Staphylococcus in a child symptoms. Treatment of childhood staphylococcal infection. Drugs for the treatment of staphylococcus in the gastrointestinal tract

Staphylococcal infection in children is not a rare diagnosis. If doctors have discovered staphylococcus in a child, this is not a reason to panic.

Despite the large number of species of microorganisms of the Staphylococcaceae family, only a few pose a serious threat. The most insidious - Staphylococcus aureus found most often in children.

This is a widespread type of pathogenic bacterium. Currently, 27 strains are known. Most species closely coexist with humans, located both on the skin and inside humans. But four of them can be very dangerous to health.

By producing toxins that poison the body, the bacterium disrupts the functioning of cells and can cause serious diseases, damage to tissues and internal organs. The consequences of staphylococcus can be the most unpredictable - from intestinal infection before renal failure, toxic shock syndrome, central nervous system disorder.

The greatest danger of this bacterium entering the body is staphylococcal sepsis, which leads to intoxication and blood poisoning. Every second case of this form of the disease ends in death.

Treatment of staphylococcus in children should be carried out under the close supervision of doctors.

Classification

Before treating staphylococcus in a child, you need to know exactly its type. Only four species pose the greatest danger to humans. Depending on the type of bacteria, the symptoms of staphylococcus in children can vary significantly.

Saprophytic staphylococcus in children

It is quite rare and is defined as the least dangerous type. The affected areas are excretory organs. Affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the genitourinary system, it provokes inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, as a result of which the child may complain of pain in the lower abdomen and frequent urination, as with cystitis. But despite the similar symptoms, the treatment is radically different. To detect a saprophytic strain, a urine test is necessary. At the right approach it can be cured in a few days.

Staphylococcus epidermidis

It lives on the skin and mucous membranes, but in the presence of a strong immune system it does not reveal itself in any way. Most often it appears in newborns, weakened babies under one year old, as well as children who have undergone surgical operations. The threat comes from the penetration of a microbe from the surface into the body through damage to the skin, as it can provoke inflammation in the blood vessels and joints. The doctor can determine the infection by examining the patient, after which local treatment is often prescribed.

Hemolytic staphylococcus

hemolytic staphylococcus on the cheek

Attacks mucous membranes. The signs of such an infection are very similar to the symptoms of ARVI, so most often parents don’t even know the real reason and give the child drugs to boost immunity.

Basically, this is enough to overcome the disease. To detect the presence of staphylococcus in the mouth or nose, it is necessary to take a culture test (scraping). Staphylococcus does not respond to the action of many antibiotics, so their use will not give any results.

Staphylococcus aureus in children

Of all the known strains, the most dangerous. It affects any organs in the child’s body, causing purulent inflammatory processes there, and can easily provoke the development of serious diseases with serious consequences.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in children is complicated due to some features of the bacterium, namely:

• The ability to survive boiling for ten minutes, endure freezing, drying.
• Highly resistant to most antibiotics.
• Immunity to sodium chloride, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide.

It is worth noting that immunity to Staphylococcus aureus is not developed, which means that after being ill once, you can become infected again. In children with strong immunity, staphylococcus is in a latent state. The norm of Staphylococcus aureus in medicine is 1:104. This infection is not dangerous, but minimal treatment is still required. Grade 4 in medicine is considered acceptable, but any disorder of the immune system can cause complications.

Reasons for the development of infection

The main cause of infection is often a decrease in immunity. Staphylococcal bacteria constantly live nearby, but strong, strong body able to resist them on his own. There is no need to worry if there are no symptoms and no treatment is needed. Only when a child’s health weakens is he unable to cope with germs alone, and then even a small infection in the nose can take the form of a serious illness.

Violation of hygiene rules also accompanies the occurrence of staphylococcus. It is enough for a child to sit at the dinner table with dirty hands, and he has every chance of acquiring a harmful bacteria.

The infection can enter the body in other ways, including through contact with an infected person, insect bites, personal use of personal hygiene items, surgical interventions with non-sterile medical instruments, airborne droplets, airborne dust methods.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing staphylococcus is quite difficult, since the bacterium can affect any organs and pose as other familiar diseases. Only laboratory technicians can detect Staphylococcus aureus.

The norm that doctors consider acceptable is compared with the actual number of bacteria found in the body.

To detect an infection, you need to be tested for staphylococcus. Bacterial culture is used as the main method. To determine the presence of an intestinal infection, feces are taken for analysis.

You should contact a specialist as soon as you notice general signs of infection:

• changes in behavior;
• lethargy, drowsiness, constant fatigue;
• loss of appetite, apathy;
• skin rashes, inflammation of the mucous membranes;
• elevated temperature;
• vomiting, diarrhea.

After the appearance of the main symptoms, the condition will not take long to deteriorate. At the next stage, symptoms characteristic of a particular type of bacterium appear.

Symptoms

Depending on the variety, symptoms can vary greatly.

For example:

1. In the case of epidermal staphylococcus, the skin and mucous membranes are affected to varying degrees: dermatitis, boils, eczema, rash, etc. A special form is severe conjunctivitis, in which the affected area expands to the face and eyes.
2. The symptoms of hemolytic staphylococcus are largely reminiscent of a cold or flu. Children may develop a cough, runny nose, and sore throat, similar to a sore throat.
3. The saprophytic strain manifests itself as cystitis. The child complains of pain when urinating and often runs to the toilet.
4. The first symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in children appear within a few hours after infection: skin rashes, irritation of mucous membranes, gastrointestinal disturbances, general malaise. Having noticed these signs, it is necessary to urgently contact medical staff, diagnose and begin to treat Staphylococcus aureus. Only a professional can make a diagnosis. Parents will not replace medical assistance, having studied the instructions on the Internet and looked at the photos! Self-medication can expose a child's body to serious danger.

At further stages of infection with staphylococcus in children, symptoms may be as follows:

• In addition to various rashes, signs may appear that resemble the symptoms of scarlet fever: acne and inflammation on the skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Acute intoxication of the body occurs, which is characterized by redness or pallor, fever, headaches, and a constant feeling of nausea.
• If the bacteria multiplies in the intestines, the following symptoms of infection appear:
• Acute pain in the abdomen, not localized to any specific area.
• Enlargement of the abdomen, increased gas formation, heaviness.
• Bloody stool that may contain pus.
• Malfunctions digestive system, constipation or diarrhea, difficulty bowel movements;
• Increased weakness, nausea.

Most often, germs infect the baby's nose and mouth.

It is enough to eat a dirty berry in the summer to get an infection.

When pathogenic organisms appear in the nose, the maxillary sinuses become inflamed and sinusitis begins.

In more serious forms, there is a sore throat, as with a sore throat, swelling and redness of the tonsils, mucous membranes, stomatitis in the mouth, difficulty breathing, weakness, lethargy, and severe intoxication.

Of course, a severe form requires an immediate call to the ambulance.

Treatment of staph infection

It is important to understand that the consequences of the disease can be serious regardless of the variety. How to treat a staphylococcal infection can only be decided by a specialist, the field of diagnosis. Based on the test results and assessment of the number of bacteria, the attending physician selects a specific course of treatment that will get the patient back on his feet as quickly and effectively as possible.

If the number of pathogens is no more than 1:104, then it is enough to limit yourself to taking drugs that enhance immunity. If the degree of infection exceeds the norm, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment.

The main reason for infection and development is a weakened immune system. Under such conditions, the body is not able to resist microbes on its own. Therefore, it is important to take immunostimulants and vitamins to improve metabolism and enhance protective mechanisms.

Also, for staphylococcus, drugs are prescribed to combat the bacterium. The insidious microbe is not afraid of most antibiotics, so experts must conduct preliminary research to determine which medications can overcome the disease.

The resulting wounds and rashes must be treated with special means: brilliant green, alcohol, Vishnevsky ointment.

The child must know the rules of personal hygiene and strictly follow them.

Unsanitary conditions are a comfortable environment for the growth of bacteria, and not only staphylococcal ones. Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate in your home.

Proper nutrition for staphylococcus

What you can eat:

• Proteins (80 g per day): boiled meat, kefir, cottage cheese, fish, fish, sour cream, egg dishes.
• Carbohydrates (300 g per day): potato dishes, a variety of cereals, pasta, honey, jam.
• More vegetables and fruits (carefully washed, of course!).
• Vitamin drink: natural juices, fruit drinks and decoctions of berries and fruits, tea with citrus fruits.
• Vitamins A, B, C: parsley, spinach, nuts, pumpkin, carrots.

And, of course, they highlight foods that cannot be eaten.

These include:

• soybeans, beans, peas, lentils;
• strong coffee and tea;
• salt (more than 10g);
• fatty meat (pork, duck, lamb);
• canned food;
• fried, hot, spicy, smoked.

Prevention

A healthy body with a strong and strong immune system is able to avoid infection by coming into contact with harmful germs every day throughout its life! This means that it is enough to support the baby’s immunity and minimize all factors that negatively affect him.

1. Watch your diet. Don't let children eat too much sweets, junk food, or fast food.
2. An active lifestyle is the key good health. It will be better for the child if his leisure time is active and varied. Walk outside more often, get him interested active games, sports, toughen up. Avoid spending too much time in front of the computer and TV screens.
3. Explain how important hygiene is and the consequences of its absence or violation.
4. Emotional state is an important factor. Constant stress and tense relationships in the family or team negatively affect not only the child’s mental state, but also his physical state. Make sure he grows up in a favorable environment.

By following simple rules and visiting doctors on time, you can protect your child from infection and further complications. Do not forget that staphylococcus is easily transmitted in many ways, so strengthen the health of the whole family, since minimal jumps in the functioning of the immune system can trigger infection.

Despite the fact that today many children at very different ages are diagnosed with a staphylococcal infection, parents are very frightened by this diagnosis. This is due to a small extent awareness of the population about this disease and the spread of myths of various contents about it. In fact, the danger of staphylococcus for children is determined by its type and the child’s level of immunity. Everything is not at all as scary as it might seem at first glance.

• 1. Weakened immunity

The cause of staphylococcal infection in children is most often a weakened immune system. If a child is strong, healthy, seasoned, and rarely succumbs to colds, it is unlikely that pathogenic microorganisms can break him. Moreover, tests sometimes show the presence of bacteria in the body, but there are no manifestations: a strong immune system itself will successfully fight them. But a weakened child may end up in the hospital. However, even here, with timely treatment and the modern level of medicine dangerous consequences can be avoided.

• 2. Violation of hygiene rules

The second common cause of staphylococcus in children is non-compliance with hygiene rules. Bacteria live where there is dirt, and it is always difficult to get a child to wash their hands before eating and not put everything in their mouth. Weakened immunity, coupled with a lack of sterility, allows the disease to take over.

• 3. Infection from outside

Staphylococci can enter a child’s body after contact with an infected person, and this can happen through broken, damaged skin and mucous membranes.

Carriers of pathogenic microorganisms can be food service workers (in which case infection is possible through food) or medical staff if the child, for example, spent time in a hospital where he was given injections and procedures performed. Insects can also be carriers of the disease, which is why it is so important to treat the areas of their bites with green paint or soda solution.

Once infection occurs, it is advisable to promptly recognize hostile microorganisms. Is this possible without tests?

Symptoms and signs of staphylococcus in children

Only bacterial culture can give the most accurate picture of the disease: the number of detected staphylococci is counted and compared with a certain norm. Only after this is appropriate treatment prescribed. But when does it become necessary to take these tests?

