the next victim, it poses a noticeable threat to others. To all harmful properties staphylococcus must be added and the fact that the bacterium is very tenacious and is characterized by strong immunity to most known antibiotics, as well as incredible resistance to harmful environments.

Consequences of Staphylococcus aureus

The troubles caused by Staphylococcus aureus include purulent inflammation, mastitis, sepsis, postoperative purulent wounds, bone and lung diseases, and this is by no means full list staphylococcal diseases. It is clear that each of them requires a unique and timely treatment, and prevention wouldn’t hurt either. But this is only in case of infection. When colonies of staphylococci are found, for example, on the skin, this does not at all indicate the need for their treatment.

In other words, the answer to the question of whether staphylococcus needs to be treated depends on how the bacterium manifests itself and whether it manifests itself at all. In order to avoid serious complications, manifestations of staphylococcal infections must be cured, sometimes even with isolation of the patient, but carriage of staphylococcus cannot be treated, unless compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is included.

β-toxin or sphingomyelinase is detected in approximately a quarter of all pathogenic staphylococci. β-toxin is capable of causing the destruction of red blood cells ( red blood cells), and also lead to the proliferation of fibroblasts ( migration of fibroblasts into the inflammatory focus). This toxin becomes most active at low temperatures.

γ-toxin is a two-component hemolysin that has moderate activity. It is worth noting that the bloodstream contains substances that block the action of γ-toxin ( sulfur-containing molecules are capable of inhibiting one of the components of the γ-toxin).

δ-toxin is a low molecular weight compound with detergent properties. Exposure of a cell to δ-toxin leads to disruption of cell integrity by various mechanisms ( basically there is a disruption of the relationship between the lipids of the cell membrane).

  • Exfoliative toxins. In total, there are 2 types of exfoliative toxins – exfoliant A and exfoliant B. Exfoliative toxins are detected in 2–5% of cases. Exfoliants are capable of destroying intercellular connections in one of the layers of the skin ( granular layer of the epidermis), and also lead to detachment of the stratum corneum ( the most superficial layer of skin). These toxins can act locally and systemically. In the latter case, this can lead to scalded skin syndrome ( the appearance of areas of redness on the body, as well as large blisters). It is worth noting that exfoliants are able to bind several molecules involved in the immune response at once ( exfoliative toxins exhibit properties of superantigens).
  • Toxic shock syndrome toxin (formerly called enterotoxin F) is a toxin that causes the development of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome refers to acutely occurring multisystem organ damage ( several organs are affected at once) with fever, nausea, vomiting, stool disorders ( diarrhea), skin rash. It is worth noting that toxic shock syndrome toxin can only be produced in rare cases by Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Leukocidin or Panton-Valentine toxin capable of attacking some white blood cells ( neutrophils and macrophages). The effect of leukocidin on the cell leads to disruption of the water-electrolyte balance, which increases the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the cell ( cAMP). These disorders underlie the mechanism of occurrence of staphylococcal diarrhea in food poisoning from products infected with Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Enterotoxins. In total, there are 6 classes of enterotoxins - A, B, C1, C2, D and E. Enterotoxins are toxins that attack human intestinal cells. Enterotoxins are low molecular weight proteins ( proteins), which tolerate elevated temperatures well. It should be noted that it is enterotoxins that lead to the development of food poisoning by type of intoxication. In most cases, these poisonings can be caused by enterotoxins A and D. The effect of any of the enterotoxins on the body manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper abdomen, diarrhea, fever and muscle spasm. These disorders are caused by the superantigenic properties of enterotoxins. In this case, excessive synthesis of interleukin-2 occurs, which leads to this intoxication of the body. Enterotoxins can lead to an increase in the tone of intestinal smooth muscles and increase motility ( contractions of the intestines to move food along) gastrointestinal tract.

Enzymes

Staphylococcal enzymes have a diverse effect. Also, the enzymes that staphylococci produce are called “aggression and defense” factors. It should be noted that not all enzymes are pathogenicity factors.

