If there are severe symptoms of purulent skin lesions in adults and children, doctors do not rule out Staphylococcus aureus, which requires urgent treatment. This dangerous infection can become the main cause of many diseases of internal organs and systems. If the main question arises, how to get rid of Staphylococcus aureus, you need to contact a competent specialist. Otherwise, more and more healthy tissue will be involved in the pathological process.

What is Staphylococcus aureus

This simple golden-colored infection can provoke such dangerous diseases as furunculosis, sepsis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, meningitis, abscess, panaritium, tonsillitis, osteomyelitis. The microbe is localized on the mucous membranes and the upper layer of the epidermis, and is capable of penetrating deep into healthy tissue. It is not easy to cure Staphylococcus aureus, since the pathogenic microorganism is resistant to environmental factors and the action of antibacterial drugs. Treatment of inflammatory diseases involving staphylococcus requires an integrated approach.

If purulent inflammation occurs, it is necessary to be tested for Staphylococcus aureus. The occurrence of such an infection in the body is possible in childhood and adulthood; with inflammation of the membranes, it is clearly impossible to do without additional antibiotics. Microbes release toxins, thereby causing inflammation. The body suffers from symptoms of acute intoxication, and this condition rapidly progresses as the pathogenic flora grows.

How is it transmitted?

If staphylococcus from the nasopharynx penetrates into the lungs through the bloodstream, pneumonia rapidly develops. To exclude the appearance of purulent foci, it is necessary to find out in advance how a dangerous infection is transmitted to a healthy body. There are several ways of transmitting the microbe - oral, airborne droplets or household contact. Relapse is often preceded by a weakened immune system, a long-term illness with the use of potent medications. Microbes penetrate in different ways, so the task of parents is to take responsibility for their health and the health of their own children.

Symptoms

The attending physician explains in detail what the stage of relapse with staphylococcus may look like. Symptoms increased activity spherical bacteria completely depend on the suspected focus of pathology, frightening in its intensity. Pathogenic microbes produce enzymes that cause numerous purulent inflammations. The source of pathology can be identified clinically and laboratory, but the following symptoms suggest a serious illness:

1. When the skin is affected, extensive spots are observed in the skin folds and small rash(pseudofurunculosis), blisters with fluid (vesiculopustulosis), open wounds like burns (Ritter's disease), a cavity with purulent masses (abscess) and a violation of the subcutaneous tissue (cellulitis).
2. Staphylococcal infection in the throat contributes to the development of purulent sore throat, laryngitis and pharyngitis. The patient complains of dry mucous membranes and an acute attack of pain when swallowing, which only intensifies in the absence of timely response measures. Additionally, there is a high body temperature, and visible inflammation of the tonsils can be detected.
3. Respiratory tract diseases are accompanied by the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the nose. Habitual breathing is immediately disrupted, congestion and a dry paroxysmal cough are observed. Rhinitis with discharge of pus is the first sign of how Staphylococcus aureus manifests itself in the nose.
4. When staphylococcus produces in the mouth, the lesion becomes the oral mucosa. Painful ulcers appear in its structure, and when bacteria multiply clinical picture getting worse. Staphylococcus immediately affects the mucous membranes, so you need to pay attention to this sign of the disease first.
5. When the eyes are affected, it develops acute conjunctivitis, supplemented by increased swelling and soreness of the eyelids, lacrimation, photophobia. TO serious complications Staphylococcal infection in such a clinical picture may include a sharp decrease in vision, a spasm of accommodation.
6. If Staphylococcus aureus affects the urinary tract system, the patient complains of frequent urination, pain when going to the toilet, lower back pain, and the appearance of blood impurities in the biological fluid. Alternatively, pyelonephritis, cystitis or urethritis with acute symptoms develop.
7. When the central nervous system is damaged, the patient's body temperature rises sharply, and pronounced signs intoxication of the body. These include attacks of vomiting, partial dehydration, skin rash and migraine attacks. As a complication, doctors identify progressive meningitis and brain abscess.