The fact is that different types staphylococci infect various systems and organs, masquerading as quite ordinary, even familiar to many diseases. Their signs will be the primary symptoms that force you to seek help at the hospital. The following manifestations are typical for any type of infection:

• lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• vomit;
• elevated temperature - not always.

• epidermal most often causes skin lesions: various types of dermatitis, blepharitis, boils, folliculitis, eczema, acne, conjunctivitis (in this case, staphylococcus spreads to the skin, face and even in the eyes);
• hemolytic settles on the child’s mucous membranes, so the signs of such an infection will resemble the symptoms of a sore throat or cold - cough, runny nose, sore throat and sore throat (a culture test involves scraping with a special instrument in the child’s nose and mouth);
• saprophytic in children is not detected so often, but still it should not be overlooked: it affects the genitourinary system, so children often complain of pain in the lower abdomen, painful and frequent urination, as with cystitis (laboratory tests suggest the detection of infection in the urine) ;
• Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous in this chain, since it is capable of penetrating any organ and triggering an inflammatory, purulent reaction there, which is difficult to treat and poses a serious danger to health;
• very often children experience indigestion, which leads to enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis, etc. (tests should reveal the presence of staphylococci in the feces, which will indicate the penetration of infection into the intestines).

In this case, parents can only realize it in time and consult a doctor without self-medicating and without hoping that it is a common cold. Behind the usual runny nose there may be a staphylococcal infection, which can only be detected through laboratory tests, based on the results of which the doctor prescribes treatment.

Treatment of childhood staphylococcal infection

The complexity of the disease is that staphylococci do not respond to most antibiotics. Modern medicine still uses similar drugs powerful action, but here again there is a trap: antibiotic drugs are undesirable for a child’s body. Therefore, with a small focus of infection, in the absence of serious illnesses fraught with consequences, sometimes doctors manage to treat staphylococcus in children without antibiotics. What is he afraid of?

1. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure the sterility of everything that surrounds the small patient, eliminating dirt, which can serve as a dangerous carrier and beneficial environment for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. It is necessary to explain to children the importance of maintaining good hygiene.
2. Secondly, the goal of anti-staphylococcal treatment is to increase the patient’s immunity so that he can cope with the infection himself. Therefore, various immunostimulating drugs are prescribed. For example, vaccination is carried out. Staphylococcus vaccination is not included in mandatory calendar childhood vaccinations, but if there is a risk of infection, doctors sometimes advise doing it in advance, when the microorganisms have not yet been activated.
3. Thirdly, those medications are prescribed that are effective in combating diseases caused by staphylococcus.
4. Fourthly, doctors advise children to follow a certain diet if they have staphylococcus, since it is an infectious disease. As a result, organ functions change, energy, water-salt and protein metabolism, the level of vitamins decreases. Therefore, the diet of a sick child should include easily digestible dishes (rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins), ensure that he eats food frequently, but in small portions, and drinks sufficient amounts (tea with milk or lemon, table mineral water, fruit drinks, rosehip decoction, juices, jelly, compotes, low-fat fermented milk drinks).

Depending on each individual situation, the treatment of staphylococcus may be different. As for folk remedies against these bacteria, a doctor must know about their use. Some types of microorganisms can be controlled by medicinal herbs as a concomitant herbal medicine to the main course of treatment. But it will be very difficult for them to cope with Staphylococcus aureus.

Why is staphylococcus dangerous?

The main consequence of staphylococcus is the most varied diseases that you can think of, which are difficult to treat, unlike ordinary diseases, since these bacteria are not afraid of antibiotics. And while a runny nose, sore throat, dysbacteriosis and even dermatitis can be dealt with, diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, pustular skin diseases and even sepsis can cause a lot of suffering to a child and will require long-term and thorough treatment.

Advice to parents whose children have been found to have staphylococci in their bodies is not to panic, do not invent non-existent dangers, consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his instructions. This is the only way to cope with the infection and avoid possible consequences.

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If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date; it should not exceed 10 months. Be careful when choosing cosmetics, this is important for you and your child.

Staphylococcus is a species of bacteria belonging to the Staphylococcaceae family. The bacterium received its name due to the spherical shape of the cells, which are arranged relative to each other in the form of clusters (Greek kokkas - “grain”). These microorganisms are capable of producing pathogenic substances (enzymes and toxins) that disrupt the functioning of cells in the body.

Types of staphylococcus

The diagnosis of staphylococcal infection in children (including newborns and infants) is familiar to many parents firsthand, as it ranks first among infectious diseases. These include diseases respiratory tract, skin infections, disruption of digestive processes in the intestines, inflammation of bone tissue and various organs human body. Bacteria are found in stool, blood, and on the surface damaged areas skin. Treatment of such consequences occurs in several stages and requires high professionalism of the attending physician.

However, not all types of this microbe have harmful effects. For example, staphylococcus in a child’s throat is not dangerous if the baby is healthy and has a strong immune system (even if the bacteria limit is slightly exceeded). Staphylococcus aureus is most dangerous in infants in the active phase, the treatment of which requires immediate hospitalization.

Types of staphylococcus:

1. Saprophytic staphylococcus. This type is rare in children, as it most often affects the genitourinary system (skin and mucous membranes). It is considered less dangerous to humans. If the treatment is chosen correctly, then it is possible to get rid of the microbe in a few days.
2. Staphylococcus epidermidis. The name speaks for itself. This species is found on all areas of the skin and mucous membranes (in the nose, eyes, mouth or internal pharynx). Most often it affects children who have undergone surgery, as well as premature and weakened babies. It is not dangerous to the body of a healthy child; even the presence of epidermal staphylococcus in a newborn is considered normal if the baby feels well. For skin lesions, local treatment is often prescribed.
3. Staphylococcus aureus. Perhaps the most dangerous and insidious of known microorganisms. Got its name because of the orange or yellow color colonies. Many people mistakenly believe that Staphylococcus aureus lives only in the intestines. During laboratory testing, it can be detected in feces, mucous membranes (even in the mouth), and on the surface of the skin. If nothing bothers the child, treatment is not prescribed, since the baby’s body itself successfully copes with these bacteria.

Treatment of infection is a very complex process, since Staphylococcus aureus is very resistant to exposure and is quickly transmitted:

1. Staphylococcus aureus can survive for about 10 minutes. at +800;
2. treatment with most antibiotics and antiseptics often does not bring results, since Staphylococcus aureus easily adapts to them;
3. active when dried up to 6 months 12 hours when exposed to direct sunlight;
4. Staphylococcus aureus is not afraid of sodium chloride, ethyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.

Symptoms of infection

Symptoms and signs of staph infection depend on many factors, such as:

• child's age;
• the bacteria’s habitat (food, dust);
• health and general state baby (immune system, presence of other diseases);
• type of staphylococcus (staphylococcus aureus in infants more often than others contributes to a violent reaction of the immune system).

Put correct diagnosis Only a specialist can. Parents can only carefully monitor the child’s condition and inform the medical professional about certain reactions of the baby.

There are two forms of staphylococcal infection: early and late. In the early form, characteristic symptoms of infection appear within a few hours after the bacteria enters the body. The late form may appear in 3-5 days.

The main symptoms and signs of staphylococcal infection in children:

1. Various skin rashes - boils (mainly in the nose), pustules, rashes, stomatitis (in the mouth). It is worth consulting a doctor if unusual spots or pustules appear on your child’s skin. Conjunctivitis (bacteria on the mucous membranes, in the eyes) is also often observed in infected children. If you start a staphylococcal infection, there is a danger of damage to internal organs and, even worse, sepsis.
2. Deterioration of the child's general condition - high temperature (38.80 and above), lethargy, apathy.
3. Disruption of digestive processes in the stomach and intestines - vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.

Diagnostics

Parents will not be able to independently determine what infection has entered the child’s body. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory test.

1. Bacteriological culture. This type of study checks for the presence of bacteria in the blood, pus, mucous membranes (usually in the nose), in feces and on the surface of the skin. Material for analysis is taken from acute period infections, since at this moment the bacteria are especially active, they are easier to detect and recognize. After this, the degree of impact of antibiotics on the detected bacteria is examined in order to prescribe effective treatment. Staphylococcus aureus in children does not always appear the first time during a routine blood test, so the bacteriological culture method is considered the most effective.
2. Serological blood test. Blood serum is examined for the presence of antibodies to the infectious agent.
3. PCR method (polymerase chain reaction). Allows you to detect even a single molecule of bacterial DNA. Used as an additional study.
4. Examination of mother's breast milk. Often carried out when detected (more than permissible norm) in the baby's stool, since the bacterium is easily transmitted from the mother. Expressed milk is tested for the presence of infectious agents. The main thing for such research is sterility. If staphylococcus bacteria are detected in milk, breastfeeding is very rarely canceled; as a rule, specialists select the appropriate treatment.

Each laboratory has a standard for the content of bacteria in the analysis, that is, the presence of a small amount of staphylococcus in the body does not indicate an infection, especially if there are no symptoms. There is no need to treat such bacteria.

Treatment of staph infection

Treating infections is a job medical workers, only they can prescribe specific recommendations and medications after examining the overall picture of the infection. It's enough for parents to know modern methods treatment, in case there are doubts about the prescribed measures, since doctors often play it safe.

Methods for treating staphylococcal infection:

1. Local treatment. It consists of treating wounds, pustules and other rashes on the body, nose and other areas with special means. The most insidious Staphylococcus aureus is very sensitive to brilliant green solution, in other words, it is ordinary brilliant green. More often, several products are used (70% alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Vishnevsky ointment).
2. Treatment with antibacterial drugs. It is not always appropriate to treat Staphylococcus aureus with antibiotics, especially if it is found only in the baby’s stool. To begin with, it is worth conducting a bacteriological study.
3. Rinsing and rinsing affected areas. They are used both as an additional therapy and for the treatment of simple forms of staphylococcus in the nose, mouth and internal pharynx.
4. Taking vitamins and microelements to improve metabolism.
5. Immunoglobulins. Such medications are prescribed to restore the body's protective functions.
6. Blood and plasma transfusion. Used in case of severe infection.
7. Surgical intervention.

Prevention of infection

Preventing an infection is easier than treating it. Prevention of staphylococcal infection in children is directly related to the state of the body's defense mechanisms. Staphylococcus is not dangerous for a healthy child, he can easily cope with it, so the main task of parents is to prevent factors that negatively affect the baby’s body.

These include:

• unhealthy diet (sweets, unhealthy fats, smoked meats, sausages, fast food);
• sedentary lifestyle ( rare walks, passion for computer games);
• violation of personal hygiene rules;
• stressful situations (problems in the family, in kindergarten or nervousness of parents);
• unfavorable environment (presence of a large number of electrical equipment in the house, polluted air).

Staphylococcus is easily transmitted, but if the immune system is strong enough, it is not dangerous. A small number of bacteria is the norm for humans, so it is better to take care of improving health, since at the slightest weakening they are ready to attack the body of both adults and children.

Staphylococcus is a fairly common bacterium in children, but infection with some types of strains has a fairly powerful course. Medicine knows about 27 strains of the staphylococcus bacterium, but only 4 of them are truly dangerous for humans of any age. Don't panic right away. You should consult a doctor and determine what type of staphylococcus the baby is infected with.

Staphylococcus: general provisions

Staphylococcus aureus

By staphylococcus we usually mean a microorganism from the family Staphylococcaceae (from the Greek “grain”). The bacterium is named staphylococcal because of its shape cellular structure, which are born in the shape of a ball. They are compactly located with each other like grapevine. The danger of microorganisms lies in the ability to produce and secrete pathogenic organic components (toxic elements and enzyme compounds) that disrupt the healthy functioning of the entire organism. It is easiest for children to get a pathogenic infection. It is they who often have a reduced immune response to aggressive external factors.