The following staphylococcal enzymes are isolated:

  • Catalase is an enzyme that can destroy hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is capable of releasing the oxygen radical and oxidizing the cell wall of the microorganism, leading to its destruction ( lysis).
  • β-lactamase is able to effectively combat and neutralize β-lactam antibiotics ( a group of antibiotics that are united by the presence of a β-lactam ring). It is worth noting that β-lactamase is very common among the population of pathogenic staphylococci. Some strains of staphylococci exhibit increased resistance to methicillin ( antibiotic) and other chemotherapy drugs.
  • Lipase is an enzyme that facilitates the attachment and penetration of bacteria into the human body. Lipase is capable of destroying fat fractions and, in some cases, penetrating through sebum into hair follicle (location of the hair root) and into the sebaceous glands.
  • Hyaluronidase has the ability to increase tissue permeability, which contributes to the further spread of staphylococci in the body. The action of hyaluronidase is aimed at the breakdown of complex carbohydrates ( mucopolysaccharides), which are part of the intercellular substance of connective tissue, and are also found in bones, in the vitreous body and in the cornea of ​​the eye.
  • DNAase is an enzyme that cleaves double-stranded DNA molecule ( Deoxyribonucleic acid) into fragments. During exposure to DNase, the cell loses its genetic material and the ability to synthesize enzymes for its own needs.
  • Fibrinolysin or plasmin. Fibrinolysin is a staphylococcal enzyme that is capable of dissolving fibrin threads. In some cases, blood clots serve a protective function and prevent bacteria from entering other tissues.
  • Staphylokinase is an enzyme that converts plasminogen to plasmin ( when exposed to staphylokinase, the proenzyme plasminogen transforms into active form- plasmin). Plasmin can break down extremely efficiently large clots blood, which act as an obstacle to the further advancement of staphylococci.
  • Phosphatase is an enzyme that accelerates the breakdown of phosphoric acid esters. Staphylococcal acid phosphatase is generally responsible for the virulence of the bacterium. This enzyme can be located on the outer membrane, and the location of the phosphatase depends on the acidity of the environment.
  • Proteinase staphylococcus is capable of breaking down proteins into amino acids ( protein denaturation). Proteinase has the ability to inactivate certain antibodies, suppressing the body's immune response.
  • Lecithinase is an extracellular enzyme that breaks down lecithin ( fat-like substance, part of the cell wall) into simpler components ( phosphocholine and diglycerides).
  • Coagulase or plasmacoagulase. Coagulase is the main factor in the pathogenicity of staphylococcus. Coagulase can cause blood plasma clotting. This enzyme can form a thrombin-like substance that interacts with prothrombin and envelops the bacterium in a fibrin film. The formed fibrin film has significant resistance and serves as an additional capsule for staphylococcus.

Groups of staphylococci depending on the presence of coagulase

Pathogenicity Coagulase-positive staphylococci Coagulase-negative staphylococci
Opportunistic staphylococci that live on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals S. intermedius, S. hyicus S. capitis, S. warneri, S. cohnii, S. xylosis, S. sciuri, S. simulans, S. arlettae, S. auricularis, S. carnosus, S. caseolyticus, S. gallinarum, S. kloosii, S. caprae, S. equorum, S. lentus, S. saccharolyticus, S. schleiferi, S. lugdunensis, S. chromogenes.
Pathogenic staphylococci that cause diseases in humans S. aureus ( Staphylococcus aureus) S. saprophyticus ( saprophyticstaphylococcus), S. epidermidis ( epidermalstaphylococcus), S. haemolyticus ( hemolytic staphylococcus).

Adhesins

Adhesins are surface layer proteins that are responsible for attaching staphylococcus to mucous membranes and connective tissue ( ligaments, tendons, joints, cartilages are some of the representatives of connective tissue), as well as to the intercellular substance. The ability to attach to tissues is associated with hydrophobicity ( property of cells to avoid contact with water), and the higher it is, the better these properties are manifested.