In adults

The presence of a focal infection of the skin must be treated in a timely manner, otherwise the dermis changes its structure, and the pathological process spreads to healthy organs and systems. General symptoms intoxication are pronounced signs of dyspepsia, vomiting, severe attacks migraine, skin rashes and high temperature. The presence of skin infections is complemented by hyperemia of the upper layer of the epidermis, itching and swelling. If internal contamination and spread of infection is observed, the clinical picture becomes more complicated and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms in children

Infection due to abnormal operation immune system accompanied by high body temperature, disruption of intestinal microflora and common features poisoning of the body. With stable immunity, carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is asymptomatic. The patient and his parents may not be aware of the localization of the pathogenic flora, but find out by chance - during a routine medical examination.

Causes

Frequent pathogens Staphylococcus aureus becomes a dangerous disease in childhood and adulthood, which in most cases affects the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and skin. Before treating a characteristic illness, it is important to identify the etiology of the pathological process. The extremely undesirable penetration of Staphylococcus aureus is preceded by the following pathogenic factors:

• violation of personal hygiene rules;
• penetration of infection due to food poisoning (poor quality food);
• failure to comply with aseptic rules when working with medical instruments;
• applying piercings and tattoos to the body;
• dysbacteriosis;
• weakened immune system;
• the result of infection from the environment;
• for skin lesions of thermal or mechanical origin;
• use of special devices for internal installation.

Diagnostics

A characteristic microbe provokes inflammation when the immune system is weakened, but Staphylococcus aureus can only be detected by laboratory methods. The following measures implemented in a hospital setting will help to cope with pathogenic pathogens:

• standard coagulase test in vitro;
• latex agglutination;
• general blood, urine, stool tests;
• Widal agglutination reaction;
• sowing of biological material;
• biochemical analysis blood;
• swab from the eyelid if conjunctivitis is suspected.

Culture for Staphylococcus aureus

The biological material is often a nasal or throat swab for laboratory testing. It fights in adult patients or infants if the presence of golden strains is suspected in the body. After this, the doctor observes the natural growth of pathogenic flora (if any) for a certain time interval in laboratory conditions, as close as possible to natural ones. If bacteria are not detected during the specified period, this is normal, and the patient is considered healthy. Characteristic manifestations The disease is first diagnosed and then treated.

Treatment

The spread of signs of the disease must be treated promptly and preferably conservative methods. Toxic microbes are capable of developing resistance to antibiotics, so it is necessary A complex approach to a health problem, including several at once pharmacological groups. The following medications will help overcome resistant strains:

• staphylococcal toxoid;
• bacteriophages;
• antistaphylococcal immunoglobulin;
• bacterial lysates;
• staphylococcal vaccine;
• aloe preparations;
• immunoglobulin preparation;
• chlorophyllipt solution.

Ointment

It is recommended to treat the affected membrane of the nasopharynx medicinal ointments with antibiotics mupirocin. Such pharmacological prescription is appropriate for skin diseases, boils, staphylococcal sepsis. In severe cases of the characteristic illness, such local medicines are characterized by low efficiency and mediocre effect. For chronic infection, the following medications are appropriate for external use: Levomekol, Baneocin, methyluracil ointment.

Medicine

Staphylococcus aureus can infect newborns, so symptomatic treatment of a small child should be carried out in a timely manner. The first step is to determine where staphylococci live, what are the features of the pathological process, and then individually determine the features intensive care. To ensure that the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus is as productive as possible, effective medications for acute and chronic diseases are presented below.

Bacteriophage

This pharmacological agents with viruses that can infect staphylococcus. After penetration into the body, the resistance of pathogenic flora is reduced. Viruses have been collected into the composition of medical preparations, for example, the staphylococcal bacteriophage, produced in the form of a solution, suppositories, ointments or tablets for oral use, has proven itself well. In the affected organism it demonstrates a stable antibacterial effect and effectively destroys epidermal staphylococci.