Frequent cases of “neighborhood” infection of staphylococcus with salmonella or E. coli against the background severe dysbacteriosis. The main cause of bacterial infection in children is a decrease in the protective function of the immune system.

The form of infection can be different (temporary or permanent). Carriers of the staphylococcus bacteria can appear to be both sick and healthy people. The course of the disease varies in severity, which is due to the different classification of the pathogen itself.

Due to the production of toxic enzymes, staphylococcus can cause sepsis, meningitis, various abscesses, inflammatory processes of soft and hard purulent nature, and pneumonia.

Infected newborn children are most often exposed to extensive sepsis, which is explained by the maximum generalization and progression of the inflammatory process. Staphylococcal infection penetrates and develops not only in the cavity of the intestine, but also in hard tissues (bones, cartilage), on the skin, in the oral and nasal cavities, in the respiratory tract along the descending and ascending lines.

Staphylococcal strains exhibit incredible resistance to the most advanced antibiotics, so there is a risk of the child developing an inflammatory process with the formation of internal and external abscesses. It is important to identify the disease in time, determine the type of pathogen and begin immediate adequate therapy.

Types of staphylococcus and stages of development during infection

Children are most often affected by the disease

Staphylococcus in children, including very early ages, occurs quite often, which is why it occupies a leading position among all diseases of an infectious nature. Diseases of a bacterial nature can cover entire groups of organs and systems of the body:

• damage to the respiratory tract (lower, upper)
• gastrointestinal dysfunction (complete, partial)
• inflammatory process of hard and soft tissues
• infection of the urinary system

Bacteria are detected by bacteriological examination of feces, a detailed biochemical blood test, and by scraping the surface of damaged skin. Medical tactics has a multi-stage approach to the problem, and the duration of recovery is proportional to the severity of the situation and the type of staphylococcal strain.

Saprophytic staphylococcus

This type of infection is rarely diagnosed in children and is considered the least dangerous disease. The main lesions are the urinary system, including the skin and mucous tissues. When timely and adequate treatment is prescribed, relief from the disease can occur in a couple of days.

Epidermal type of staphylococcus

The infection can affect the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. Found in the eyes, nose, and internal pharynx. Children in the postnatal period, in a state of prematurity, and with reduced immunity are prone to the disease. The presence of staphylococcus epidermidis is considered normal in medicine and does not pose a serious danger to a healthy child. If the child’s well-being does not suffer, then only local therapy is prescribed.

Staphylococcus aureus

Diagnosis of staphylococcus

Poses a serious danger to human life and health. It is especially difficult to tolerate in childhood. There is a misconception that Staphylococcus aureus exists only in the intestinal cavity. With more thorough laboratory tests, it is found in the mouth, on the skin, and in stool tests. When, despite the progression of staphylococcus, the child’s well-being remains unchanged, then it is not advisable to prescribe treatment; the body independently fights harmful microorganisms.

Treatment of a bacterial infection is a long and difficult undertaking. This is due to the high resistance of pathogenic microorganisms:

• bacteria can withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees for about 15 minutes
• Staphylococcus is not treatable with most of the strongest medications
• when dried, remains viable for up to six months
  resistant to hydrogen solution and even sodium chloride

It is worth noting that not all types of staphylococcus have a detrimental effect on the human body and cause pathogenic changes in it. If a child has a persistent and high immune response, then his health may remain unchanged even with the slightest excess of the bacteria content. When children are infected with Staphylococcus aureus early age or neonatal period, you should immediately seek medical help followed by hospitalization.

Symptomatic complex and features of infection manifestation

Staphylococcus bacteria, depending on the type and location of infectious foci, have different Clinical signs. There are general local and general external manifestations of infection, and each of them can be expressed in a certain intensity.

Local symptoms of staphylococcus development

1. Skin rashes in the form of ulcers (boils, abscesses). Often diagnosed in children in the nose and throat. A serious manifestation of the disease is indicated by the appearance of large spots, carbuncles and other skin formations.
2. Organic mucus interspersed with pus (sputum, snot). The presence of symptoms indicates damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract along the descending and ascending lines.

General signs of staphylococcus development in children

1. Problems associated with severe intoxication. Severe headaches, high fever, including a low temperature of about 37.3 degrees. The child may experience hyperemia or excessive pallor of the skin. The result of severe intoxication in children is almost always profuse vomiting and a feeling of constant nausea.
2. Gastrointestinal dysfunction, expressed in stool thinning, increased abdominal volume, accumulation of intestinal gases and other manifestations.
3. Allergic reaction to products of oxidative and excretory enzymes as a result of vital activity.

Signs of staphylococcus infection in children in the nose and mouth

Local antibacterial therapy

These anatomical zones most often become the site of localization of the staphylococcal environment. This is due to the peculiarity of the penetration of bacteria, because children transfer all pathogenic microflora to their mouths. The cause of infection may be a typical lack of hygiene or poorly processed vegetables and fruits. The vital activity of toxic flora in the nose provokes the occurrence of sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses).

Infection, to a greater extent, manifests itself in a state of acute catarrhal tonsillitis, ulcerative stomatitis, tonsillitis of any type:

• severe sore throat
• swelling of the tonsil sinuses, redness of the tonsils
• rashes in the mouth in the form of whitish ulcers (severe stomatitis)
• difficulty breathing (swelling of the mucous membrane)
• discharge of organic fluid mixed with blood or pus
• malaise and general signs of intoxication

Staphylococcal bacteria in the intestines

If the infection begins to rapidly multiply in the intestinal cavity or on its walls, then a powerful reaction from the gastrointestinal tract will inevitably follow in the form of an acute form of colitis, followed by development into enterocolitis. Main symptoms of intestinal damage:

• pain in the epigastric zone of unknown localization
• the nature of the pain is intense, wandering or bursting
• strong feeling of heaviness increased gas formation, swelling
• stool contains bloody or purulent inclusions
• the occurrence of false urges to have a bowel movement, loose stool or constipation
• nausea, vomiting, general loss of energy, possible fever

Manifestation of pathogenic microflora staphylococcal group are very varied and require careful medical analysis. Children can even carry serious forms of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, but only if they have reliable immune protection. If there are any manifestations of the first symptoms or signs of complications, you should immediately seek help from specialized specialists.

Diagnostic measures and treatment methods

Prevention is the best way to protect yourself

To identify the pathogen and make a correct diagnosis, a number of laboratory tests are prescribed to study biological material(blood, feces, urine, scrapings from the surface of wounds). At the moment of detection of staphylococcus, it is examined mother's milk(with natural feeding). If the tests give positive result, then the mother continues to feed milk against the background of special therapeutic treatment. This approach allows the child to recover as well.

If the baby has conjunctivitis, then purulent material is collected from the mucous membrane of the eye. The same applies to skin rashes. If the infection affects the mucous cavities of the nose and mouth, then scrapings from the child’s throat and nose are taken directly within the walls of the laboratory immediately. This improves the quality of research and the reliability of data.

Staphylococcus can only be treated with antibiotics. After diagnosing diseases and identifying the disease, the doctor selects a group of drugs that can provide positive influence to improve the child's condition. Next, a course of rehabilitation therapy is carried out and recovery occurs.

The duration of the disease depends on the form of staphylococcus. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus can lead to severe sepsis and require surgical intervention. The main guarantee of successful treatment is an accurate diagnosis based on the clinical picture and adequate selection of a drug course of antibiotics.

Preventive actions:

• After a successful birth, it is important to be discharged from the hospital as quickly as possible
• significantly limit the contact of newborn babies with other people
• compliance with the rules of basic hygiene of mother and child

Staphylococcaceae has many strains, but only a few of them can cause serious harm to a child's health. It is important for parents to monitor their child’s lifestyle and prevent infection in all possible ways. At the first signs of infection, you should not self-medicate, since the diagnosis of the disease is carried out only by laboratory methods.

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Jun 9, 2016Violetta Lekar

Staphylococcus most often affects young children with weakened immune systems or other concomitant infections. Often staphylococcus, salmonella and E. coli are found in children with dysbacteriosis. Thus, it is the violations local immunity are the main cause of staphylococcal infection.

It is noteworthy that staphylococci are extremely resistant to the action of many antibiotics, so there is always a risk that the child will develop a purulent-septic disease.

How can a child become infected with staphylococcus? Both sick and healthy people are carriers of this dangerous bacterium, because there are different shapes carriage of infection (temporary and permanent). The course of the disease can also occur in mild and severe forms. Staphylococcus causes sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, abscesses and purulent inflammation of the skin and other tissues. When the inflammatory process generalizes, newborns often develop sepsis.

The idea that the microorganism affects only the intestines is erroneous. The targets affected by staphylococcal infection are extremely variable: the upper and lower respiratory tract, mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, intestines, skin, bone and cartilage tissue etc.

The children's body is affected by staphylococci of three groups:

Staphylococcus epidermidis. Among the varieties of staphylococci, epidermal has an average infectious potential. Occurs on the skin and mucous membranes, but when normal operation The carrier's immunity does not manifest itself in any way. Signs of bacterial damage appear only if the carrier’s immunity is weakened: after suffering surgical intervention, viral disease, etc. Newborns, especially premature babies, are particularly susceptible to infection.

Saprophytic staphylococcus. Least hazardous to health. It almost never occurs in children, since the main “target” is the organs of the excretory system.

Staphylococcus aureus. The most dangerous and extremely virulent microorganism. In normal healthy children, Staphylococcus aureus remains in a latent state. Of all the varieties of these microorganisms, it is the most aggressive.

• Causes of staphylococcus in children
• Diagnosis of castaphylococcus in children
• Treatment of staphylococcus in children

Signs and symptoms of staphylococcus in children

In most cases (from 48% to 78%), it is staphylococcus bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, often found in children.

Staphylococcal pneumonia can occur after a child becomes infected in a hospital or maternity ward. The disease often develops at lightning speed, with destruction of lung tissue and other complications. Toxins produced by staphylococcus cause severe intoxication of the body, which, in combination with pneumonia, causes disruption of the respiratory system and blood circulation. A sick child is restless, tosses about in bed, and may moan and scream. Characteristic symptoms chills, sweating, dry cough and puffy face are also common.

Staphylococcal enterocolitis is extremely severe intestinal disease. In 13% of cases it ends in death. Premature and weak children are susceptible to the disease. It is also provoked by previous acute respiratory diseases, taking antibiotics, artificial feeding and disturbances of intestinal biocenosis.

The nature of the manifestations depends, first of all, on the type of microorganism:

Saprophytic staphylococcus. Saprophytic staphylococcus is characterized by damage to the genitourinary system.

1. Pain in the lower abdomen (in women);

   Possible development of colpitis (in women);

   Burning and stinging when urinating;

   Pain in the kidney area.

   General signs of intoxication (rare).

Staphylococcus epidermidis makes itself felt by one main feature: pain in the area of ​​organs, and in later stages - functional disorders of their functioning.

Staphylococcus aureus is characterized by the development of purulent-necrotic foci at the site of the lesion. Often it is this that causes the formation of boils, catarrhal tonsillitis, etc.

General and local symptoms of staphylococcus in children

By systematizing the symptoms, we can generalize all manifestations into two large groups: general and local.

Local manifestations:

Rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. Boils (“ulcers”), carbuncles, etc. In children, they are especially often localized on the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The development of spots and large boils indicates a severe course of the process.

Purulent discharge in biological fluids. Mucus from the nose, sputum mixed with pus indicate damage to the mucous membranes of the upper or lower respiratory tract.