Adhesins have specificity for certain substances ( tropism) in organism. So, on the mucous membranes this substance is mucin ( a substance that is part of the secretion of all mucous glands), and in connective tissue – proteoglycan ( intercellular substance of connective tissue). Adhesins are capable of binding fibronectin ( complex extracellular substance), thereby improving the process of attachment to tissues.

It is worth noting that most of the components of the cell wall of pathogenic staphylococci, as well as their toxins, can lead to delayed and immediate allergic reactions ( anaphylactic shock, Arthus phenomenon, etc.). Clinically this manifests itself in the form of dermatitis ( inflammatory skin disease), bronchospastic syndrome ( spasm of bronchial smooth muscles, which manifests itself as shortness of breath) etc.

Method of infection with staphylococcus

Diseases caused by staphylococci can be of the nature of autoinfection ( entry of bacteria into the body through damaged areas of the skin and mucous membranes), since staphylococci are permanent inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes. Infection can also occur through contact with household items or by eating contaminated food. This method of infection is called exogenous.


It is worth noting that important In the mechanism of transmission of staphylococci, they are attributed to the carriage of pathogenic staphylococci. The term “carrier” refers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the body that do not cause any clinical manifestations of the disease. There are two types of carriage of pathogenic staphylococci - temporary and permanent. The main danger is posed by people who are constant carriers of pathogenic staphylococcus. This category of persons is identified in large quantities pathogenic staphylococci, which are present for a long time on the mucous membranes and in the skin. It is still not entirely clear why long-term carriage of pathogenic staphylococcus occurs. Some scientists associate this with a weakening of local immunity with a decrease in the titer of immunoglobulin A ( a decrease in the concentration of one of the types of antibodies that are responsible for the immune response). There is also a hypothesis that explains the long-term carriage of pathogenic staphylococcus with impaired functioning of the mucous membrane.

The following mechanisms of transmission of staphylococci are distinguished:

  • contact and household mechanism;
  • air-droplet mechanism;
  • air-dust mechanism;
  • nutritional mechanism;
  • artificial mechanism.

Contact and household mechanism

The contact-household mechanism of transmission of infection occurs due to the transfer of bacteria from the skin and mucous membranes to various household and household items. This route of transmission of infection is associated with the use of common household items ( towel, toys, etc.). To implement the contact-household route of transmission, a susceptible organism is required ( When bacteria are introduced, the human body reacts with a clinically significant disease or carriage). The contact-household mechanism of transmission is a special case of the contact route of transmission of infection ( direct contact with skin).

Airborne mechanism

The airborne transmission mechanism is based on inhalation of air containing microorganisms. This transmission mechanism becomes possible if bacteria are released into the environment along with exhaled air ( for diseases of the respiratory system). Selection pathogenic bacteria can be carried out through breathing, coughing and sneezing.

Air-dust mechanism

The airborne dust mechanism of transmission of staphylococcal infection is a special case of the airborne droplet mechanism. The air-dust mechanism is realized when bacteria remain in dust for a long time.

Nutritional mechanism

With the alimentary mechanism ( fecal-oral mechanism) transmission, the release of staphylococci occurs from an infected organism through bowel movements or vomiting. Penetration of bacteria into a susceptible organism occurs through the oral cavity when consuming contaminated food ( presence of microorganisms in food). After this, the staphylococcus again colonizes the digestive tract of the new host. As a rule, contamination of food products with staphylococci occurs due to non-compliance with personal hygiene rules - insufficient processing hands Also, this mechanism can be carried out as a result of carriage of a staphylococcal infection in a food industry worker.

Artificial mechanism

The artificial transmission mechanism is characterized by the penetration of pathogenic staphylococcus into the human body through insufficiently sterilized ( sterilization is a method of processing medical instruments and equipment to completely destroy all microorganisms) medical instruments. As a rule, this can occur during the use of various instrumental diagnostic methods ( for example, bronchoscopy). Also, in some cases, the penetration of staphylococcus into the body is observed during surgical operations.