Antibiotics

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be killed with the right antibiotics. Such pharmacological prescription should not be unauthorized, especially when it comes to the health of the child. Otherwise, among potential complications, doctors identify pneumonia, brain abscess, staphylococcal sepsis and other fatal diagnoses. If Staphylococcus aureus is detected in the body, it should not be a shock for a patient at any age to prescribe antibacterial therapy. This:

1. Amoxiclav is a member of the penicillin group, to which staphylococci demonstrate particular sensitivity. It is recommended to take 1 tablet orally 3 times a day for 7-10 days.
2. Methicillin, Oxacillin are representatives of semi-synthetic penicillins, intended for oral use for 7 days, according to the instructions.
3. Clarithromycin is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic. Take 1 capsule twice a day.
4. Vancomycin is a tricyclic antibiotic from the group of glycopeptides, the therapeutic effect of which is achieved by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the staphylococcal cell wall.
5. Lincomycin is a representative of the lincomycin group, which is available in the form of a bitter white powder, taken orally for 5-7 days.

Consequences

The characteristic microbe is especially dangerous for the younger generation, infants. The child’s immunity is weakened, and among potential health complications, doctors identify the following diagnoses:

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

Prognosis and prevention

The clinical outcome depends entirely on the severity of the characteristic illness and requires a timely response from the patient to the initial symptoms. At an early stage, the disease can be completely cured, but at a later stage, the death of the clinical patient cannot be ruled out. To avoid a dangerous relapse, it is important to avoid contact with infected people in every possible way, carefully observe personal hygiene rules and adhere to other preventive measures. After an infection, acquired immunity is not formed.

Photo of staphylococcal infection on the skin

Video

Why are staphylococci dangerous? Diseases caused by staphylococci

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Staphylococci are classic representatives of the microflora of the skin and mucous membranes that inhabit our body in abundance.. It is estimated that on average the mass of microflora (that is, all 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.

The study of the body's microflora is useful not only for elucidating its positive qualities (in fact, the populations of some microbes that make up the body's microflora perform a number of extremely important and beneficial functions for the body, for example, the synthesis of vitamins), but also because it allows us to prevent certain diseases, which arise when the microflora transitions to 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 defense mechanisms of the human body are, first of all, the immune system, secondly, normal metabolism and normal functioning 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.”

Food poisoning caused by staphylococci is a very common form of food infection. Staphylococcus aureus- This 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 stool up to 10 or more times), 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 tea or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate in boiled water is better. 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 very a 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 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 way to prevent staphylococcal poisoning is to follow 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 a sore throat, which worsens when swallowing, soreness and enlargement of the lymph nodes, and 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 with 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 - this is redness and inflammation of the skin around the nail, severe pain in the inflamed finger, possibly slight increase 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. The anatomical structure of the tendons of these fingers predisposes 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 his finger in 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 appear specific signs damage to one or another 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 are deadly 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). Based on the results of this examination, methods for its adequate treatment 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.

are non-motile, non-nuclear, gram-positive bacteria that cause infectious diseases. WITH medical point From a practical standpoint, only a few species of the family Staphylococcaceae are of interest, to which Staphylococcus aureus belongs.

Staphylococcus, what is it?

Microorganisms are ubiquitous, found in large quantities in the air and soil, and colonize the skin and internal organs of animals.

Morphologically, bacteria are spherules 0.6-1.2 microns in size. Some species produce coloring pigments. Colonies of Staphylococcus aureus have a yellow or golden hue.

Pathogenic and opportunistic staphylococci

Pathogenic bacteria produce aggressive and protective agents - toxins, adhesins, enzymes.

The severity of staphylococcal infections depends on many factors - the type of bacteria, the affected organ, the severity of the infection, and the status of the person’s immune system.

Staphylococci form part of the normal microflora of people and inhabit various areas of the body - the skin, mouth, nasopharynx, perineum, axillary region, and gastrointestinal tract.

With normal immunity and the absence of provoking factors, bacteria do not cause harm. Their activation and transition to pathogenic quality occurs with a decrease in immunity, damage to the skin and mucous membranes due to other factors provoking the disease.

The pathogenicity of staphylococci is based on 3 properties:

• adhesiveness (the ability to attach to body cells);
• colonization (reproduction in the environments on which they have established themselves);
• invasiveness (penetration into tissues and organs, production of biologically active agents).

The optimal temperature for the life of staphylococcus is 30-37 °C. The ability to grow and reproduce remains in the range of 4-43 °C, but bacteria can survive in much harsher conditions.

