The main cause of the development of many is Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria settle on the mucous membranes and skin. These Gram-positive bacteria are capable of producing toxins that destroy cells. Children, as well as immunocompromised adults and the elderly, are more susceptible to staph infection.
Staphylococcus is a microorganism that resembles a ball in shape and, when it enters the body, causes purulent and inflammatory diseases. The size of the bacterium ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 microns. It is a Gram-positive and non-motile bacterium.
There are more than 20 types of staphylococci. Some species settle in the microflora, are located on the skin and mucous membranes and do not cause.
Getting into the blood, Staphylococcus aureus contributes to its folding. Since microbes are located inside microthrombi, they become hidden for the immune system. As a result, blood poisoning occurs - staphylococcal sepsis. Also, bacteria can penetrate into any department and organ of a person and contribute to the development of the inflammatory process.
Most often of all varieties of microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of various diseases.
The habitat of the bacteria is the nasopharyngeal mucosa, in rare cases, the gastrointestinal tract. Staphylococcus occurs in the armpits or groin.
There are several degrees of Staphylococcus aureus. The detection of staphylococcus 3 or 4 degrees is normal and is observed in acceptable quantities on the mucous membranes and skin. However, such staphylococcus must be treated, otherwise serious diseases can occur with reduced immunity. Usually, the carriage of this bacterium is attributed to dysbacteriosis.
Causes of infection
Staphylococci constantly live on the skin and mucous membranes. Bacteria can enter the body in several ways: contact-household, airborne, alimentary:
- With the contact-household method, the bacterium enters the body through household items. This is the most common route of infection transmission.
- If the carrier of the bacteria coughs, sneezes, then the bacteria are released to the outside along with the air. As a result, when inhaling air contaminated with staphylococci, microorganisms enter the body and, with a decrease in immunity, provoke the development of diseases.
- With the alimentary mechanism of infection, bacteria penetrate through food. Due to non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, microorganisms appear on food. Usually carriers are workers in the food industry.
Pathogenic staphylococcus can enter the body when using insufficiently sterilized medical instruments. The infection enters the body during surgery or when using instrumental methods, inserting a catheter, etc.In the presence of staphylococcus in a pregnant woman, it is transmitted to the baby.
More information about Staphylococcus aureus can be found in the video.
There are a number of factors that lead to the development of a staph infection:
- Weakened immunity
- Unfavorable environmental conditions
- Diabetes
- Diseases
In order to prevent the development of complications, it is important to consult a doctor in time and start as soon as possible.
When ingested, a staphylococcal infection leads to the development of a purulent inflammatory process.
Clinical manifestations of infection are similar to colds.
Common signs of a staph infection include:
- Rapid rise in body temperature
- Dizziness
- Pain when swallowing
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Skin redness
- Tissue swelling
If the skin or mucous membrane is affected, the symptoms will be different. Purulent inflammations can occur on the skin: acne, boils, abscesses, rashes, etc.
If Staphylococcus aureus is localized on the mucous membranes, then this leads to the development of tonsillitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, otitis media.
With deep penetration of the infection, the disease can become severe.Staphylococcus aureus can affect the skeletal system and contribute to the development of arthrosis, osteomyelitis, poliomyelitis. With the penetration of infection into the urinary tract, cystitis, pyelonephritis, develops. The bacterium causes serious disruptions in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only the right drug treatment will help eliminate the pathogenic bacterium.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection, depending on the disease, consists in taking from various surfaces: nose, pharynx, skin, etc.
Before examining a smear, you need to prepare for its delivery. Do not use mouthwash solutions. The use of antibacterial drugs can lead to a false negative result.In the morning before taking a smear, you should not brush your teeth, eat or drink liquids.
When diagnosing staphylococcus, 2 methods are used:
- microbiological method. A throat swab is taken for staphylococcus aureus and examined for bacteria. The resulting material is sown in a nutrient medium. A day later, the result will begin to appear: with ordinary staphylococcus, a yellow pigment appears, and with golden, convex bacteria about 4 mm in size are yellow, white or orange.
- Serological method. It consists in the identification of staphylococcus with the help of four groups of bacteriophages. This method is rarely used because the results are inconsistent.
To determine sensitivity to antibiotics, an antibiogram is performed. To do this, bacteria are sown in a nutrient medium, and then placed on discs specially impregnated with antibiotics. This method allows you to identify which antibiotic is able to inhibit the growth of a pathogenic microorganism.
Treatment
Staphylococcus aureus is susceptible, however, there are times when it develops resistance to antibiotics. For this reason, the treatment process becomes more complicated.
After diagnosis and detection of Staphylococcus aureus and the results of tests for sensitivity to antibiotics, treatment is prescribed.
Drug therapy involves the use of new generation antibiotics:
- Semi-synthetic penicillins (Naficillin, Amoxiclav, etc.)
- Cephalosporins (Cefotaxime, Cefazolin, Cephalexim, etc.)
- Macrolides (Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, etc.)
- Lincosamides (Clindamycin)
If there are pustules, then they are opened and sanitized with antibiotics.All these antibacterial drugs block the production of bacterial proteins and destroy the walls of pathogenic microorganisms. Duration is 7 days. In some cases, treatment may continue for several months.
