Staphylococcus epidermidis in a child. Standard treatment regimen. Damage to the nasal mucosa

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. Under this definition This includes not only mild manifestations of the disease, but also lesions that can be treated with 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! IN 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. Often infection 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 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. Dangerous this type microorganisms in that they can enter the blood of a person with a weakened immune system and cause inflammation of the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart).

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 it inflammatory process any degree of 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 extremely 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, visually examined little 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 species pathogenic microorganisms It happens quite often in children, 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 sharp pains 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 with medication. 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 may 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 embarking on this rather complex process, the doctor must know the true state of the infection. To do this, a laboratory study is used to estimate 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. For next months You will need to monitor the patient’s health condition 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.

The development of opportunistic microbes, which include staphylococcus, in the body of children is promoted by insufficiently strong immunity. The bacterium can infect various organs and cause serious and dangerous diseases. However, when staphylococcus is detected, it is not always necessary to urgently treat with antibiotics. It is much more important to restore the intestinal microflora so that beneficial bacteria can cope with the infection. It is important to take preventive measures to protect your child from exposure to harmful microorganisms.

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General characteristics of staphylococcus

Staphylococci are bacteria that, under a microscope, look like tiny oval or round grains. They group together to form “clusters” (“staphylococcus” translated from Greek means “clusters of grains”). There are many types of these bacteria. It was discovered that 14 species live in the human body, among which the following are dangerous: epidermal, saprophytic, hemolytic and Staphylococcus aureus.

The mechanism of their harmful effect on the body is associated with the presence of “pathogenicity factors” - the ability to release extremely toxic substances produced during their life activity. If immune defense in humans is not strong enough (as, for example, in a child’s body), staphylococci penetrate into the blood, lymph, and tissues of the body. Here they secrete toxic enzymes, hemolysins (damaging blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells and others) and many other extremely harmful substances. It is the presence of a large group of toxic factors that leads to the occurrence of various diseases, such as sepsis, pneumonia, intestinal infection, meningitis and others.

Note: For comparison, it can be noted that the diphtheria bacillus, for example, secretes a single toxin and leads to the occurrence of only one disease.

The degree of danger of various types of staphylococci

The belonging of pathogenic staphylococci to a certain type determined by the part of the body in which they primarily live. Accordingly, each species is the main causative agent of specific diseases.

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Lives in the skin and mucous membranes. If there are no wounds or damage on them, the bacterium is harmless to humans (even infant), since beneficial microflora and immune cells easily neutralize its harmful effects. Most often, it poses a danger to people who have undergone surgery, as well as those who have wounds on the skin resulting from injuries. The most harmless consequence of exposure to staphylococcus is ulcers on the skin. Bacteria often affect the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and eyes. Penetrating into the body of children, staphylococcus can cause such severe pathologies as inflammation of the intracardiac mucous membrane (endocarditis) and blood poisoning.

Saprophytic staphylococcus

This bacterium rarely affects children. Exposure to saprophytic bacteria is usually the cause of inflammation of female genitourinary organs. For children, such bacteria are the most harmless. The resulting disease, as a rule, is quickly and easily cured within a few days.

Hemolytic staphylococcus

Prone to hemolysis, that is, destruction of blood cells. This type of bacterium affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and throat. As a result, purulent inflammatory processes occur in them (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis). Complications may include otitis media, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and scarlet fever. This type of microbe is extremely resistant to antibiotics and easily spreads through blood vessels to any other organs.

Staphylococcus aureus

The pathogenicity of this type of bacterium is the highest. If staphylococci of other species secrete only some toxins, then this species is capable of secreting them in full, damaging the cells of a wide variety of organs. Bacteria of this species are resistant to most antibiotics. They are able to develop quickly in the body in both infants and adults.

Under a microscope it can be seen that the bacterium is colored Orange color, that's why they gave it that name. The microbe is extremely stable in the external environment. Maybe for a long time maintain viability under the rays of the sun, withstands drying and heating up to a temperature of 150°. Such strong ones don't kill him disinfectants, How ethanol and hydrogen peroxide. On the contrary, treatment with peroxide serves him well, since the released oxygen feeds him.

However, effective antiseptics that kill staphylococcal bacteria still exist. This is the usual “green stuff”, as well as “methylene blue” - substances from the group of organic dyes, aqueous solutions of which are used to disinfect and anesthetize wounds.