Parameters of extreme environments and lifetime of staphylococci

Environment Settings	Lifetime
Temperature 60°C	1.0 hour
Temperature 80°C	30 minutes (some strains)
Temperature 150 °C	10 minutes (some strains)
Solar ultraviolet radiation	10-12 hours
Phenol solution (3%)	0.15-2 hour
Dried state	About 6 months
Pus	Some years
6-10% sodium chloride solution	Long time
Chloramine solution (1%)	2-5 minutes
Ethanol	Resistance to pure alcohol

The ability of bacteria to survive in a solution of table salt makes canned foods contaminated with them dangerous. No other bacteria have this property.

Types of bacteria

The genus Staphylococcus has 27 species. Some of them have several subspecies. Infections in humans are caused by only five microorganisms:

1. Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus) is the most pathogenic species, causing about 100 diseases.
2. (S. Epidermidis) - present in the skin microflora of many healthy people.
3. Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an opportunistic bacterium that manifests its pathogenicity mainly in implants.
4. Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. Saprophyticus). Infects mainly the urinary tract.
5. Staphylococcus warneri. It is usually localized in the esophagus, the disease rarely causes, and is activated in the presence of artificial valves, intravenous catheters, and ventriculocerebral shunts. Can provoke endocarditis, osteomyelitis, conjunctivitis.

An important feature of staphylococci is the synthesis of coagulase, a blood-clotting pathogenic enzyme. Depending on the ability to produce plasmacoagulase, staphylococci are divided into coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive. The latter are more pathogenic.

Saprophytic, lugdunensis, epidermal and warneri are coagulase-negative staphylococci. They often colonize human mucous membranes and skin and usually do not cause disease.

Features of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus Aureus is the most dangerous type of staphylococcus. The bacterium causes purulent-inflammatory processes in vital organs with the development of severe complications that can lead to death.

– coagulase-positive bacterium. Produces plasmacoagulase in 2 forms - bound to the cell wall and free. With the help of the first, staphylococcus protects itself from phagocytes, surrounded by a barrier of coagulated blood. Free coagulase, together with a cofactor contained in the blood plasma, forms coagulazothrombin, which causes thrombosis.

In healthy people (bacteria carriers), staphylococcus is usually present in the nasal cavity (in 70-90% of cases), less often in the larynx, armpits, perineum (5-20%), gastrointestinal tract, and scalp.

Workers become chronic carriers of staphylococcus medical institutions(35%), as well as people suffering atopic dermatitis, drug addicts.

The most common are hospital strains of S. Aureus. After hospitalization, 20–30% of patients become their carriers. In most cases, the infection develops as a result of manipulations that violate the integrity of the skin, antibiotic therapy, hemodialysis, and treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes.

Staphylococcus aureus is capable of forming microcapsules - small (0.2 micron) round formations with a clearly defined contour. The capsules are attached to the wall of the bacteria and protect them from damage and drying out.

Certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus (most often hospital-acquired) become resistant to certain antibiotics - cephalosporins and penicillins ( Oxacillin, Methicillin, Nafcillina, Dicloxacillin). They are called methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA).

Pathways of pathogen transmission

• contact (through hands and things);
• airborne droplets (when talking, sneezing, coughing);
• nutritional (when eating food contaminated with staphylococcus);
• from mother to child.

An important role in the distribution staphylococcal diseases play medical institutions. The sources of hospital infections are patients and bacteria carriers among medical staff. Transmission of the bacterium through medical instruments is common.

Staphylococcal infection

Ability to hit various organs and tissues of the human body, which distinguishes Staphylococcus aureus, is called multiorgan tropism.

Localization	Diseases
Skin, subcutaneous tissue	Staphyloderma, boils, carbuncles, pyoderma, felon, paronychia, cellulitis, mastitis, epidemic pemphigus, impetigo
Lymph nodes	Lymphadenitis
Respiratory system	Staphylococcal bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia
Laryngootorhinological organs	Sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis
Hepatobiliary system	Cholangitis, cholecystitis
Eyes	Corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis
Musculoskeletal system	Myositis, arthritis, osteomyelitis
Gastrointestinal tract	Food poisoning
Brain	Meningitis, abscesses
Genitourinary system	Urethritis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, prostatitis, cystitis and so on

The most common diseases

Skin lesions are among the most common staphylococcal infections. In terms of frequency of occurrence, the leaders are boils, pustular diseases, carbuncles, and pyoderma.