Skin rashes are treated with topical preparations. Of the antiseptics, hydrogen peroxide, brilliant greens, Miramistin, etc. are used.
In severe and advanced cases, bacteriophages are used in treatment - viruses that destroy only staphylococci.
Also, in the fight against a pathogenic microorganism, immunoglobulins and immunostimulants are used - drugs to strengthen the immune system.With drug treatment, a full course of antibiotics should be completed. If you do not complete treatment or stop taking antibiotics, then the infection in the body will remain and will be resistant to the antibiotics taken.
Alternative methods of treatment should be used in combination with drug therapy to achieve a positive result and eliminate the infection:
- An effective folk remedy for Staphylococcus aureus is a decoction based on aspen bark. Take a tablespoon of aspen bark, add water and cook for 15 minutes. Then strain and take inside. Can be used by both adults and children.
- Cranberries with honey have a positive effect on the immune system. Grate the berries and add honey in a ratio of 2:1. Next, pour the mixture with boiled water and take it in the morning on an empty stomach and after eating after 2 hours.
- If Staphylococcus aureus is found on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, it is better to rinse your mouth with healing decoctions. For purulent skin diseases, compresses from a decoction of burdock, hot baths or poultices with the addition of vinegar should be made.
- Chamomile decoction can be used to treat staphylococcal infections in children. Pour a tablespoon of flowers with hot water, boil for several minutes. Then leave for 20 minutes, and then strain. The prepared decoction can be taken orally or gargled with it.
Possible Complications
If not treated in time, Staphylococcus aureus can lead to serious complications. The pathogen is especially dangerous for infants.
Staphylococcus aureus contributes to the emergence of various serious diseases and pathologies: endocarditis, meningitis, sepsis, toxic shock.
With endocarditis, the inner layers and the heart valve are affected. The patient's working capacity decreases, joint pains, palpitations appear.Staphylococcal meningitis is characterized by the following symptoms: severe headache, high fever, convulsions, nausea, and vomiting.
With toxic shock, the likelihood of death is high. The patient's temperature rises to 40 degrees, repeated vomiting and diarrhea appear, and blood pressure decreases.
The most dangerous condition is when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Staphylococcus begins to produce toxins and poison the body with them.
In advanced cases, the disease can lead to death.To avoid negative consequences, you should consult a doctor in time at the first.
For preventive purposes, in order to prevent the appearance caused by a staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system and comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements.
To do this, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Choose and eat only fresh and high-quality products.
- Always wash your hands with soap.
- Use alcohol-based wipes or hand sanitizers.
- Do not use other people's towels and other things.
- Damaged areas of the skin should be kept clean and treated with antiseptics.
- Timely eliminate possible foci of infection (caries, conjunctivitis, barley, etc.).
- Eat more vegetables and fruits.
- At the first signs of the disease, be sure to consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
By following these measures, you can prevent infection with Staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureus in infants
In newborns, staphylococcal infection has some features. It leads to the development of pharyngitis and inflammation of the mucosa.
In many cases, the infection affects premature and debilitated children. Quite often, infection with staphylococcus occurs in the maternity hospital due to non-compliance with sanitary standards.
Leads Staphylococcus aureus to the development of such as pharyngitis, pneumonia, sepsis:
- With pharyngitis, the mucous membrane of the pharynx becomes inflamed and the following symptoms are observed: dry cough, lacrimation, hoarseness, runny nose.
- If Staphylococcus aureus has led to the development of enterocolitis, then this disease manifests itself in the form of bloating, nausea and vomiting. In the feces of the baby, you can find drops of blood and.
- For pneumonia caused by staphylococci, the following symptoms are characteristic: shortness of breath, sputum discharge, malaise, chills, blue skin.
The development of sepsis occurs with concomitant diseases or a decrease in immunity. At the same time, signs of general intoxication appear, purulent processes may occur in the inner ear, navel.
Staphylococcus aureus in a newborn can lead to the development of scalded skin syndrome.
The symptoms of this syndrome are similar to scarlet fever or erysipelas. In infants, peeling of the skin is observed with further exfoliation. If you have symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor to prevent possible complications in the form of phlegmon and abscesses.
Staphylococcus aureus in a child
The chance of contracting staphylococcus aureus is very high in children, as babies often like to put toys and other objects in their mouths. With frequent viral and colds, due to a decrease in immunity, the risk of contracting a staphylococcal infection increases.
You should be aware that a staphylococcal infection often masquerades as others. It is important for parents to closely monitor the child and, when the first signs appear, you should consult a doctor and take a bacteriological culture.
Includes treatment of wounds, pustules and other rashes with special means.
Most often, "green" is used, since the bacterium is very sensitive to this solution.Also, children are prescribed immunostimulating drugs and vitamin-mineral complexes to strengthen the immune system. After treatment with antibiotics in a child, in most cases, the microflora is disturbed. To settle in the intestines of beneficial bacteria, it is useful to take drugs with bifidobacteria.