It is worth noting that medical equipment and instruments may not be completely sterile due to the fact that staphylococcus is resistant to some types of disinfectants ( chemicals that have antimicrobial effect ). Also, the cause of the artificial transmission mechanism may be the incompetence or negligence of medical personnel.

What diseases does Staphylococcus aureus cause?

Staphylococcus aureus is capable of infecting most tissues of the human body. In total, there are more than a hundred diseases that are caused by staphylococcal infection. Staphylococcal infection is characterized by the presence of many different mechanisms, routes and transmission factors.

Staphylococcus aureus can extremely easily penetrate through minor damage to the skin and mucous membranes into the body. Staphylococcal infection can lead to various diseases– starting from acne ( acne) and ending with peritonitis ( inflammatory process of the peritoneum), endocarditis ( inflammatory process inner shell hearts) and sepsis, which has a mortality rate of around 80%. In most cases, staphylococcal infection develops against the background of a decrease in local or general immunity, for example, after acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI).

The following symptoms are characteristic of staphylococcal sepsis:

  • increase in body temperature to 39 – 40°C;
  • intense headache;
  • loss of appetite;
  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • increased sweating;
  • skin pustular rash;
  • increase in heart rate to 140 beats per minute;
  • an increase in the size of the liver and spleen;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • rave.
In sepsis caused by staphylococcal infection, purulent lesions of the intestines, liver, membranes of the brain, and lungs are often observed ( abscesses). Mortality in adults can reach significant numbers in the case of inadequate antibiotic therapy without taking into account the antibiogram.

Staphylococcus has 27 species. Of these, 14 are capable of living on human mucous membranes and skin, but only 3 varieties cause serious illnesses. The remaining bacteria are harmless to the body.

There are many varieties of staphylococcus

What is staphylococcus?

In 1881, the French scientist Louis Pasternak introduced the term Staphylococcus into medicine. The bacterium got its name thanks to oval shape and the ability to gather in clusters (from the Greek coccus - grain, and staphylos - bunch).

The bacterium is resistant to changes in the environment. Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most tenacious. It can withstand temperatures of 150 °C and direct Sun rays, resistant to alcohol and sodium chloride salts. It cannot be destroyed by boiling.

Other representatives of staphylococcus die at a temperature of 80 °C for 20 minutes.

Bacteria can survive in oxygen-free environments and adapt to antibiotics. They quickly adapt to antimicrobials, so it’s difficult to fight staphylococcus.

Staphylococci are very tenacious bacteria

The bacterium itself is not dangerous to humans; the substances it releases during its life are harmful. They are called pathogenicity factors.

These include:

  1. Toxins. Toxic substances that poison humans.
  2. Capsule. Protects bacteria from phagocytes - cells that destroy harmful microorganisms.
  3. Cell wall components. Causes an inflammatory process in the body, reduces protective functions immune system.
  4. Hemolesins. Damage immune cells.
  5. Enzymes. Various antibiotics immobilize.

Causes of staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcus is an opportunistic bacterium. He lives in any human body, but with a decrease protective properties immunity can cause dangerous diseases and ulcers on the skin.

The bacterium appears even in a newborn, but usually the baby’s immunity quickly adapts to the action of staphylococcus.

The main causes of infection in adults and children include:

  1. Using other people's personal belongings - towels, combs, clothes.
  2. Close contact with an infected person.
  3. Failure to comply with hygiene rules.
  4. Insufficient processing of instruments.
  5. Surgical intervention.

You can become infected with staphylococcus due to non-compliance with hygiene rules

Symptoms and signs

Signs of staphylococcus depend on its location.