Food infection (staphylococcal toxicosis). The disease develops and manifests itself rapidly - cramping pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - 3-6 hours after eating infected food. In most cases, self-healing occurs after 5-7 days.

Acute and chronic pneumonia. 5-10% of all patients with pneumonia suffer from an acute form of staphylococcal pneumonia.

Infection appears severe intoxication, shortness of breath, low-grade fever with chills, cough with purulent sputum. The disease is dangerous due to pleural complications. To the group increased risk includes elderly people and young children.

Staphylococcal bronchitis. It usually begins with infection of the upper respiratory tract, then the trachea and bronchi.

Osteomyelitis. Occurs when staphylococcus is carried into bones (usually damaged ones) with blood or from a neighboring source of infection. In adults, the vertebrae are most often affected; in children, the tubular bones are most often affected.

Meningitis. Inflammation of the membrane of the spinal cord and brain with the risk of abscess formation. Manifested by severe headache, hyperesthesia, and impaired consciousness. Possible coma. The most typical symptom of meningitis is a stiff neck (throwing the head back and difficulty returning it to its normal position).

General symptoms

General is caused by intoxication of the body with a characteristic clinical picture.

• poor health, physical and mental weakness;
• chills, elevated temperature(up to 39 °C);
• loss of appetite, nausea;
• Headache, dizziness;
• decrease in blood pressure;
• sleep disturbance.

The disease can develop into generalized forms - septicopyemia or sepsis. The generalization of infection occurs in organs - liver, lungs, bones, kidneys and others, creating foci of infection there. Diseases are accompanied by discomfort, pain, and organ dysfunction.

Severe complications - meningitis, cerebral edema, sepsis can cause loss of consciousness and coma.

Diagnostics

Clinical picture

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Gandelman G. Sh.:

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When diagnosing a staph infection, four goals must be achieved by establishing:

• type of pathogen;
• location of infection;
• degree of infestation;
• sensitivity of staphylococcus to antibiotics.

Biomaterial for research

Depending on the type and location of the staphylococcal infection, the following are used as biological material:

• discharge of mucous membranes (most often in the nasopharynx);
• sputum;
• wound contents (pus and inflammatory exudate);
• blood (for sepsis);
• urine;
• bile;
• cerebrospinal fluid

In case of food infections, vomit and food debris are examined for the presence of staphylococcus.

Bacterioscopy

Smears are made from the selected biomaterials and examined under a microscope. Both unfixed (live) and fixed (dead, but retaining structure) bacteria can be subjected to bacterioscopic examination.

Staphylococcus aureus is identified by the color of the colonies, the spherical shape of the bacteria and the arrangement in the form of clusters. IN initial stage colonization microorganisms can be located singly, in pairs or in groups of four).

Isolation of pure staphylococci

The next stage of diagnosis is the inoculation of biomaterials on media that are eclectic for S. Aureus and other staphylococci (in the case of differential diagnosis) (blood agar, FSA, MFA), isolation of pure species of staphylococci and their identification.

The isolated bacteria are checked for morphological (shape, size, location) and tinctorial (color) properties, as well as other necessary tests.

Tests

The most important test for diagnosing Staphylococcus aureus is the free coagulase test. If it turns out to be positive, then there is an infection with S. Aureus.

In a general blood test, leukocytosis is detected in the presence of infection.

Serological studies (ELISA, RNGA, RA)

Serological tests are carried out if the pathogen cannot be identified by bacterioscopic and bacteriological methods. They consist in the detection of antigens inherent in Staphylococcus aureus in the blood plasma. Applicable linked immunosorbent assay, RA, RNGA.

In some cases, there may be a need for PCR diagnostics - determining the causative agent of the disease using DNA.

Determination of the massiveness of infestation

Quantitative indicators of infection are established by inoculating the biomaterial with LSA, counting the number of colonies and determining the CFU value. The latter stands for “colony-forming units” and is expressed by the number of bacterial colonies. For example, a value of 5 × 10⁶ (5 to 10 to the 6th power) indicates a high intensity of infection.

Treatment

A comprehensive approach is used to treat staphylococcal infections. Antibacterial, immunostimulating, symptomatic, detoxification and surgical (excision of purulent abscesses) treatment is used.