Video: Features of the development of staphylococcal infection

Causes of staphylococcal infection

In principle, staphylococci (including aureus) are classified as opportunistic microbes. They are present in a healthy body in a certain amount, without causing harm. The child constantly encounters bacteria found on household items, toys, clothes, and food.

The immune system of even a newborn baby can protect him from the disease. But if for some reason the immune system weakens, the infection begins to multiply quickly. Exceeding the norm of its content leads to the occurrence of numerous diseases. For example, factors contributing to the activation of staphylococci in the body in infants are:

• weakened immunity in the expectant mother during pregnancy if she had an infectious disease and was treated with antibiotics or if she took hormonal medications;
• underdevelopment of the immune system in premature infants or those with developmental defects;
• decreased resistance to infection in a formula-fed baby who is bottle-fed with formula.

Bacteria can enter an infant's body if they are in the mother's milk or if she has an inflammatory disease of the mammary glands. However, in breast milk Staphylococcus also enters from the outside, from the surface of healthy skin. If a nursing woman has no symptoms of the disease, and the content of staphylococcus in milk is acceptable, breastfeeding should not be stopped.

Children of any age experience a weakening of the body's defenses after colds, intestinal infections and other diseases, as well as as a result of taking antibiotics. The development of staphylococcus in children is facilitated by insufficient care from adults and the child’s failure to comply with hygiene rules.

The cause of the disease may be the consumption of poorly washed vegetables and fruits. Staphylococci enter the body with food (when visiting, for example, a public canteen, where food is prepared by a person who has a wound on the skin of the hand). Infection also occurs through direct contact of a child with a sick adult or baby.

Video: Ways of infection of children with staphylococcal infection. Features of treatment

Symptoms of staphylococcal infection in children

Staphylococcal infection occurs in 2 forms - early and late. Early form is a disease whose manifestations appear within a few hours after the onset of pathological development of staphylococci in the body. The late form appears only after a few days (from 3 to 5).

Typical signs of a staphylococcal infection in a child are:

• the appearance of pustular rashes and abscesses on the skin;
• stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa), conjunctivitis;
• cramps and colic in the abdomen, increased flatulence, diarrhea

At the same time, the child’s temperature rises to 38°-38.5°. He feels nauseous and vomits. The baby is capricious and weak. Symptoms of the disease in each specific case depend on the location of the pathogen, the age of the patient, its development, the presence of previous diseases, and the state of immunity.

In which organs is Staphylococcus aureus found most often?

Most often, staphylococcal infection affects the gastrointestinal tract, ENT organs, skin, and eyes. Accordingly, intestinal dysbiosis, inflammatory diseases of the throat, conjunctivitis, skin rashes.

Much less often (in children with low weight, who have serious congenital or acquired diseases, who have undergone surgery), the lungs, brain, heart, joints and circulatory system are affected.

Symptoms of intestinal infection

Possible damage to the rectum (colitis) or the entire intestine (enterocolitis). In children, the effect of staphylococcus on the intestinal mucosa leads to spasmodic pain in the abdomen and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. There is an enlargement of the liver and spleen. Nausea and vomiting appear. Possible increase in temperature.

The stool is liquid, green, with admixtures of mucus, pus and blood. Often there is a false urge to have a bowel movement. Signs of dehydration are observed: dry mouth, crying without tears, rare urination, headache, circles under the eyes, wrinkling of the skin.

Signs of damage to the throat and oral mucosa

Symptoms of sore throat occur: sore throat when swallowing, redness and inflammation of the tonsils. Rashes appear on the gums (stomatitis), as well as signs of intoxication of the whole body ( heat, nausea, dizziness, headache, convulsions).

Damage to the nasal mucosa

A purulent runny nose occurs. The nose is stuffy due to swelling of the mucous membrane. Inflammation quickly spreads to maxillary sinuses. The child breathes through his mouth. His body temperature rises and other signs of intoxication appear.

Symptoms of skin infection

In children, staphylococcal infections often develop in the skin. The bacterium does not die under the influence of salt, which contains human sweat, which protects the skin from many other microorganisms. Penetrating into the pores, the microbe begins to destroy sebum cells, which are produced by the sebaceous glands located at the base of the hairs. Wherein hair follicles become inflamed.