General manifestations:

Symptoms of intoxication. Headache, fever up to 37.6-38.1 degrees Celsius, hyperemia or, conversely, pale skin, nausea and vomiting (this is especially common in children).

Gastrointestinal disorders. Diarrhea, bloating, excessive production of intestinal gases, etc.

In allergic children, it is possible immune reactions on toxins and enzymes that staphylococcus secretes during its life.

Risk factors

The intensity and nature of manifestations depend on many factors:

Age. Symptoms depend on the age of the child. Infants suffer from staphylococcal infections more often, and the symptoms are much more severe.

Habitat and penetration environment of the microorganism. The method of entry into the body determines the target. If staphylococcus enters the body with dust particles, damage to the upper or lower respiratory tract will appear. If with food, the throat or intestines will suffer.

The health status of the carrier child. There is a direct relationship between the severity of the disease, the severity of its manifestations and the weakening of the immune system. It is indicated in a quite obvious way: the more weakened the immune system, the brighter the manifestations and the more severe the course of the staphylococcal infection.

A type of microorganism. Staphylococcus aureus is the most severe infection.

A type of microorganism (the most aggressive and dangerous is Staphylococcus aureus, which in 90% of cases causes infectious diseases in children).

Causes of staphylococcus in children

There are several reasons for the development of staphylococcal infection in children:

Premature birth of a child. Premature babies are especially often affected. The reason lies in the insufficient development of the child’s immunity in the womb. Children born by cesarean section are no less susceptible to staphylococcal infection. Immune problems and infection can make themselves felt later in life;

Violations of rules for caring for newborn children;

Failure to comply with hygiene rules. Staphylococcal infection, a kind of disease of dirty hands. Since the microorganism is extremely resistant to all adverse influences, it is widespread and can be found without leaving home. Failure to comply with basic hygiene rules (including eating dirty fruits and vegetables, etc.) leads to rapid infection. The problem concerns older children (1 year and older), as well as parents of newborns.

Pathological processes during gestation and lactation. A mother can be infected with staph and not know it. A pathogenic microorganism can enter milk for a number of other reasons. So, infection can occur even during gestation.

Lack of weight. Lack of body weight leads to weakened immunity.

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Staphylococcus in a child's throat, intestines, nose

The throat, intestines and nose are “favorite” targets for staphylococcal damage. The reason for this is the method of penetration. Most often, pathogenic flora enters the body mechanically (children often neglect hygiene rules) or through food.

These forms of damage have their own specific manifestations and are diagnosed and treated differently:

Staphylococcus on the mucous membrane of the throat manifests itself as acute catarrhal sore throat, tonsillitis and stomatitis.

• A sore throat;

  Swelling and redness of the tonsils;

  Purulent rashes on the surface of the mucous membrane, as well as the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (stomatitis);

  General manifestations of intoxication.

Staphylococcus aureus - dangerous for child's body a bacterium that can cause purulent-inflammatory processes at any age, starting from the first day of a baby’s life. It is children who are most susceptible to this disease, since infection occurs due to poor personal hygiene or weak immunity.

Staphylococcus aureus is dangerous in children because it manifests itself in a variety of diseases that are difficult to treat and have the most detrimental consequences for a small child. This pathogenic microorganism penetrates various organs and is activated there. Bacteria in the lungs provoke pneumonia, in the blood - sepsis, etc. The difficulty of treatment is that even the symptoms are easily confused with ordinary diseases and it is not recognized that Staphylococcus aureus is behind all this.

1. Early form of infection: symptoms appear within a few hours after the activation of the harmful microorganism. It can be:

• high fever in children;
• diarrhea;
• vomit;
• loss of appetite;
• lethargy.

2. Late stage infection: signs may appear only 3-5 days after activation of staphylococcus. Among them:

• skin lesions;
• blood poisoning;
• damage to internal organs.

Often, Staphylococcus aureus in a child does not manifest itself at all, being asymptomatic. Therefore, only certain tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Tests for staphylococcus

To confirm or refute the diagnosis, the child must be tested for the presence of staphylococcal infection. They are done immediately after childbirth, since this process greatly undermines the baby’s immunity. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus is often detected in newborns immediately in the maternity hospital.

Provoking factors can also be various infectious diseases suffered by children at an older age and weakening the immune system. Microorganisms can be found in different bacterial cultures:

• Staphylococcus aureus found in the stool indicates its presence in the intestines: if symptoms are observed stomach upset(vomiting and diarrhea), feces are examined for opportunistic and pathogenic microflora;
• in the throat and nose: if the symptoms are associated with the lungs, bronchi and respiratory tract, bacterial culture is taken with a special probe from the throat and nose - such an infection can cause the development of bronchitis (read: how to treat bronchitis in a child) or pneumonia;
• the detection of Staphylococcus aureus already in the blood is a threat of sepsis, which often ends in death.

In bacterial culture, the number of pathogenic microorganisms is counted manually and compared with standards, after which appropriate conclusions are drawn and treatment is prescribed. In different laboratories, the norm of Staphylococcus aureus in children may not be indicated in the same way. Parents can see it on the test result form.

For example, according to the Industry Standard number 91500.11.0004-2003, the norm is the complete absence of Staphylococcus aureus in any childhood and in any bacterial culture. Since this is rare, most scientific institutes develop their own standards, according to which this microorganism in an amount of 10 to the 4th power is quite normal indicator for children over 1 year old. But Staphylococcus aureus in infants in such quantities will already require treatment.

It’s another matter if it grows:

• if it is indicated that the growth is abundant and massive, then the infection is gaining momentum, the previous therapy was unsuccessful and a new course of treatment is urgently required;
• moderate and meager growth of microorganisms according to the results of the latest tests - such an indicator should not cause alarm, the child’s condition is satisfactory.

In each individual case, the disease in children occurs differently. The same indicators can lead to completely different consequences. For some, the disease passes quickly, for others it may end serious consequences. This largely depends on the immune system. In any case, everyone needs to undergo therapy.

How to treat Staphylococcus aureus in children

The danger of Staphylococcus aureus for children is that these microorganisms are highly resistant to external influences. That is why neither hydrogen peroxide nor boiling helps get rid of them. The only effective disinfectants Zelenka and chlorophyllipt are considered against bacteria.

Before starting treatment, you must pass all the required tests (perhaps even more than once to see the growth of bacteria). Only after confirmation of the diagnosis can a course of therapy begin. Here we need to take into account one more important nuance. If Staphylococcus aureus is detected in a child, but he feels great, treatment is not prescribed.

1. Drug treatment:

• immunostimulating drugs;
• vitamins;
• antibacterial drugs;
• hygiene procedures (sterile compresses);
• if necessary, blood transfusion;
• antibiotics are used only if purulent inflammation and high temperature are detected.

2. Treatment with folk remedies:

• decoction of calendula for gargling: pour calendula flowers (1 teaspoon) with boiling water (250 ml), heat in a water bath, leave for an hour and a half, strain;
• St. John's wort decoction for oral administration and gargling: St. John's wort flowers (2 teaspoons) pour boiling water (250 ml), leave for half an hour, strain;
• Chamomile decoction for oral administration, nasopharyngeal rinsing, gargling: pour boiling water (250 ml) over chamomile flowers (1 tablespoon), boil over heat for about five minutes, close with a lid and leave for 20 minutes.

All parents need to understand that in order to avoid danger and for a speedy recovery of a sick child, you cannot self-medicate. It is necessary to contact specialists as soon as possible.

Staphylococci are aerobic, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, gram-positive bacteria, stable in the external environment, which are located in cluster-shaped clusters.

They are ubiquitous: they are part of the normal microflora and are present in dust. Staphylococci are resistant to heat and drying; outside the body they can remain viable for weeks and months. It is advisable to divide these microorganisms into Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), which secretes coagulase and numerous types of coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Staphylococcus aureus in children is a common causative agent of purulent skin infections. It also causes boils, carbuncles, osteomyelitis, suppurative arthritis, wound infection, abscesses, pneumonia, empyema, endocarditis, pericarditis and meningitis. The toxins released by Staphylococcus aureus cause the development of food poisoning, scarlet fever, scalded skin syndrome and toxic shock.

Most strains of S. Aureus secrete substances that protect them from the host's immune system. Thus, many staphylococci are surrounded by a loose polysaccharide (mucous) capsule, which interferes with opsonization and phagocytosis. The adhesion factor causes staphylococci to stick together into large clusters that are difficult to phagocytose.

Epidemiology of staphylococcal infections

As a rule, colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in children occurs in the first week of life. In 20-30% of healthy individuals, at least one strain of S. aureus is found in the vestibule of the nose.

From the vestibule of the nose, staphylococci can enter the skin, where colonization is short-term. Repeated inoculation of S. aureus from the skin surface indicates re-introduction of bacteria rather than permanent bacterial carriage. However, long-term colonization of the umbilicus and the skin of the perianal area is possible.

Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus to children usually occurs through contact or transfer of particulate matter within a distance of less than 1.8 m. The more intense the colonization, the greater the risk of transmitting staphylococci to other people. Autoinfection is common, and small lesions (such as styes, pustules, paronychia) can serve as a source of disseminated infection. Washing your hands between medical examinations reduces the incidence of staphylococcus transmission from one patient to another. Older children and adults are more resistant to colonization than newborns. Transmission of staphylococci through objects is rare.

Following colonization, invasion may develop. They are facilitated by treatment with antibacterial drugs, to which S. Aureus is resistant. In addition, the likelihood of infection increases in the presence of wounds, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, intravenous or intrathecal catheters, as well as glucocorticoid treatment, malnutrition, acidosis, and azotemia. Viral infections also increase susceptibility to secondary staphylococcal infections.

Pathogenesis

The development of staphylococcal infection is determined by the host immunity and the virulence of the microorganism. Intact skin and mucous membranes represent a barrier to staphylococci. If their integrity is compromised (due to injury, burns, surgery, the presence of foreign bodies, including sutures, shunts, intravenous catheters), the risk of infection increases.

Infants have type-specific humoral immunity due to antibodies received through the placenta. In older children and adults, antibodies to staphylococci are produced in response to repeated minor infections of the skin and soft tissues. Immunization with S. aureus capsule material has been shown to temporarily reduce the incidence of infections in hemodialysis patients. Disseminated staphylococcal infections in previously healthy children, according to some data, develop after viral infections that inhibit the protective functions of neutrophils and epithelium of the respiratory tract.

Clinical manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus infection

Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in children largely depend on the site of infection. The latter is usually found on the skin, but any tissue can be affected. Severe general condition is a sign of local accumulation of pus, dissemination of infection with the formation of screenings in internal organs, or the action of toxins. Although many people's nasopharynx and skin are colonized with S. aureus, these strains are relatively uncommon causes of infection. Localized foci of infection, predominantly skin, are more common among members of the lower strata of society, especially those living in tropical climates.

Staphylococcus aureus makes a significant contribution to the morbidity of newborns.

Leather. Staphylococcus aureus in children is a common cause of purulent skin infections, including impetigo (including bullous) and ecthyma, folliculitis, hidradenitis, boils, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis of newborns, as well as scarlet fever-like rashes. Staphylococcus aureus in children can cause wound infection or complicate the course of non-infectious skin diseases, such as eczema. Folliculitis (purulent infection hair follicle) can lead to the formation of a deeply located abscess or carbuncle (if several follicles are affected). Furunculosis is a disease that manifests itself in episodes of pyoderma that recur over months or even years. Such patients must be examined for the presence of immune defects, primarily for impaired neutrophil function. Staphylococci also play a significant role in hospital-acquired skin infections.