Antibacterial therapy is the basis for treating infections. Drugs are prescribed based on pathogen sensitivity tests. Most often these are beta-lactam drugs ( Methicillin, Oxacillin), less commonly tetracyclines, cephalosporins of the first and second generation.

In the case of methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococcus, Vancomycin, Fluoroquinolones, semisynthetic penicillins, third and fourth generation cephalosporins.

For minor skin lesions, antibiotic ointments are used.

Severe infections in combination with anti-staphylococcal plasma and immunoglobulins, staphylococcal toxoid and bacteriophage.

For meningoencephalitis, abscess pneumonia with many purulent foci, and sepsis, the prescription of two antibiotics in the maximum dose for the appropriate age is indicated.

In mild cases, the disease is limited to symptomatic and immunostimulating therapy.

Dysbacteriosis caused by food poisoning is treated with pre- and probiotics.

When does aureus infection not need to be treated?

The need for antibacterial therapy in patients with staphylococcus and sanitation in bacteria carriers is determined by a combination of two factors - the clinical picture and CFU.

Sanitation of carriers is carried out if the CFU exceeds 10 to the 3rd power. It is believed that in this case, bacteria from the nasopharynx begin to actively spread into the air.

If CFU exceeds 10 to degree 4, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. A lower CFU value and the absence of clinical manifestations speak in favor of refusing to take antibiotics and relying on the immune system. To increase the body's defenses, immunostimulating therapy may be prescribed.

Massive infection with staphylococcus, characterized by CFU above 10 to 5 degrees, is usually accompanied by severe symptoms and requires mandatory treatment with antibiotics.

The most common antibiotics, sensitivity

The following antibiotics are most often used in staphylococcal therapy.

A drug	Main action
Erythromycin, Clarithomycin, Clindamycin	They block the synthesis of bacterial proteins, causing the death of staphylococcus.
Amoxicillin	Acts bacterioscopically, stops the production of peptidoglycan, preventing the proliferation of staphylococcus
Oxacillin, cefotaxime	They disrupt the division of staphylococcal cells, stopping their reproduction
Baneocin	Ointment based on bacitracin and neomycin. Used to treat skin lesions of staphylococcus.
Mupirocin	An ointment containing active substances Bonaderm, Bactroban and Supirocin. Used to treat skin.
Vancomycin	Drug for intravenous use. Blocks components that make up the bacterial cell.
Cloxacillin	Stops the proliferation of staphylococcus by damaging their membranes.
Cephalexin, Cefazolin	They destroy the walls of bacteria, facilitating their capture by phagocytes.

Prevention

Measures to prevent staphylococcus are divided into two groups:

• undertaken at the state level;
• private.

Government agencies carry out planned and unscheduled measures aimed at preventing infection with staphylococcus.

1. Control of the sanitary and epidemiological regime in clinics. Maintenance of departments with patients affected by purulent-inflammatory staphylococcal infections should be carried out by separate personnel.
2. Routine examination of staff in maternity hospitals, surgical and infectious diseases departments. Timely identification of carriers of resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and their removal from work.
3. Immunization of people at risk for Staphylococcus aureus with sorbed toxoid and immunoglobulins.

Basic personal prevention measures:

• personal hygiene (clean hands, wet cleaning at least 2 times a week, properly prepared food);
• timely treatment of infectious diseases - dental caries, boils, sore throats, inflammation of the adenoids and tonsils, urethritis and others;
• avoiding crowded places during the peak of respiratory diseases;
• refusal to consume dairy, meat and confectionery products stored improperly, especially in hot weather;
• immediate treatment of skin wounds with antiseptics, applying a bandage or plaster to them;
• refusal to visit beauty salons and dental clinics, in which due attention is not paid to the disinfection of medical instruments.

The danger of staphylococci lies not only in complications, but also in the emergence of superbugs that are resistant to most antibiotics.

The video provides more detailed information about Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant strains:

So far, there are few pathogenic strains that are absolutely resistant to any antibacterial therapy. Massive abuse of antibiotics makes the threat of superinfections very real.

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 pathogenic staphylococcus is also isolated, 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. It could be skin nerve 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 varying degrees 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 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), inflammation of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart) may develop due to blood poisoning.