Purulent pustules appear on the affected areas of the skin. Their accidental damage leads to the rapid spread of infection to neighboring areas. In the absence of timely treatment, deep abscesses (boils) appear, which merge with each other, forming carbuncles that are difficult to heal. Possible formation of boils and barley.

Signs of development of staphylococcal infection in infants

Staphylococcus aureus often affects infants respiratory organs, which leads to staphylococcal pneumonia. A newborn may become ill already in the maternity hospital. Moreover, the infection develops rapidly. Intoxication of the body leads to the appearance of symptoms such as respiratory failure, dry cough, heavy sweating, increased body temperature.

Possible inflammation of the umbilical wound. Swelling on the face, a rash on the skin, and purulent discharge from the nose appear. The infection spreads quickly, affecting the intestines. Abdominal bloating, increased passage of gas, and diarrhea occur. The baby refuses to breastfeed, spits up often, and quickly loses weight. If treatment is ineffective, death can occur.

Diagnostics

If a child shows signs of developing a staphylococcal infection, it is imperative to consult a doctor to have blood, stool, urine, nasal discharge, and swab tests done. oral cavity, washings from the skin surface.

The blood is examined to detect antibodies to staphylococci in the serum. PCR analysis makes it possible to clarify the type of infection based on the characteristic composition of DNA molecules. A general blood test allows you to determine the presence of an inflammatory process, determine the level of hemoglobin and other characteristic changes in indicators.

If staphylococcal bacteria are found in the stool of an infant, and their number exceeds the norm, an analysis of the mother's milk is done to clarify the cause of the baby's infection. At positive result analysis, the child is transferred to artificial nutrition.

In order to choose the most effective antibiotic, bacteriological culture of swabs from the nose and throat is done to determine the sensitivity of microbes to certain drugs.

If necessary, carried out endoscopic examination intestines to detect the degree of damage to the mucosa.

Treatment principle

According to most pediatricians, the reason for starting treatment should be a significant excess of the norm in the content of staphylococci in children in the blood, feces, as well as the presence of obvious symptoms of the disease. For example, the famous children's doctor E. Komarovsky in his articles and lectures emphasizes that it is necessary to start treatment with antibiotics only when the baby has green mucus, blood, pus in the stool, as well as the formation of ulcers on the head or blood poisoning. In other cases, the main goal of treatment is to strengthen the immune system.

If the skin is damaged, it is treated bactericidal agents(brilliant is especially effective), as well as applying ointments with antibacterial and cell-regenerating drugs. They are selected strictly taking into account the age of the child, and are used only as prescribed by a doctor. Vishnevsky ointment is often used for treatment.

You can relieve inflammation and swelling of the skin and eliminate purulent rashes using decoctions of string, celandine, calendula, chamomile, and oak bark. You can make lotions or arrange medicinal baths.

For intestinal diseases, as well as for severe complications in other organs, antibiotics are prescribed. Moreover, the use of an incorrectly chosen drug leads to the development of particularly strong resistance in bacteria to the action of antibiotics. In this case, there will be even more problems with treatment.

A sore throat and nasal mucosa are treated antiseptic solution miramistin, rinse with solutions of iodinol or silver nitrate.

For sepsis, a blood transfusion or plasma infusion is performed. In some cases it is impossible to do without surgical operations, such as removing tonsils or removing ulcers on the skin.

To strengthen the immune system, children are given vitamins and immunomodulators.

Prevention

In order to prevent children from becoming infected with staphylococci and the development of infection, it is necessary, first of all, to follow the rules hygiene care look after the baby, teach him to be clean and tidy. You should not buy food for a small child from random street vendors, or give him sausage, smoked meats, or canned food.

It is necessary to take care of strengthening the baby’s immunity: hardening the body, physical development, good nutrition. In order to prevent the development of staphylococcal infection in newborns, mandatory examination of pregnant women is carried out.

Not only people live on our planet. We are surrounded by a large number of different microorganisms that can cause various diseases. One of these troubles is staphylococcal infections in children.

What it is?

Coccal flora is various groups microbes that have a spherical shape. The sizes of these microorganisms can be very different, but they can only be detected in the laboratory - using various microscopes. Perhaps the most common and frequently encountered microbe of coccal flora is staphylococcus. It is talked about every day on TV screens in health programs and various feature articles are written.