Airways. Respiratory tract infections caused by S. aureus are relatively rare given the high frequency of colonization in this area. S. Aureus is also rarely the causative agent of otitis media or sinusitis. Staphylococcal sinusitis quite often occurs against the background of cystic fibrosis or dysfunction of leukocytes. Purulent mumps is a rare infection, but S. Aureus is its main causative agent. Staphylococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis are rare in children without concomitant diseases. Membranous tracheitis complicating croup viral etiology, can be caused by both S. aureus and other microorganisms. Typical clinical manifestations include high fever, leukocytosis, and symptoms of severe airway obstruction. With direct laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy, the epiglottis is not changed, but the underlying airways are narrowed, and there is a thick purulent secretion in the trachea. Treatment includes antibacterial therapy and careful airway cleansing.

Pneumonia caused by S. aureus can be either primary (hematogenous) or secondary (caused by a viral infection such as influenza). The hematogenous route of infection is observed in septicopyemia, endocarditis of the right heart, and in children with intravenous catheters. The examination usually reveals a rise in temperature to high numbers, shortness of breath and limited or lobar infiltrates in the lungs; Abdominal pain is also possible. S. aureus often causes necrotizing pneumonia, pleural empyema, pneumatocele, pyopneumothorax and bronchopleural fistulas. Occasionally, diffuse damage to the interstitium of the lungs develops, manifested by severe shortness of breath and cyanosis. A significant proportion of pneumonia in patients with cystic fibrosis is caused by Staphylococcus aureus in children.

Sepsis. Any local staphylococcal infection can be complicated by bacteremia or sepsis. The onset is often acute: nausea, vomiting, myalgia, fever with chills. S. aureus can be isolated from any organ. Fever and positive blood cultures may persist for 48 hours after the onset of massive antibacterial therapy.

Sometimes, especially in young men, a disseminated staphylococcal infection develops, which is characterized by fever, bacteremia that persists despite antibacterial therapy, as well as damage to at least two organs and tissues distant from each other (for example, skin, bones, joints, kidneys, lungs, liver, heart). In such cases, endocarditis and septic thrombophlebitis are excluded.

Muscles. Staphylococcal muscle abscesses, accompanied by increased levels of muscle enzymes in the blood serum, are called tropical pyomyositis. There are no signs of septicemia in this disease. Tropical pyomyositis is usually observed in countries with tropical climates, but cases have also been described in American children who did not suffer from concomitant diseases. In 30-40% of patients, multiple abscesses occur. During the prodromal period, runny nose, pharyngitis or diarrhea may occur. Abscesses sometimes form at the site of injury. The basis of treatment is antibacterial therapy and drainage of abscesses.

Bones, joints. Staphylococcus aureus in children is the causative agent of osteomyelitis and purulent arthritis.

CNS. Staphylococcal meningitis is uncommon. Typically, the disease develops against the background of head trauma or neurosurgical operations (craniotomy, installation of a CSF shunt), less often - against the background of endocarditis, infections localized near the meninges (for example, epidural abscess or brain abscess), diabetes mellitus and malignant tumors.

Heart. Bacterial endocarditis may develop following staphylococcal bacteremia. Staphylococcus aureus in children is a common cause of acute endocarditis that occurs on unchanged valves. Complications of endocarditis include valvular perforation, myocardial abscess, heart failure, conduction abnormalities, acute hemopericardium, and suppurative pericarditis. Sudden death possible.

Kidneys and urinary tract. S. aureus is a common cause of kidney and perirenal abscesses. Infection occurs hematogenously. Staphylococcus aureus rarely affects the urinary tract in children.

Gastrointestinal tract. Staphylococcal enterocolitis occurs following the excessive proliferation of S. aureus and their predominance in the intestinal microflora. This is a rare disease that occurs when antibiotics are taken by mouth. Staphylococcal enterocolitis is manifested by diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus.

Peritonitis caused by S. aureus occurs in patients receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis in an outpatient setting. The infection invades the channel through which the catheter is inserted, therefore, to achieve bacteriological cure, the catheter must be removed.

The cause of food poisoning is enterotoxins, which are formed in food contaminated with staphylococci. Approximately 2-7 hours after enterotoxins enter the gastrointestinal tract, profuse vomiting suddenly begins. Frequent watery stools are also possible. Body temperature is normal or slightly elevated. These disorders usually disappear after 12-24 hours. Shock and death are rare.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis of staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to isolate S. aureus from places where they could not enter accidentally (affected skin, abscess cavity, blood). Detection of S. Aureus in the nasal cavity or on the skin does not have diagnostic value, since these areas can normally be colonized by staphylococci. Staphylococci grow well in both liquid and solid nutrient media. Once colonies of the pathogen are obtained, it is identified using Gram staining, coagulase and protein A tests. In severe infections, the sensitivity of S. aureus to antibiotics is also determined.

Differential diagnosis

Skin lesions caused by S. aureus are sometimes impossible to distinguish from those caused by group A streptococci. Staphylococcal etiology of lung damage can be assumed if there are radiological signs of necrotizing pneumonia (presence of pneumatocele, pyopneumothorax or lung abscess). It should be emphasized that all these changes are not pathognomonic for staphylococcal infection. A similar picture can occur with pneumonia caused by Klebsiella spp. or anaerobes. The cause of fluctuating formations of the skin and soft tissues can be many microorganisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, atypical mycobacteria, Bartonella henselae (cat scratch disease), Franciselia tularensis, as well as various fungi.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in children

Accumulations of pus are opened and drained, infected foreign bodies removed, otherwise antibacterial therapy will be ineffective. Antibiotic therapy always begins with penicillinase-resistant drugs, since this enzyme is produced by more than 90% of all staphylococci, regardless of the source from which they were isolated.

For severe infections, antibacterial drugs are administered parenterally, at least until symptoms disappear. Severe staphylococcal infections, even in the absence of abscess formation, are prone to protracted course and relapses, so antibacterial therapy is carried out for a long time.

The choice of antibacterial drug, its dose, route and duration of administration depend on the site of infection, the patient's response to treatment, and the sensitivity of S. aureus. For severe Staphylococcus aureus infections in children, it is recommended to start with intravenous antibacterial drugs. This route of administration is used until the temperature has been within the normal range for 72 hours and other symptoms of infection have resolved. After this, the drugs are prescribed orally for 3 weeks.

Of the drugs prescribed orally, dicloxacillin, cephalexin and a combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid are effective. The duration of oral administration of drugs is determined by the response to treatment, which is assessed by clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters.

For skin infections, mild infections of soft tissues, and the upper respiratory tract, the duration of parenteral administration of antibiotics can be reduced or limited to oral administration only.

If you are allergic to penicillins or their derivatives, drugs of other groups are prescribed or desensitization is carried out. About 5% of children with a penicillin allergy are also allergic to cephalosporins. In such cases, gslindamycin can be used. For severe infections with Staphylococcus aureus in children with allergies, vancomycin is prescribed. daily dose 40-60 mg/kg, divided into 4 parts. The drug is administered intravenously every 6 hours; its level in the blood serum must be monitored. If a severe infection is suspected or proven to be caused by Staphylococcus aureus in children that is resistant to semisynthetic derivatives of penicillin (the so-called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus), vancomycin or its derivative teicoplanin is used.

For such severe staphylococcal infections as septicemia, endocarditis, central nervous system damage, it is indicated intravenous administration nafcillin, oxacillin, and in children with allergies - vancomycin or imipenem. Rifampicin has a synergistic effect.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children is the main causative agent of nosocomial infections. Risk factors for such infections include severe illness (eg, burns), surgery, long-term intravenous catheters, prolonged hospitalization, prematurity, and contact with other patients who have infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

If methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is cultured in children, the patient must be subjected to strict isolation; This has been proven to be the best way to avoid the spread of infection within a hospital. Anti-epidemic measures also include the identification of new strains and strict isolation of patients with streptococcal bacteria carriage or infection. In addition, it is necessary to identify and treat carriers of staphylococci among hospital staff.

Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in children resistant to vancomycin and other antibiotics emphasizes the need to combat the unjustified prescription of antibiotics, as well as the importance of isolating pathogens of severe infections and determining their sensitivity.

Forecast

Without treatment, the mortality rate for staphylococcal septicemia exceeds 80%. Massive antibiotic therapy can significantly reduce mortality. Staphylococcal pneumonia can lead to death at any age, but is most dangerous for infants and for patients for whom treatment was started late.

If the number of leukocytes does not reach 5000/mm3 or the proportion of segmented neutrophils is less than 50% of all leukocytes, the prognosis is unfavorable. The prognosis is also influenced by the patient's nutritional status, level of immunity, and the presence of severe concomitant diseases. If an abscess forms, it usually needs to be drained.

Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infection in children

The main mechanism of transmission of Staphylococcus aureus to children is contact, therefore the most effective measure for the prevention of staphylococcal infections is hand washing. It is recommended to use detergents that contain iodine-containing preparations, chlorhexidine or hexachlorophene. All faces from acute infections Staphylococcus aureus in medical institutions must be isolated until cure. Constant monitoring of nosocomial staphylococcal infections is also necessary.

For relapses of furunculosis, the causative agent of which is S. aureus, baths with hexachlorophene are indicated; dicloxacillin or clindamycin is prescribed orally; ointment with mupirocin (Bactroban) is applied to the nasal mucosa.

To avoid food poisoning, anyone with skin infections should be kept away from food preparation. Ready-made meals must be consumed immediately or placed in the refrigerator, otherwise staphylococci may rapidly multiply.

Healthy:

Staphylococcus is an opportunistic microorganism that can be found in environment. It is contained within normal limits in the body of any person.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus becomes necessary when, under the influence of certain factors, it begins to actively multiply in the human body, thereby causing harm to it.

What is staphylococcus

It is known that Staphylococcus is a pathogenic bacterium capable of causing many diseases, both life-threatening and harmless. This microorganism was discovered in the 1880s; in the 40s of the 20th century, many scientists showed interest in it, and it began to be studied in more detail.

Many people do not know how to answer the question of Staphylococcus aureus, what is it, but in fact it is the same as Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 27 strains of this microorganism have been identified in nature, but the most dangerous for humans are the following:

1. Golden.
2. Epidermal.
3. Saprophytic.

Staphylococcus aureus

All of the above types of bacteria are treatable, but do not forget that treatment of staphylococcus in children should be strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

It is the doctor who, based on the tests and the degree of infection, for example, if Staphylococcus aureus is found in a child’s stool, will prescribe suitable effective medications.

Methods of infection

A pathogenic bacterium can enter the human body in several ways:

1. Airborne.
2. Nutritional.
3. Contact and household.
4. Through the dust.
5. Through poorly processed medical instruments.

Many patients who have Staphylococcus aureus in their nose are interested in the question of what antibiotics are used to treat staphylococcus. Treatment of this microorganism with antibiotics is a fairly widespread practice today, but sometimes taking them is simply not necessary, since The bacteria may be contained in the body within acceptable limits and in this case there is no need to treat it.

Also, indirect causes of infection with any type of pathogenic microorganism can be:

1. Weak immunity.
2. Frequent stress.
3. Bad habits.
4. Frequent acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
5. AIDS and HIV.
6. Viral infections.
7. Chronic diseases.
8. Avitaminosis.
9. Unbalanced and inadequate nutrition.
10. Work in heavily polluted areas.
11. Frequent use of vasoconstrictor drugs.

Whatever the cause of the disease, it is necessary to treat Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise there may be serious complications in the form of meningitis, endocarditis, fever, lung abscess, etc.