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 common infections: staphylococcal sepsis, pneumonia, toxic shock, formation of ulcers 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. This may cause inflammation of the sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as hair follicles. 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 are inflamed), furuncle (the hair follicle, sebaceous gland is inflamed 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 mucus secretion, which makes it difficult to nasal breathing. 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 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 becomes chronic, 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 of the back of the throat, the appearance of viscous mucus on it, a sore throat, dry cough, hoarseness, and pain. All these signs occur against the background general weakness, with 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. A distinctive feature of 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 with a gradual transition 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. The location of painful sensations is the 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 impaired motor function in the corresponding 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 for the clinical picture caused by staphylococcus to be complete, it is necessary to present 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 is trying to cope with pathogenic bacterium and prevent it from reproducing. 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 the body’s protective reaction to 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 pinching nerve endings edematous 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 happens when passing diagnostic procedures, for example, during bronchoscopy, as well as during surgical intervention. 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 diseases causing a decrease human immune forces. 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 body temperatures, 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 disruptions in the 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.

Long-term use vasoconstrictor drops, which violate the integrity of the nasal mucosa and contribute to the penetration of 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 different treatment. 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 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 the immune system is normal, then this degree of staphylococcus will not be able to cause pathological processes, which means that 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, a comprehensive examination is necessary 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 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, specific treatment is required, 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 this case, the heart valve and the 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 of the membranes of the brain, accompanied by high body temperature, nausea and vomiting, convulsions, and severe headache. Moreover, even timely initiation of therapy does not guarantee that the patient will avoid death. Mortality rate adequate treatment up to 30%.

Syndrome toxic shock often referred to as a symptom of staphylococcal 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 body temperature, 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 the sick.

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. Possesses wide range action, 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, time of use of the drug 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 antibacterial agents always involves certain health risks in the form of various side effects.

Therefore, compliance with the following preventive measures will help you stay healthy:

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 are a 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, conducting active image life. All this will strengthen the body’s immune forces and help it resist possible infection.

Compliance with personal hygiene rules. With regard to the prevention of 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, 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 tools from the outside medical personnel. Avoidance of negligence regarding sanitary standards.

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

Many people have encountered an infection such as Staphylococcus aureus; symptoms in adults are somewhat different from those in children. Staphylococci are aerobic gram-positive bacteria that form numerous irregularly shaped aggregations. They got their name due to the appearance of a golden glow when sown on a nutrient medium. Staphylococcus aureus is found on many environmental objects; it can exist for a long time in food products, on household items, in breast milk, on human skin and mucous membranes.

In small quantities, these bacteria are found on the mucous membranes and skin of any person. However, the infection develops only in people with reduced immunity, because normal microflora able to cope with the regulation of the number of these microorganisms. When decreasing protective properties immune system, staphylococci multiply rapidly and cause serious diseases. The high pathogenicity of the bacterium is associated with several factors. First of all, due to the fact that staphylococcus is resistant to many disinfectants And high temperature(withstands heating up to 100°C, freezing, exposure to ethyl alcohol). This microorganism produces special enzymes that provide it with resistance to many types of antibiotics. These same substances help bacteria penetrate deep into the tissues of the human body.

The waste product of staphylococci is endotoxin; Once in the body it causes all the symptoms of acute food poisoning. Immunity to Staphylococcus aureus is not developed, so re-infection is possible. While in a hospital, a person is most susceptible to infection, because the surrounding air contains greatest number microorganisms resistant to antibiotics.

Where does staph infection come from? Infection is facilitated by decreased immunity caused by for the following reasons: reception hormonal drugs, wrong course of antibiotics, poor nutrition, deficiency of vitamins in the body, lack of personal hygiene, consumption of contaminated food. Infection can be local or general. Common ones include septicocemia and septicopyemia. Local infections include infection of the mucous membranes, joints, skin, mammary glands and sinuses. IN separate category secrete food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacterial infection can be either primary or secondary. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form. The severity of infections can be mild, moderate or severe.