This popularity is not accidental. These microorganisms can cause numerous pathologies in a child, which significantly affect his general condition. Researchers discovered staphylococci many years ago - at the end of the 19th century. Since then, scientists' interest in studying these microbes has not waned. This is largely due to the prevalence various diseases, which are caused by these microbes.

It is no coincidence that these microorganisms received their name. When examined under a microscope, microbes resemble peculiar clusters, which in Greek are called “staphylos”. Not only local pediatricians and doctors of other specialties are familiar with staphylococcal diseases, but also many fathers and mothers. The prevalence of infection caused by these microbes is quite high - all over the world.

The staphylococcus family is very extensive. These are several different types of microbes that differ from each other in some physiological and antigenic properties. Currently, scientists have discovered 27 variants of microbes. More than ten of them were found in the subjects on their mucous membranes.

Many types of microorganisms do not have pathogenic properties. These are peaceful “neighbors” who live next to people.

Only three species from the entire family lead to the development of infectious pathology. The pathogenic abilities of these microbes are determined according to specific criteria, which are called pathogenicity factors. They talk about the extent to which microorganisms can lead to the development of disease in a particular child. In pathogenic species of staphylococci, these factors of pathogenicity (pathogenicity) are maximally expressed.

On the outside, microbes are covered with a dense protective shell, which protects them from exposure to adverse environmental factors. This feature of the morphological structure helps microorganisms survive for a long time outside the human body, without losing their pathogenic properties. Their cell wall contains components that cause a pronounced response from the human immune system and lead to the development of severe inflammation.

Microbes contain special biological active substances- hemolysins. These molecules can have a detrimental effect on red blood cells humans, they can even damage white blood cells. During their life activity, microbes release a large amount of toxic products that have a strong inflammatory effect on the affected area. children's body.

All the pathogenic properties of the microbe determine the variety of various unfavorable symptoms that it can cause in sick children. Such a variety of different pathogenic properties makes staphylococcus one of the most dangerous microbes found in the external environment.

Three species are considered the most dangerous pathogenic representatives of this family. The first is Staphylococcus aureus. Doctors also call this subspecies staphylococcus aureus. Various abbreviations and acronyms are used in the medical community.

Doctors use S to designate staphylococcal flora. Usually this marking is applied to all laboratory tests that are carried out to establish the bacterial flora for various diseases.

This microbe did not get its name by chance. When examined under a microscope, you will notice that it has a light yellow color. This microbe does not give any concessions to both adults and children. The combination of various aggressive properties leads to the fact that it causes a wide variety of clinical variants of the disease and is characterized by a multiplicity of lesions. IN unfavorable conditions external environment, these microbes can persist for a very long time.

The second (no less aggressive) microbe is called epidermal or S. epidermidis. It is the main cause of various infectious skin pathologies. Children get these infections quite often. It should be noted that both boys and girls are susceptible to infection.

This type of microorganism is quite peaceful. It can be present on the skin of absolutely healthy babies without causing any adverse symptoms. The development of clinical signs is caused by a severe weakening of the immune system and exhaustion of the body after suffering viral or other bacterial infections.

Quite often, microorganisms are transmitted through contaminated hands, medical instruments and during dental treatment sick teeth.

The third type of microbes that can lead to the development of disease is called saprophytic or staphylococcus saprophyticus. It's important to note that it extremely rarely leads to infection in children. Most often, this pathogen is responsible for the development of pathologies in adults. Women get sick much more often. The infection manifests itself in them by the development of severe inflammation in the urinary tract. Staphylococcal infection is extremely contagious, and you can become infected in a variety of ways. The course of the disease depends on many factors.

A child of any age can get sick with these three types of bacterial infections. Cases of this infection are quite common both in newborns and in adolescence.

How is it transmitted?

The high prevalence of microbes in the external environment should lead to daily massive outbreaks of infection - or even lead to a pandemic. However, this does not happen. This is explained by the fact that normally the immune system functions in the body every second. Immunity helps you not get sick from all infections, of which there are many.

Doctors say that the disease begins in children who, for some reason, have significantly reduced the functioning of their immune system. Children who get sick often are at high risk colds or have immunodeficiency states of varying severity.

The most common causes of decreased immunity are: different reasons. Quite often, the provoking factor for the development of staphylococcal infection in children is severe hypothermia or overheating, as well as severe psycho-emotional stress.