The bacterium spreads throughout the body and, in addition to increasing body temperature, can cause the following diseases:

  1. Food poisoning. Caused by Staphylococcus aureus toxins. Manifests severe vomiting, pain in the intestines, diarrhea, weakness, nausea. Sources of infection are people with a chronic form of the disease and cows with udder inflammation.
  2. Osteomyelitis. Inflammation bone tissue. Most often found in children under one year of age. Manifested by fever, vomiting, headache, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. There are 3 forms: local, toxic and septic-pyemic.
  3. Bronchitis. Infection occurs when there is already a viral disease. Manifested by high temperature. IN severe cases hemoptysis occurs.
  4. Laryngitis. Causes a sore throat, severe cough, and change in voice.
  5. Pharyngitis. Symptoms of staphylococcus infection are as follows: soreness, accumulation of mucus near back wall, temperature.
  6. Sinusitis. Staphylococcus aureus multiplies in the nose and leads to chronic form diseases.
  7. Rhinitis. Staphylococcus often causes a runny nose due to hypothermia.
  8. Pyoderma. Purulent lesion on the skin. Almost any pimple on the body is a sign of staphylococcus.
  9. Scalded baby syndrome. It can only occur in infants. Causes blistering like burns.

Since the bacterium manifests itself in many diseases, a doctor will not be able to diagnose a staphylococcal infection without special tests.

A sign of staphylococcus may be the appearance of purulent rashes on the body

Types of staphylococcus

Exist the following types staphylococcus, which can cause various diseases in men, women and children:

  1. Saprophytic (Staphylococcus saprophyticus). Most often occurs in women. Lives on the mucous membranes of the genitals. Can cause inflammation Bladder and kidneys.
  2. Epidermal (Staphylococcus epidermidis). Inhabits any areas of the dermis and mucous membranes. It manifests itself when immunity decreases. Penetrates into the body through damage to the skin. Causes inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and blood poisoning.
  3. Hemolytic (Staphylococcus haemolyticus). Settles on the top respiratory tract, causing sore throat or tonsillitis.
  4. Golden (Staphylococcus aureus). A pathogenic bacterium that can penetrate any organ. Calls purulent processes. In the photo it looks like golden balls.

The latter type is especially dangerous during pregnancy; it can infect the unborn baby and the fetal membrane.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous species bacteria

Degrees

In medicine, staphylococcal infection is conventionally divided into 4 degrees:

  1. First degree. The infection manifests itself mildly and, in the presence of a strong immune system, does not require drug treatment.
  2. Second degree. Antibiotics are prescribed if, in addition to staphylococcus, other bacteria are found in the patient’s body.
  3. Third degree. The patient complains of malaise and pain. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if bad feeling caused by non-bacterial toxins.
  4. Fourth degree. The patient experiences increased body temperature, chills, nausea, and body pain. The body is not able to cope with the infection on its own. In this case, hospitalization may be required.

Conditional division into degrees helps the doctor determine how to identify the localization of staphylococcus and how to treat it.

Fever, nausea, headaches are characteristic of stage 4 staphylococcus

Diagnostic methods

Material for analysis is taken depending on the patient’s condition and his complaints.

It can be:

  • vomit;
  • blood;
  • sputum;
  • urine;
  • nasal rinses.

Urine can be used to detect infection

In case of poisoning, they try to find staphylococcus in the feces and in the food that the patient ate before he became ill.

Staphylococcus is diagnosed using the following methods:

  1. Microscopic. Gram staining is performed. Staphylococcus bacteria produce a blue color.
  2. Cultural. Allows you to determine what type of bacteria they are: pathogenic, opportunistic or saprophytic.
  3. Antibioticogram. The sensitivity of staphylococcus to various antibiotics is determined.

If the attending physician has prescribed an oral smear, the patient should not eat, drink, brush his teeth or rinse his mouth before taking the test. A few days before the procedure, it is prohibited to use antibacterial sprays and rinsing solutions. The smear is taken in the morning.

Normally, there should be no pathogenic staphylococci. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe general and biochemical analysis blood.