Staphylococcus aureus

Most often, a person experiences symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus, which are as follows:

1. General weakness.
2. Fever.
3. Rhinitis.
4. Sinusitis.
5. Sinusitis.
6. Pyoderma.
7. Angina.
8. Pneumonia.
9. Pharyngitis.
10. Laryngitis.
11. Cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing.
12. Osteomyelitis.
13. Purulent discharge from the nasopharynx and oropharynx.
14. Stye on the eyelid.
15. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Staphylococcus aureus - the causative agent of sore throat

Staphylococcus aureus can infect humans at any age, including newborns. Very often you can find Staphylococcus aureus in the feces of a baby. An infant whose feces contain this pathogenic microorganism experiences severe discomfort in the tummy, cries a lot, eats poorly and gains little weight. But in this case, you should not look for the answer to the question of what medications and preparations treat staphylococcus.

If a pathogenic bacterium is detected in the baby's stool to a degree exceeding the norm, it must be treated by a specialist; in this case, the stool test will need to be taken again after treatment. In this case, the bacterium destroyed by taking pyobacteriophages both internally and in the form of enemas. The course of treatment lasts no more than 15 days.

Staphylococcus aureus differs from other species in that it is capable of infecting most human organs and systems, and in addition, it is very resistant to many types of antibiotics.

Very often, this pathogenic bacterium causes diseases of the ENT organs, for example, long-term rhinitis or sunusitis, which is not treated for a long time. In this case It is advisable to undergo a culture test of this microorganism and then entrust the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in the nose to a doctor. In this case, treatment of staphylococcus with ointment is quite successful.

It is known that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria exist in any organism, usually on human skin and mucous membranes. Many people begin to worry when they see tests that show Staphylococcus aureus 10 to 3 degrees.

This degree does not indicate the development of a serious disease, upper limit 10 to 6 degrees, so Staphylococcus aureus 10 to 5 degrees and Staphylococcus aureus 10 to 4 degrees may not cause concern.

Generally in medical practice There are four main degrees of the disease:

1. In the first degree, there are no symptoms and drug treatment is not necessary.
2. The second degree has weak severe symptoms and requires antibacterial therapy.
3. The third degree is characterized by the patient's complaints about certain symptoms, antibacterial therapy and therapy aimed at strengthening the immune system are carried out.
4. In the fourth degree, treatment also occurs with drugs, often antibiotics, and strengthening of the immune system, that is, taking vitamins and dietary supplements.

How to treat the disease

Antibiotic Cefazolin

Many people think that Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotics are inseparable concepts. But, as mentioned above, it all depends on the extent to which a given bacterium is present in the body.

Treatment consists of several areas, namely antibacterial therapy, strengthening the immune system and treatment of concomitant diseases.

Often, when a pathogenic microorganism is detected in the human body within a range above normal, doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics, such as:

1. Cefazolin.
2. Vancomycin.
3. Amoxicillin.
4. Baneocin.
5. Erythromycin.
6. Oxacillin.
7. Mupirocin.

Any of the drugs has a number of contraindications and is prescribed by a doctor only after studying the patient’s tests; the dosage and duration of use of the drug are also determined with the help of a doctor.

Also in addition to antibiotics the doctor may prescribe the use of folk remedies as an auxiliary therapy, for example, burdock, black currant, apple cider vinegar and Chlorophyllipt.

To reduce the risk of infection, people worth sticking to some simple rules , namely, carry out wet cleaning in the house, maintain personal hygiene, ventilate the apartment, promptly treat acute respiratory infections, ARVI, caries, conjunctivitis, strengthen the immune system, eat well, do not eat foods contaminated with staphylococcus, avoid stressful situations.

Amoxicillin

All of the above measures cannot guarantee a 100% elimination of the disease, but they can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the bacteria.

In addition, if the disease still takes you by surprise, you should not treat it at home on your own; you must undergo the appropriate tests and undergo comprehensive treatment under the supervision of an experienced specialist.

Staphylococcus in children

Staphylococci are causative agents of pneumonia, infections of the skin and soft tissues, bones and joints.
Staphylococci are round cells, usually arranged in clusters irregular shape("bunch of grapes").

Some staphylococci are representatives of the normal microflora of human skin and mucous membranes, while others cause purulent processes, the formation of abscesses, various infections and even sepsis with a fatal outcome. A toxin produced by some staphylococci causes food poisoning.

Staphylococci easily develop resistance to many antimicrobial drugs, which creates great difficulties in treating patients. The main human infections are caused by S. aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), S. epidermidis (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and S. saprophyticus (Saprophytic staphylococcus).

Staphylococci (especially S. epidermidis) are representatives of the normal microflora of human skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract; they are also constantly found in the air and environment. However, under certain conditions (for example, weakened immunity in humans), these staphylococci can turn into pathogenic ones.

Infections caused by S. aureus are varied. These bacteria can infect almost any tissue of the human body. The most commonly observed lesions of the skin and its appendages are from staphylococcal impetigo (Bockhart's impetigo) to severe folliculitis. Also, S. aureus is the main causative agent of mastitis in women, infectious complications surgical wounds and pneumonia.

S. aureus is the main causative agent of infections of the musculoskeletal system (osteomyelitis, arthritis, etc.); in particular, it causes 70–80% of cases of septic arthritis in adolescents, less often in adults.

Approximately 10% of patients may develop endocarditis when staphylococci enter the blood. As a result of infections of the paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, ear cavities and mastoid process, as well as circulation in the blood (bacteremia), the pathogen penetrates into the central nervous system and causes the formation of abscesses and purulent intracranial phlebitis.

Among infections of staphylococcal origin, a special place is occupied by lesions caused by the action of toxins - toxic shock syndromes, “scalded skin” and food poisoning:
Scalded baby syndrome (Ritter von Ritterstein disease) is observed in newborns. The disease begins rapidly; Characteristic is the formation of large foci of redness on the skin, followed by the formation (after 2–3 days) of large blisters and exposure of weeping, eroded areas.
Scalded skin syndrome (Lyell's syndrome) is observed in older children and adults; Characterized by areas of redness and blistering, severe intoxication and peeling of the superficial layer of skin.
Toxic shock syndrome. Staphylococcal infection that develops during infection with microbes that produce the TSST-1 toxin and enterotoxins B and C (less commonly). It has now been established that the syndrome can develop after childbirth as a complication of surgical interventions (especially on the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses). Clinically manifested by high body temperature (38.8°C and above), vomiting, diarrhea, scarlet-like rash (usually on the palms and soles), as well as decreased blood pressure with the development of shock.

Food poisoning is clinically manifested by vomiting, abdominal pain and watery diarrhea within 2–6 hours after eating infected foods. The lesions are self-limiting and symptoms disappear or are significantly reduced after 24 hours, even without treatment.

S. epidermidis is the most common colonizer smooth skin and the surface of mucous membranes. Lesions caused by the colonization of various prostheses, catheters, and drainages by S. epidermidis are considered typical for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Quite often, the bacterium causes damage to the urinary system (especially in people over 50 years of age) and joint infections, most often developing no later than 12 months after implantation of the prosthesis (50% of all cases).

S. saprophyticus colonizes the skin of the genitals and the mucous membrane of the urethra.

In most people, staphylococci live on the skin and mucous membranes of the nose or throat. Even if the skin is cleared of staphylococci (for example, with eczema), reinfection with airborne microorganisms will occur almost immediately. Pathogenic microorganisms are easily transferred from one lesion (for example, from a boil) to other areas of the skin with fingers or clothing.

Heavy multiple lesions skin (acne, furunculosis) are more often observed in adolescents; their development appears to be facilitated hormonal factors. Similar skin lesions develop in patients who are prescribed long courses of treatment with corticosteroid hormones.

Treatment of staphylococcus

kopeck root, licorice root, aralia root, leuzea root, alder cones, string grass, chamomile flowers - equally
thyme grass, burnet root, wild rosemary shoots, string grass, Leuzea root, birch buds, yarrow grass - equally
primrose root 1 part, lungwort herb 1 part, violet herb 1 part, cowberry flowers 1 part, plantain leaf 2 parts, string grass 3 parts, raspberry leaf 3 parts, birch leaf 1 part, nettle leaf 1 part, dill fruit 1 part, meadowsweet flowers 2 parts, rose hips 3 parts
flax seeds 2 parts, coltsfoot leaf 2 parts, elecampane root 1 part, marshmallow root 2 parts, aralia root 1 part, licorice root 4 parts, wheatgrass root 2 parts, cinquefoil root 2 parts, raspberry leaf 2 parts
skullcap root 3 parts, licorice root 5 parts, rhubarb root 3 parts, blackcap herb 2 parts, string herb 4 parts, birch buds 4 parts, yarrow herb 2 parts, chamomile flowers 2 parts, hawthorn fruits 3 parts, rowan fruits 3 parts, rose hips 3 parts
bergenia root 2 parts, calamus root 2 parts, licorice root 4 parts, aralia root 1 part, elecampane root 3 parts, peony root 2 parts, rhodiola root 1 part, wheatgrass root 2 parts, red rowan fruit 4 parts
bird cherry fruit 4 parts, currant leaf 3 parts, raspberry leaf 3 parts, oregano herb 2 parts, thyme herb 2 parts, wormwood herb 3 parts, plantain leaf 2 parts, coltsfoot leaf 2 parts, licorice root 3 parts
dill fruits 1 part, fireweed leaf 3 parts, chamomile flowers 2 parts, hop cones 2 parts, oregano herb 2 parts, mint leaf 2 parts, meadowsweet flowers 2 parts, calamus root 2 parts, cyanosis herb 1 part
children are recommended to prepare infusions and decoctions in the next daily dose of dry medicinal collection: up to 1 year - 1/2 - 1 teaspoon, from 1 to 3 years - 1 teaspoon, from 3 to 6 years - 1 dessert spoon, from 6 to 10 years - 1 tbsp. spoon, over 10 years old and adults - 2 tbsp. collection spoons.

Preparation of the collection: pour 2 tablespoons of pre-crushed (in a coffee grinder or meat grinder) collection with 1 liter of boiling water, pour it into a thermos along with the herbs, leave overnight. Take 100-150 ml during the day 30 minutes before meals. To improve the taste, you can add honey, sugar, jam. The course of treatment is 3-4 months. In case of constantly recurrent infection, the course of treatment is continued after a break of 10-14 days and a change in the collection. The general course is 12-18 months (with a periodic change of collection every 2-3 months), after which you can switch to preventive intake of herbal preparations in spring and autumn, two at a time month.

Herbal teas can be used in combination with other medications.

Improvement with herbal medicine occurs after 2-3 weeks of regular use of herbs. However, a lasting effect can only be achieved with long-term and regular use of herbs (for 8-12 months or more

Staphylococcus in children, including newborns and infants, is of particular concern to doctors. Staphylococcal infection has remained one of the most important health problems for many years.

Staphylococcus ( Staphylococcus aureus) affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue, mucous membranes and internal organs. The development of a child is influenced by the imperfection of the immune system of young children, the widespread use of antibiotics with the subsequent development of dysbiosis, and weakened immunity. Of the 27 strains of staphylococci, only 3 strains pose the greatest danger to humans. The greatest danger to a child is Staphylococcus aureus.

Rice. 1. Pathogenic staphylococcus secretes many substances that allow this type of microbe to survive in the child’s body and damage its organs and tissues.

Epidemiology

The infection is spread by patients and carriers of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus. The most dangerous are open purulent foci, pneumonia and intestinal disorders of staphylococcal nature in patients from the child’s environment. Sick children during the height of the disease are also a source of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus. Healthy carriers working in medical institutions, maternity hospitals and catering units are the most dangerous spreaders of infection.