Infection can enter a weakened child’s body in a variety of ways. Staphylococci are such universal microorganisms that can live and multiply in any internal organs of a person. The most common method of infection is airborne. In this case, microbes enter the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and lead to the development of adverse symptoms.

The contact and household method of infection also quite often leads to infection. staphylococcal flora. It manifests itself especially clearly in crowded groups. Kids leading active image life and visiting various educational institutions, sports sections are quite often susceptible to infection various types microbes

Doctors note that germs can even enter through the conjunctiva of the eyes or the umbilical wound.

Many parents are interested in the likelihood of their babies becoming infected during the prenatal period. This option is also possible. Pathologies of pregnancy that occur with a violation of the integrity of the placenta or various disturbances of the placental blood flow only increase the risk of intrauterine infection of the unborn baby in the womb. If a pregnant woman gets a staphylococcal infection, she contributes to the transmission of pathogenic microbes to her baby.

The severity of symptoms depends on the initial state of the child’s immune system. If your baby suffered a staphylococcal infection several years ago, and his immune system is functioning well, then the risk of a new infection in the child is significantly reduced. Children with low immunity may get sick several times throughout life. Premature babies get sick quite often.

The severe course of the disease is accompanied by the active spread of microorganisms. This happens through the systemic bloodstream. Pathogenic microbes quickly enter various internal organs, causing a strong inflammatory process there. This course of the disease is usually accompanied by the appearance in the infected child of many of the most unfavorable symptoms.

The nature of disorders due to staphylococcal infection can be very different. The presence of various hemolysins in the structure of the microbe leads to the fact that they have a pronounced damaging effect on various cells. This usually manifests itself as the development of ulcerative or necrotic areas. Such “dead” zones are characterized by complete or partial destruction epithelial cells, which form the mucous membranes of internal organs.

The most severe course of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of purulent infiltrates. Localized forms of such pathologies are called abscesses in medicine. The most dangerous localizations of these clinical variants are the brain, kidneys, liver and other vital internal organs.

Symptoms

Staphylococcal infection manifests itself in different ways. The variety of clinical signs largely depends on the type of microbes that entered the child’s body and led to the appearance of adverse symptoms. The course can be either mild or quite severe. Without appropriate treatment, very dangerous complications or long-term consequences of the disease may appear.

Staphylococci can cause both local and very widespread forms of the disease. Massive lesions are also called generalized variants of the disease. They usually develop in a sick child with a severe course of the disease.

It is important to note that local forms can also become generalized - with the progression of the disease and without the appointment of properly selected therapy.

Staphylococcal infection in children can occur with the appearance of adverse symptoms or be completely asymptomatic. In the latter case, the disease can only be identified through special diagnostic tests. They are carried out in laboratory conditions. In some situations, there may be a gradual course, in which the adverse symptoms of the disease appear slightly.

The incubation period for infection with staphylococci may vary. Usually it ranges from 3-4 hours to a couple of days.

In some children who have severe immune disorders, unfavorable symptoms of the disease can occur quite quickly.

Doctors note that the shortest incubation period is for staphylococcal organ damage gastrointestinal tract. This infection often spreads over the skin. Subcutaneous tissue is often involved in the inflammatory process. Specific signs appear on the skin, which parents discover when examining their baby.

The affected areas have a high tendency to suppurate. Weakened immunity or exacerbation of chronic pathologies can contribute to the spread of the process. In some cases, the disease becomes generalized.

Quite often, the pathology is manifested by various folliculitis, furunculosis, pyoderma, phlegmon, hidradenitis, and the appearance of watery pimples. In this case, the structural elements of the skin - the sweat and sebaceous glands - are also affected.

Skin lesions

Dermatitis is also not a very rare manifestation of staphylococcal infection. The affected skin becomes bright red in color and becomes hot to the touch. At the peak of the disease, various blisters filled with pus appear on the skin, which looks like a bright yellow liquid.

In severe cases, the disease appears on the skin various ulcers. They look like severely inflamed areas. In the central part of such skin formations, the accumulation of a large amount of pus is visible.

The edges of the wound are usually loosened and bleed easily when touched. The wound surface can be very large: from a couple of millimeters to several centimeters. In some cases, the inflamed areas merge with each other, forming bizarre shapes.