Treatment of staphylococcus

After identifying a staphylococcal infection, the doctor faces the question of how to treat the disease. Usually the doctor prescribes antibiotics. Self-medication is not recommended, because only a specialist can determine which drug is in this moment will destroy the bacteria.

Antibiotics

The patient may be prescribed the following medications:

  1. Oxacillin. Sold in the form of tablets and solution for injection. Kills staphylococcus cells, preventing their division. Price – from 3 rubles. per bottle 500 mg.
  2. Supirocin. Antibacterial ointment, which is used to treat staphylococcal dermatitis. Price – from 515 rub.
  3. Amoxicillin. Suppresses the proliferation of staphylococcus. Sold in the form of tablets, capsules and suspensions. Price – from 105 rub.
  4. Cloxacillin. Blocks the bacterial membrane. Prescribed to children from the age of two. Price – from 110 rub.
  5. Cephalothin. Destroys bacterial membranes and prevents its normal division. Not for use in patients with renal or liver failure. Price – from 800 rub.

Oxacillin is a powerful antibiotic

Folk recipes

The following methods are popularly used for treatment:

  1. Treat purulent wounds and skin damage copper sulfate, which destroys staphylococcus.
  2. Fill the bath with warm water and add 500 ml of apple cider vinegar. The water procedure is carried out every day for 10-25 minutes.
  3. Take 2 tsp. chamomile, meadowsweet, hop cones, mint, calamus root; 1 tsp each dill seeds and cyanosis; 3 tsp. fireweed Healing herbs grind. 2 tbsp. l. The resulting collection is poured with a liter of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 12 hours. Drink 100 g three times a day for 4 months. Then they take a two-week break and repeat the course again.
  4. To treat purulent lesions on the skin, take a bath with a series. To do this, take 500 g of grass and 2 liters warm water. The broth is boiled for 20 minutes, then infused for 30 minutes. They take a bath every day.
  5. To cure acne on the face, make lotions from apple cider vinegar.
To boost immunity, your doctor may recommend eating black currants, which are a natural antibiotic.

To get rid of acne, you can use apple cider vinegar lotions.

Possible complications

Staphylococcal infection can cause the following complications:

  1. Pneumonia. Occurs due to weakened immunity due to influenza or ARVI. Affects the alveoli. May cause purulent lesions in the lungs. Manifested by cough, shortness of breath, bluish complexion, and poor health.
  2. Endocarditis. Affects the mitral or aortic ventricles. The mortality rate from this disease is 50%. With endocarditis, patients complain of increased fatigue, sudden weight loss, joint pain, sweating, and increased heart rate.
  3. Meningitis. Inflammation of the meninges. Most often, children under one year of age suffer from it. Symptoms include convulsions, fever, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.
  4. Sepsis. Blood poisoning. Accompanied by high fever, headache, delirium, vomiting, pustular rash, loss of consciousness, nausea, and severe sweating. In newborns and premature infants, sepsis often resolves at normal temperatures.
  5. Toxic shock syndrome. May develop during nasal surgery or after childbirth. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, loss of consciousness, and an increase in the number of heart beats up to 140 per minute. The disease is practically not amenable to drug treatment.

If staphylococcus is not treated, purulent rashes may appear on the body.

Prevention

A strong immune system helps fight infection. Therefore, you should strengthen your body: harden yourself, watch your diet, do exercises, rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.

In addition, the following prevention should be carried out:

  • wash your hands after using the toilet, going outside and before eating;
  • regularly do wet cleaning in the apartment;
  • do not eat spoiled foods;
  • do not have close contact with sick people;
  • treat fresh wounds with an antiseptic;
  • do not visit solariums, hairdressers, beauty salons and tattoo parlors, where masters do not take care of their instruments.

Many people are interested in how the disease appears. It often feels like it comes out of nowhere. In fact, opportunistic forms of staphylococcus can constantly live on humans. A pathogenic bacterium enters the body due to non-compliance with hygiene standards and during communication with infectious people.