• Staphylococcus in newborns and infants manifests itself in the form of vesiculopustulosis, multiple abscesses, epidemic pemphigus of newborns and exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease).
• Staphylococcus in older children manifests itself in the form of folliculitis, pyoderma, boils, carbuncles, hidradenitis and phlegmon.
• When the mucous membranes are affected, staphylococcal infection in children manifests itself in the form of rhinitis, stomatitis, sore throat, laryngitis and conjunctivitis.
• When internal organs are infected with staphylococci, the infection manifests itself in the form of pneumonia, gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, osteomyelitis, etc.

How is staphylococcal infection transmitted to children?

• Staphylococci are transmitted to newborns from the mother in the prenatal period, during childbirth through an infected birth canal, and during the neonatal period.
• Staphylococci are transmitted to newborns and children in the first months of life by contact through the hands of doctors, mothers, care items and underwear.
• Children of the first year of life become infected through infected milk from a mother suffering from mastitis and milk formulas contaminated with bacteria.
• Older children often become infected by eating contaminated foods. Staphylococcal toxins do not change the smell, taste or appearance of food products.
• The airborne route of infection occurs only in the immediate vicinity of the source of infection and, as a result, colonization of staphylococci in the nasal cavity and oropharynx.

Rice. 2. In the photo, cracked nipples in a nursing mother are a source of infection with Staphylococcus aureus in infants.

Rice. 3. In the photo, mastitis in a nursing mother is a source of infection with Staphylococcus aureus in infants.

Reasons for the susceptibility of newborns and infants to staphylococcal infection

• Weakness of antibacterial immunity. In newborns, secretory immunoglobulin A, which protects babies from bacterial infections, is not produced, and the bactericidal properties of saliva are extremely weak.
• The mucous membranes and skin of newborns and infants have increased vulnerability.
• Exudative diathesis, malnutrition, artificial feeding, contribute to the development of staphylococcal infection, long-term use antibiotics and hormonal drugs.

Rice. 4. Hypotrophy is one of the factors in the development of staphylococcal infection in children.

Symptoms of staphylococcal infection in children

Skin lesions due to staphylococcal infection in newborns and infants

Most often, staphylococcal infection in children affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue (staphyloderma). The disease develops quickly, inflammatory foci are prone to suppuration.

The spread of staphylococcal infection in newborns and infants is associated with the structural features of their skin.

• Keratinocytes of the basal layer are not yet firmly connected to each other and to the basement membrane.
• In newborns, the pH of the skin is neutral, that is, more favorable for the spread of infection.
• The presence of a huge number of sweat glands in newborns and infants (12 times more than in adults), providing increased sweating.
• The development of staphylococcal infection is facilitated by the structural features of the sweat glands in children, the excretory ducts of which are dilated and straight.

Vesiculopustulosis in newborns and infants

Staphylococcus aureus in children (newborns and infants). Miliaria and vesiculopustulosis are closely related conditions of the same inflammatory process localized in the sweat glands. Miliaria is a physiological condition. Its trigger is increased function sweat glands, which is observed from the end of the first month of life until 1.5 - 2 years of a child’s life. Small reddish papules, which most often appear on the scalp, chest, neck and back, are dilated orifices of the eccrine sweat gland ducts.

At purulent inflammation At the mouths of the sweat glands, vesiculopustulosis develops against the background of miliaria. Pustules the size of a millet grain are filled with milky contents and are surrounded by a halo of hyperemia. When the infection spreads deep into the glands, multiple abscesses develop.

Rice. 5. The photo shows heat rash in infants. Its trigger is the increased function of the sweat glands.

Rice. 6. In the photo, vesiculopustulosis is one of the symptoms of staphylococcal infection in infants.

Multiple abscesses in children (Finger's pseudofurunculosis)

The disease may occur primarily or be a continuation of vesiculopustulosis. The disease is characterized by the involvement of sweat glands and even the entire glomerulus of glands in the excretory ducts. On the scalp, buttocks, back and inner surface thighs, nodules and larger (1 - 2 cm) nodes appear, the skin over which becomes bluish-red and thins. After opening the infiltrates, thick pus is released. Healing occurs with a scar. Hypotrophy, rickets, excessive sweating, anemia and hypovitaminosis are risk factors for the disease.

Rice. 7. In the photo, Staphylococcus aureus in newborns - multiple abscesses in children (Finger's pseudofurunculosis).

Epidemic pemphigus of newborns

Epidemic pemphigus of newborns occurs in the first week of a child’s life and is a superficial, widespread purulent lesion of the skin. Pemphigus of newborns is a highly contagious disease.

The source of pyogenic microbes (staphylococci and streptococci) is the birth canal and purulent infection in the mother, infection in staff and children, care items, diapers and the surrounding air. The disease progresses in waves, with new rashes occurring every 7-10 days, which is accompanied by dyspepsia and vomiting in the child.

The disease goes through several stages of development. First, red spots appear, in place of which bubbles filled with clear liquid. Then the liquid becomes purulent and the blisters burst. Crusts form in place of the bubbles. Healing occurs without scarring. The larger the affected area, the more severe the disease. In severe cases of the disease, blisters appear on the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

Rice. 8. In the photo, Staphylococcus aureus in newborns is pemphigus of the newborn.

Exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease)

Neonatal exfoliative dermatitis is a malignant form of pemphigus. Premature babies are at risk. The disease is severe and long-lasting, accompanied by high fever and symptoms of intoxication. The disease is especially severe in very young children. They have extensive areas of damage. In children 2–3 years old, the disease progresses more favorably.

Rice. 9. Staphylococcus in newborns can cause exfoliative dermatitis of newborns. Large blisters filled with serous fluid form on large areas of hyperemic skin. When they are opened, large areas of skin damage are exposed. The peeling epidermis has the appearance of a white fringe.

Cellulitis of newborns

Staphylococcus can cause cellulitis in newborns. Promotes the penetration of staphylococci into the subcutaneous fat layer of pyoderma. Phlegmon develops on days 5–8 of the disease with high (up to 39°) body temperature. Most often, phlegmon appears on the back in the lumbar and sacrum areas. Initially, a red spot appears, the size of which quickly increases. Symptoms of intoxication increase. A compaction is felt under the red spot, in the center of which a fluctuation quickly appears. When the abscess is opened, pus is released. Healing is slow. If the course is unfavorable, the disease is complicated by the development of sepsis.

Neonatal mastitis

Staphylococcus can penetrate the tissues of the organ through damaged areas of the skin or ducts of the mammary gland and infect them. In this case, the inflamed mammary gland increases in size and becomes sharply painful on palpation. Over time, fluctuation appears. Timely and adequate treatment leads to recovery. Otherwise, phlegmon develops.

Rice. 10. Staphylococcus in a newborn can cause mastitis.

Skin lesions due to staphylococcal infection in older children

Rice. 11. The photo shows pyoderma in children. When infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus, red spots first appear on the skin. Then, in their place, bubbles with purulent contents appear, which quickly burst. Scabs appear in place of the bubbles, appearance reminiscent of “honey crusts”.

Rice. 12. The photo shows pyoderma in older children. Infection of superficial areas of the skin with Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci.

Rice. 13. Barley on the eye is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the roots of the eyelashes or sebaceous glands. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of the disease.

Rice. 14. In the photo, a boil is one of the symptoms of staphylococcal infection in children. With boils, the hair follicle is affected and a massive infiltrate develops.

Rice. 15. In the photo, an abscess (an accumulation of pus in soft tissues) is a symptom of an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Rice. 16. The photo shows phlegmon of the orbit of a child. Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of the disease. The disease develops as a result of the spread of microbes from skin lesions into fiber and connective tissue.

Damage to mucous membranes due to staphylococcal infection

Rice. 17. Staphylococcus in the mouth. Aphthous stomatitis is one of its manifestations.

Rice. 18. Staphylococcus aureus in the mouth of children often causes abscesses and odontogenic periostitis. The entry point for infection is diseased teeth.

Rice. 19. Staphylococcus aureus in the mouth of children can cause pharyngitis, inflammation of the tonsils (picture on the left) and the development of peritonsillar abscesses (picture on the right).

Rice. 20. Staphylococcus aureus in children is often the cause of conjunctivitis.

Rice. 21. Staphylococcus aureus in the mouth of children can cause laryngitis. Laryngitis most often develops in children under 3 years of age against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection.

Rice. 22. Staphylococcus in children can cause middle ear disease and labyrinthitis.

Damage to internal organs of staphylococcal nature in children

Rice. 23. The photo shows pneumonia in children. Staphylococcal pneumonia occurs more often in young children. The trigger mechanism is an acute respiratory viral infection. Infection penetrates into the lung tissue from foci of staphylococcal infection. The disease is severe and often fatal.

Staphylococcal lesions of the stomach and intestines in children

Food poisoning

Staphylococcus in infants can cause the development. Staphylococci penetrate into the gastrointestinal tract of a child with food.

Enterotoxins from bacteria cause inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Liquid, watery stools with mucus, spasmodic pain in the epigastric region and along the large intestine, nausea and vomiting of varying severity are the main ones. Fever and intoxication syndrome develop in response to the introduction of staphylococci and the effects of their toxins on the human body. Sudden onset and short duration of the disease - distinctive feature food poisoning. In cases of long-term consumption of food products containing microbes, food poisoning can also occur as a chronic disease.

Staphylococci can enter the baby’s gastrointestinal tract through toys, the hands of medical personnel, care items, etc., which are infected with microbes. In this case, few microbes enter the child’s body, as a result of which the disease develops slowly. Symptoms of intoxication and intestinal damage depend on the amount of enterotoxins entering the blood, the rate of microbial reproduction and the state of the child’s immunity.

Food poisoning

Toxicoses are food poisoning that occurs when consuming food products contaminated with toxins of certain groups of microbes. Staphylococcal toxicosis is more common in older children and somewhat less common in children in the first year of life. The disease begins 2 to 5 hours after eating contaminated food. Vomiting and sharp pain in the epigastric region - features toxicosis. Diarrhea and fever are often absent.

In severe toxicosis, diarrhea and vomiting appear, intoxication symptoms increase, and blood appears in the stool. Dehydration quickly sets in and acidosis develops. In infants, the disease can be fatal.

Secondary enteritis and enterocolitis

Staphylococcus in children of the first year of life can cause the development of secondary enteritis and enterocolitis, when microbes enter the intestines from the lungs, kidneys and other organs where foci of infection are localized. The disease progresses in waves. Loose stool, elevated body temperature, refusal to eat are the main symptoms of the disease.

Rice. 24. Staphylococcus in children is often the cause of food poisoning.

Staphylococcal sepsis

Staphylococcus in newborns can cause the development of staphylococcal sepsis (infection of the body with bacteria that have entered the blood). Bacteria can enter a newborn's body through umbilical wound, skin, lungs, tonsils, etc. The disease can be acute, with high body temperature, chills, severe intoxication and rashes on the skin. In internal organs purulent foci appear. The child develops anemia and loses weight. However, more often in newborns there is a subacute and sluggish course of sepsis. Their disease often manifests itself as disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

Prolonged intoxication, elevated body temperature, the presence of purulent foci, increasing anemia, poor weight gain are the main diagnostic signs of sepsis in newborns. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of pathogens in the blood and material from purulent foci.

Rice. 25. Bacteria can enter a newborn’s body through the umbilical wound.

Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection

• Diagnosis of an infectious disease is based on the detection of the pathogen or its toxins. To confirm the diagnosis of a disease of staphylococcal nature, bacteriological research methods are used - bacterioscopy and culture of biological material. The material for crops can be scrapings from affected areas of the skin, blood, urine, exudate, and feces. In case of food poisoning, the pathogen is isolated from the suspected products of poisoning.
• An increase in antibody titer during RA with an autostrain and a museum strain of staphylococcus undoubtedly indicates the staphylococcal nature of the disease.
• An increase in the titer of antistaphylolysin and antitoxin during the toxin neutralization reaction with antitoxin also indicates the staphylococcal nature of the disease.
• Currently, methods such as PCR, ELISA and RLA are widely used.

Rice. 26. The photo shows Staphylococcus aureus under a microscope.

Despite the fact that staphylococcus in children is diagnosed very often these days, this news comes as a shock to many parents. This reaction is due to fear for the health of your baby and ignorance of the specifics of the disease. Of the known 27 strains of microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus, only 4 are dangerous to humans. Therefore, before going to extremes, it is necessary to determine the type of staphylococcus and only then take any measures.

What kind of bacteria are these?

Doctors call staphylococcus a pathogenic effect on the cells of the human body of microorganisms of the Staphylococcus family. This definition includes not only mild manifestations of the disease, but also lesions that are amenable to complex treatment. These microorganisms are dangerous because during their life processes a large amount of toxins and enzymes are produced. Most often the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and connective tissues are affected. Less commonly, staphylococci cause such dangerous diseases as toxic shock, sepsis, pneumonia, central nervous system disorders and acute intoxication of the body.

In addition, bacteria of this family are characterized by increased resistance in the environment and are highly resistant to the action of a wide range of antibiotics. And what to do if a child is diagnosed with staphylococcus? How to treat it, what medications to use? Remember: these questions should be resolved by a doctor! Otherwise, ineffective therapy will not only not produce results, but can also harm the baby’s body.

Causes and methods of infection

All the reasons due to which infection occurs can be divided into three groups. The first of these is the deterioration of the human immune system. When the body's protective functions are weakened, its resistance to various pathogenic bacteria decreases, and at this moment staphylococci can strike. And if you consider that most children still have weak immunity, then they are the main risk group. Hardened strong men can also be inoculated with staphylococcus, but their body does not require additional help in the fight against bacteria.

The second group includes violation of basic generally accepted rules of hygiene. It’s probably not worth saying that dirt is a comfortable environment for the development of bacteria. And it’s very difficult to get kids to even wash their hands after a walk or before eating. There is no point in talking about those little ones who are just learning about the world and trying to taste everything. At such an unconscious age, staphylococcus in a child’s throat is a completely understandable phenomenon. But will the body be able to cope with this on its own, or will medical assistance be required? This directly depends on the state of the immune system.

Even if all hygiene rules are followed, the possibility of becoming infected with Staphylococcus aureus is always present. The third group includes contacts with sick people through damaged mucous membranes and skin. If an adult eats in catering establishments, and a child eats in a kindergarten or school canteen, the risk of infection increases significantly. One or more workers may be carriers of pathogenic bacteria and not even know it. Infection often occurs in medical institutions. For example, staphylococcus in children may appear after discharge from the hospital where they received treatment. Infection could occur through a catheter or injections.

Insects can also be carriers of these microorganisms, so it is recommended to treat bites with a soda solution or brilliant green.

Classification of staphylococci

Today, medicine knows 27 strains of microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus, but the most pathogenic of them are 3: saprophytic, epidermal and golden. The first is localized on the mucous membranes of the urethra and the skin of the genitals, causing inflammatory processes in the kidneys and cystitis. Most often it affects the fair sex, but it is the simplest among the top three listed above.

Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria can live both on the skin and on any mucous membranes. This type of microorganism is dangerous because it can enter the blood of a person with a weakened immune system and cause inflammation of the endocardium ( inner shells hearts).

And if the first two types of staphylococcal bacteria are localized in a specific place in the human body, then Staphylococcus aureus is less picky. It can affect any organ and cause an inflammatory process of any severity. In addition, people of all ages are equally susceptible to infection, but Staphylococcus aureus is more common in children and the elderly. Their bodies are weakened due to various viral infections and chronic diseases.

This strain is characterized by extreme resistance and is able to withstand maximum high temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, hydrogen peroxide, 100% ethyl alcohol and a number of antibiotics. Therefore, if Staphylococcus aureus is sown in a child’s nose, only a doctor should select treatment. Self-medication in most cases causes a large number of dangerous general and systemic infections, such as pneumonia, staphylococcal sepsis, toxic shock, food poisoning, osteomyelitis, as well as abscess formations in the liver, heart, kidneys and brain.

This disease is diagnosed in children quite often, and not all strains are as harmless as loving parents would like. And if we take into account the fact that children are not very responsible about hygiene, the chances of becoming infected with the most dangerous bacteria are very high. Therefore, if the baby’s health is of concern, you need to see a doctor and have a bacteriological culture taken. After all, even a banal staphylococcus in a child’s nose can cause severe infections. The risk is especially high if the baby’s body is depleted by frequent viral diseases or bacterial inflammatory processes. Therefore, every loving parent should have information about this disease and know what measures should be taken when the first symptoms appear.

Diagnosis and general symptoms of staphylococcus in children

Considering that the genus Staphylococcus belongs to pathogenic microorganisms, only bacteriological cultures can determine the true clinical picture of the disease. Laboratory technicians can count the number of bacteria detected, compare the resulting numbers with the established norm and, of course, determine whether they belong to one of the known strains. After such a study, we can talk about treatment. But what in the child’s health should alert parents and become a reason to undergo a culture test?

It is quite difficult to recognize staphylococcus, since these pathogenic microorganisms can infect any of the systems or organs of the baby, disguised as simple diseases known to everyone. The primary symptoms of these particular diseases force most parents to seek professional help from doctors.

As a rule, the manifestations of the clinical picture of any type of infection in a baby are characterized by changes in behavior, lethargy, excessive irritability, fatigue, lack of appetite and drowsiness. If it is Staphylococcus aureus, symptoms in children are supplemented by vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever.

A few days after general signs of illness appear, the disease begins to progress. The clinical picture is complemented by manifestations characteristic of each strain.

Symptoms of Staphylococcus epidermidis

Bacteria are found quite often on the skin and mucous membranes of children. In most cases, this disease leads to skin lesions varying degrees gravity. These can be blepharitis, dermatitis, eczema, folliculitis and acne. It is worth noting that this strain of bacteria can even spread to the membranes of the eyes, causing severe conjunctivitis. Such symptoms against the background of general malaise in the child should cause concern in caring parents and a desire to see a doctor. The specialist, in turn, after visually examining the small patient, will prescribe appropriate tests and then therapy.

Manifestations of hemolytic staphylococcus

This type of bacteria settles on any of the child’s mucous membranes, causing inflammatory processes very similar to influenza and ARVI. At the same time, the baby begins to have a runny nose and cough, and complains of a sore throat. Infection with this type of pathogenic microorganisms in children occurs quite often, but it is not always diagnosed. Often parents think that their child has a viral infection and give the patient immunostimulating drugs. And in most cases this is enough to defeat the disease. In other words, if staphylococcus is in a child’s nose or throat, medications stimulate the immune system, which independently begins to fight the bacteria. Taking antibiotics in such cases does not lead to positive dynamics, since microorganisms are insensitive to many of the drugs mentioned.

Manifestations of a saprophytic strain

It is immediately worth noting that this type of disease is diagnosed using laboratory tests of the child’s urine. And although it is not detected in children so often, it should not be overlooked. If we consider saprophytic staphylococcus, symptoms in children will be the same as in adults. The clinical picture of this disease is characterized by acute pain in the lower abdomen, frequent and painful urination. These symptoms are very similar to the manifestations of cystitis, but the treatment paths will differ significantly.

Staphylococcus aureus

The most insidious and widespread strain is Staphylococcus aureus. It can affect any of the child’s organs, causing inflammatory and purulent processes in it that are difficult to treat. drug treatment. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus in children is considered the most dangerous disease that can cause serious consequences. These bacteria live in many people's nasal passages and armpits. If the immune system is functioning well, there is no danger, but with viral infections or chronic illnesses, the disease is activated. The first symptoms may appear within a couple of hours in the form of skin rashes, irritation of the mucous membranes or stomach upset. If you ignore such signs of staphylococcus in children and do not consult a doctor, the infection may spread to other organs. The consequence of such carelessness can be damage to the membranes of the brain or respiratory system, as well as acute renal failure.

Unlike children, who show symptoms in most cases, in adults only 50% of infected people develop the disease. The rest are carriers of microorganisms. Moreover, many of the infected are employees of hospitals and maternity hospitals who systematically come into contact with patients. Therefore, it is not uncommon for Staphylococcus aureus to appear in infants already in the first days of life.

Skin manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus

The initial stage of infection is characterized by the appearance of red pimples, which are very similar to the skin rashes associated with scarlet fever. Later the rash becomes purulent. In the central part of each pimple there is a sac with a yellowish liquid. Even if after this the immune system does not begin to perform its immediate functions, acne turns into boils.

The presence of coccal microbes can be diagnosed in laboratories where crumbs are taken from the skin bacteriological culture. And if, as a result of the study, Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed in a child, only a qualified doctor should decide how to treat it and what medications to use. Self-medication in this situation not only threatens the baby’s health, but can also allow the infection to spread to other organs.

The body's reaction to staphylococcal infection

The main danger of infection by these microorganisms is due to the fact that throughout their life, bacteria produce a number of dangerous toxins and enzymes. In the first stages of the disease, these substances cannot greatly harm the baby’s health, since there are very few of them. But when the number of microorganism colonies increases, signs of intoxication begin to actively appear. And if Staphylococcus aureus has already spread sufficiently in the body, symptoms in children can be supplemented by hyperemia, severe fever and severe tachycardia.

Against the background of a generalized infection, a child may develop an acute form of intestinal disorder. It occurs due to an increased amount of microorganism toxins in the blood. If you do not seek help in time, staphylococcus in the child’s intestines will continue to destroy the flora favorable for digestion. The consequences of such exposure can threaten not only the health, but also the life of the patient.

Treatment of staph infection

When considering methods of combating staphylococcal infection, you need to remember that this disease, regardless of its severity, should be treated exclusively by a specialist. And before we get started, it's enough complex process, the doctor must know the true status of the infection. For this method laboratory research carry out an assessment of the number of pathogens in the child’s feces. And only based on the results of this analysis, the doctor can prescribe effective therapy.

If Staphylococcus aureus is still sown in the child’s stool, but the number of colony-forming units does not exceed 1 in 10 4, treatment will be limited to taking vitamins and immunomodulators, such as IRS-19, Imudon or Broncho-munal. This degree of severity of the disease does not pose a danger to either an adult or a child. However, it is impossible to hope that microorganisms can be quickly eliminated. Over the next months, you will need to monitor the patient's health status, and then undergo a re-examination.

If staphylococcus is diagnosed in infants, and the CEC indicator is higher than 10 per 10 4, cephalosporin antibacterial agents are used: Cefotaxime, Cefix and others. The main thing in the process of fighting an infection is to prevent bacteria from becoming accustomed to the antibiotic.

The most severe form of the disease is considered to be cases when the CEC exceeds 100 per 10 4. Intensive therapy is carried out in the intensive care unit of a hospital, as there is a risk of sepsis.

Of course, today there is already an alternative option - bacteriophages, which can be used to treat staphylococcus even in infants. But their cost is quite high, so such therapy is not yet available to all our citizens.