In babies in the first months of life, dangerous, most severe forms of the disease are quite common. These include Ritter's exfoliative dermatitis, staphylococcal pemphigus, bacterial pustulosis. They are characterized by generalized lesions with the development of severe necrosis (death) of epithelial cells. These forms of diseases occur mainly in premature babies or children who had multiple anatomical defects in the structure of internal organs at birth.

In some cases, when infected with these microbes, the sick child develops symptoms of scarlet fever-like syndrome. As a rule, it manifests itself in the baby with the appearance of multiple skin rashes on the skin.

The rash may spread throughout the body. Its predominant localization is the lateral surfaces. Skin elements are usually quite small.

Skin rashes can usually appear 2-4 days after the onset of the first adverse symptoms of the disease. After they disappear, multiple dry patches with severe peeling remain on the skin. The appearance of a rash significantly worsens the well-being of the sick child. The severity of intoxication in this case is very intense.

Damage to mucous membranes

The skin is not the only “favorite” localization for the life of staphylococci. They also actively settle on various mucous membranes. Once in the upper respiratory tract, microbes cause bacterial forms of pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis. Staphylococci that multiply in the nose lead to the development of persistent rhinitis. A runny nose with this option is usually debilitating, the discharge from the nasal passages is yellow or has a greenish tint.

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract leads to symptoms that are typical of intestinal dysbiosis. Babies have irregular stools. In some cases, this is manifested by the appearance of persistent constipation or severe diarrhea in the child.

They alternate much less often. A bacterial infection is accompanied by the appearance of nonspecific abdominal pain, which can be localized in different areas.

Eye damage

Staphylococcal conjunctivitis is a disease that develops when microbes get on the delicate conjunctiva of babies or under the folds of the eyelids. In this case, the baby develops severe lacrimation. The discharged secretion often contains pus. It is difficult for the baby to open his eyes; sunlight on the irritated conjunctiva only leads to increased pain.

Angina

This is a fairly common form of this bacterial infection. It is characterized by the formation of plaque on the affected tonsils. In color it can be yellow or gray tint. Quite often, a sick child develops follicular appearance acute tonsillitis. The course of such a sore throat in a child is quite severe, it is accompanied by a strong increase in temperature and the appearance of a pronounced intoxication syndrome.

It's important to note that Staphylococcal infection is quite often associated with viral pathologies. The high-risk group includes children who often suffer from colds or have severe violations in the functioning of internal organs. Such complications appear in children suffering from diabetes mellitus or having complicated cardiovascular diseases.

Spread to the respiratory system

Bacterial tracheitis, caused by pathogenic staphylococci, is very severe and tends to spread to nearby organs. After a few days, the inflammatory process involves first the small bronchioles, and then the large bronchi. If the course of the disease is unfavorable, staphylococcal infection can lead to the development of bacterial pneumonia. Treatment of inflammation lung tissue It is usually carried out in a hospital setting.

Stomatitis

Quite common in very young patients stomatitis caused by this bacterial flora. It is manifested by severe redness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the development of severe inflammation near the tooth sockets.

Quite often the tongue is also involved in the inflammatory process. It becomes bright red, covered with a gray or yellowish coating, which is difficult to remove with a spatula. Severe stomatitis causes pain when swallowing food.

The severity of intoxication syndrome with different staphylococcal infections may be different. Typically, all forms of this disease are quite severe in children. They are accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature. The child becomes capricious and drowsy and refuses to eat. The baby may develop a headache, which gets worse during staphylococcal meningitis.

Diagnostics

A clinical examination, which is carried out by a pediatrician during an appointment, makes it possible to establish the presence of purulent foci on the child’s body or to identify characteristic features damage to the mucous membranes. To clarify the diagnosis it is necessary mandatory a whole range of additional diagnostic tests. These tests make it possible to exclude other diseases that occur with similar symptoms - for example, those caused by hemolytic streptococcus.

The most common test to identify pathogens in the blood is considered microbiological test. The essence of this test is a specific immune reaction between a laboratory staphylococcal species obtained in laboratory conditions and biological material. An increased concentration in the blood of specific protein immune molecules-antibodies indicates the presence of this pathogen in the child’s body.

The treatment of staphylococcal pathologies is carried out by doctors of several specialties, since a variety of internal organs are affected. There are some peculiarities in prescribing treatment. For each specific case, our own therapeutic regimen is selected, which is built taking into account the characteristics of each sick child.