The infection manifests itself differently depending on the location of the primary outbreak. Common symptoms are low-grade fever, weakness, decreased appetite, and nausea. When the sweat glands become infected, dense reddish nodules appear in the area skin folds. Over time, they begin to fester. When infected sebaceous glands bubbles filled with liquid form. After opening them, a crust appears. Staphylococcus aureus can also cause exfoliative dermatitis, characterized by the appearance of large blisters, similar to burns. When the blisters spontaneously open, an ulcer forms. When the lower layers of the skin are damaged, an abscess forms - a purulent abscess. Infection in the hangnails causes panaritium. When the subcutaneous tissue is damaged, phlegmon occurs.

When Staphylococcus aureus penetrates the mucous membranes of the eyes, conjunctivitis is observed, the main symptoms of which are swelling, lacrimation, purulent discharge, and photophobia. When staphylococci enter the nasal sinuses, infectious rhinitis develops with purulent nasal discharge. When the upper respiratory tract becomes infected, pharyngitis and sore throat with a dry cough develop. Very often these diseases are combined with pneumonia. At the same time shortness of breath appears, painful cough and high fever.

When the cerebral cortex is damaged, meningitis develops. This disease occurs in adults in a milder form than in children. Meningitis is characterized by severe vomiting, severe headaches, skin rash and epileptic seizures. During puncture, bone marrow fluid comes out under pressure and has a purulent admixture.

Staphylococcus aureus can also affect the genitourinary system, causing urethritis, pyelonephritis and cystitis. The main symptoms of these diseases are pain in the lumbar region, frequent urination, and increased body temperature. Urine contains protein, an increased number of leukocytes, and bacterial culture reveals Staphylococcus aureus. Food poisoning occurs when contaminated foods enter the digestive system. Its main symptoms are: diarrhea, vomiting, and greenish stools.

Blood poisoning - sepsis - develops with a pronounced decrease in immunity. The disease is extremely severe, with high fever, symptoms of body poisoning, and loss of consciousness. With infectious-toxic shock, blood pressure drops to a critical level, the patient may fall into a coma. Septicopyemia - the presence of bacteria in the blood with the formation of purulent infectious foci in internal organs and on human skin.

First of all, staphylococcus in adults must be distinguished from streptococcal infections. When diagnosing staphylococcal infections, the following methods are used: coagulase test lasting 4 hours (can be extended if necessary), latex agglutination - an analysis using latex particles that react with antibodies to staphylococcus. It is mandatory to perform a general urine test to determine the numbers of leukocytes, neutrophils and staphylococci.

In addition, culture is carried out on a nutrient medium to determine the causative agent of infection and its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. Feces should be tested no later than 2 hours after visiting the toilet. Swabs from the mucous membranes of the mouth are taken before taking medications and brushing teeth.

A smear for conjunctivitis is taken from the mucous membrane of the lower eyelid with a sterile cotton swab moistened with distilled water. Before taking a smear from the skin, they are treated with an antiseptic and cleaned of crusts. The agglutination reaction allows you to track the rate of spread of infection and the effectiveness of treatment. It is carried out every 7 days. If the antibody titer increases more than 100 times, the infection progresses.

Tactics and methods of treatment

If the disease is mild, antibiotic treatment may not be prescribed. For severe and moderate forms, semisynthetic antibiotics are prescribed - oxacillin, cefazolin.

If the bacteria are resistant to them, vancomycin is prescribed. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease (the norm is at least 7 days). In severe cases, doctors prescribe a course of treatment lasting several months.

For purulent skin rashes, antibiotics should be combined with local treatment- treatment with mupirocin. In its absence, the wounds are treated with brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial ointments.

For conjunctivitis, the eyes are washed with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate and albucid is instilled 3-4 times a day. For abscesses and boils, drainage is installed to drain the purulent contents. The course of treatment includes taking antistaphylococcal bacteriophages and immunoglobulin. For food poisoning, antibiotics are not prescribed; they are replaced with antistaphylococcal toxoid. Gastric lavage and intravenous administration of glucose solution are also required.

Taking antibiotics should be accompanied by taking antifungal agents.

With proper treatment of the disease, mild forms of the disease can be cured within 7 days. Forms such as septicopyemia and sepsis are more dangerous and end in half of the cases. fatal. Therefore, you should consult a doctor when the first symptoms of this dangerous infection appear.