The basis of treatment for this disease is taking antibacterial drugs. Parents should remember that a sick child needs to be given antibiotics for as many days as prescribed by the doctor. There should be no independent withdrawal from these medications.

Staphylococcal flora over time (against the background of frequent prescription of various antibacterial drugs) becomes insensitive to their effects. This leads to the emergence of resistant forms of microorganisms, on which powerful drugs simply cease to act.

During antibiotic therapy, very It is important to follow the prescribed dosages and frequency of use of medications. Typically, clavulanic acid-protected penicillins and the latest generation of cephalosporin drugs are used to treat these bacterial infections. The use of the latest generations of antibiotics and macrolides is extremely rare, as it can lead to the development of resistance of microorganisms to these drugs.

For elimination accompanying symptoms various diseases are used symptomatic treatment. It includes the prescription of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antitussive and restorative drugs.

To specific treatment severe forms diseases relates appointment antistaphylococcal drugs. These include plasma, bacteriophages, toxoids or immunoglobulins. All these drugs have a narrowly targeted destructive effect on staphylococcal flora. Such drugs are prescribed only for strict medical indications, as determined by the attending physician.

Treatment of emerging bacterial pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract is carried out using complex medicines containing viable lacto- and bifidobacteria. These funds are usually issued to long-term use. It may take an average of 4-6 months to normalize the beneficial intestinal microflora lost during the illness. "Bifidumbacterin", "Bifikol", "

In some situations, even after drug treatment, the baby develops complications of the disease. As a rule, in such cases, intensive complex therapy is required, which is carried out only in a hospital setting. Local purulent processes caused by staphylococcal flora can be treated with surgical operations. The need for such treatment is determined by a pediatric surgeon.

Prevention

Everyone's goal preventive measures for staphylococcal infections - reduce the risk of possible infection with highly pathogenic species of these microorganisms. To do this, doctors recommend that all children attending educational institutions must follow the anti-epidemic regime.

After visiting public places The child should wash their hands thoroughly with soap. Parents must supervise children. To date, specific prevention of infection, including vaccinations, unfortunately, has not been developed.

How to deal with staphylococcal infection if you find it in your baby? Doctor E.O Komarovsky will tell you about the causes and prevention of this disease.

Staphylococci are a common family of bacteria. They are present in most people and are part of the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes. However, under certain circumstances, an infection can provoke an inflammatory process in the human body; in particular, Staphylococcus aureus can lead to pneumonia and food poisoning. The bacterium is especially dangerous for newborns and children under one year old.

What is a staph infection

Staphylococcus is a spherical bacterium that can create multilayer colonies in hollow organs (intestines, ureter, nasal passages) and displace normal microflora mucous membranes and cause serious diseases that threaten the patient’s life.

A feature of the infection is its resistance to antibiotics.

One type of staphylococcus, namely aureus, is considered a hospital bacterium. The use of antiseptics in medical institutions, as well as the unreasonable or incorrect (incomplete course) use of antibiotics has led to the fact that the bacterium has developed resistance (immunity) to antibacterial agents. This fact complicates and makes it difficult to fight it.

With extensive colonization by bacteria, it develops infection, clinical manifestations which will depend on the affected organ.

The danger of staphylococcus lies in the release of toxins that poison the body, causing symptoms of intoxication. Bacteria also have a suppressive effect on the human immune system, which allows them to multiply quickly and unhindered. From the intestines, staphylococcus can penetrate the blood, spread throughout the body and colonize internal organs (kidneys, brain, lungs). Then meningitis develops (inflammation meninges), pneumonia (pneumonia) or sepsis (blood poisoning). Each of these conditions threatens the patient's life.

Types of staphylococci in a child’s body

The following types of bacteria are distinguished:

• saprophytic staphylococcus - lives in the lumen of internal organs, the genitourinary system;
• epidermal - skin staphylococcus;
• aureus - staphylococcus of the nasopharynx and intestines. In fact, the so-called intestinal staphylococcus is the same as Staphylococcus aureus.

Interestingly, Staphylococcus aureus got its name because of the color of the colonies. Under a microscope, these bacteria appear as clusters of golden, iridescent color.

The color of staphylococcus colonies is closer to golden, hence the name of the bacterium

Causes of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus belongs to the opportunistic microflora. This means that this bacterium can live in a healthy body without causing disease. But there are factors under which opportunistic flora becomes pathogenic and a disease develops. These include:

• weakened immunity of the child (congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, HIV);
• malformations of internal organs;
• children from the group of people who are often and long-term ill;
• chronic diseases ( chronic tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic gastroduodenitis and others).

The source of infection can be a carrier of staphylococcus who does not even complain, or a sick person (staphyloderma, staphylococcal furunculosis). The infection is transmitted through skin contact, through hygiene items, through airborne droplets when coughing, sneezing, through dirty hands, etc.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of staphylococcal infection may appear almost immediately after discharge from the maternity hospital (if the child is infected in the maternity hospital). Newborns experience:

• bloating and intestinal colic;
• frequent foul-smelling stools (mixed with mucus and greens);
• sometimes there may be an increase in body temperature;
• violation of the child’s general condition (prolonged crying, refusal to eat, lethargy or restlessness).

Signs of dehydration in a newborn and a child up to one year old include crying without tears, dry lips, tongue and oral mucosa, and a sunken large fontanel. Such phenomena require urgent hospitalization of the child in a hospital.

The temperature increase with staphylococcal gastroenteritis can be over 38 degrees

Features of the disease in infants

In children under one year of age, staphylococcal infection occurs as a toxic infection or gastroenterocolitis (inflammation of the stomach and small intestine). The main symptoms will be:

• weakness, lethargy, refusal to eat;
• fever (increased body temperature over 38.5 degrees);
• headache or dizziness;
• nausea and uncontrollable vomiting;
• frequent loose stools with admixtures of greens, mucus, blood, foam;
• abdominal pain, bloating.

It's important to know that frequent vomiting and diarrhea (loose stools) lead to dehydration of the child’s body, which is dangerous for his life. The baby's sudden drowsiness will also be a threatening condition; this may indicate incipient stupor (a harbinger of coma). In case of any of these conditions, you should immediately consult a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.

How can the diagnosis be confirmed?

Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection includes:

1. Analysis of stool for dysbacteriosis. It shows which microorganisms and in what quantities inhabit the intestinal mucosa. Normally, there should be no Staphylococcus aureus in the intestines. When it appears, you need to start treatment. The analysis also helps determine the patient’s treatment tactics. If the number of bifidobacteria is reduced, then drugs containing them are prescribed. If there are few lactobacilli, then lactose-containing drugs are prescribed.
2. If other foci of staphylococcal damage are suspected, an X-ray examination of the lungs, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, and blood culture for sterility are prescribed.
3. To determine the general condition of the patient, but not to confirm the diagnosis of staphylococcal infection, the following tests may be prescribed:
   • Clinical blood test. May show an inflammatory process in the form of leukocytosis (increased number of leukocytes in the blood) and shift leukocyte formula to the left. Leukopenia (decrease in the number of white blood cells) will indicate reduced immunity in the child;
   • A general urine test allows you to detect the penetration of infection not only into the intestines, but also into the genitourinary system. Protein, leukocytes, and bacteria may appear in the urine;
   • biochemical blood test. With staphylococcal infection, there is often a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia), which indicates impaired liver function;
   • stool analysis for coprogram will show changes in the functioning of the intestines or pancreas. Mucus, streaks of blood, and bacteria may appear in the stool.

Treatment

If clinical signs of staphylococcus are not observed in the intestines and during examination the number of bacteria is no more than 1 x 104, drug treatment no child required.

When the symptoms of gastroenteritis are significantly expressed, the amount of staphylococcus in the tests is increased, therapy should be started immediately.

Today, medicine has come to the conclusion that antibiotics may not be effective against staphylococcal infections. This is due to the resistance of strains to these drugs. In addition, antibacterial drugs will kill not only staphylococcus, but also beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

For health reasons, aminoglycoside antibiotics are prescribed to children over 15 years of age. For younger children, treatment regimens for staphylococcal gastroenteritis without antibiotics have been developed:

1. Staphylococcal bacteriophage is a virus that eats staphylococcus. Allowed for infants, used orally or in the form rectal suppositories. The course of treatment is 10–14 days.
2. Antimicrobial agents from the nitrofuran group (Nifuroxazide, Enterofuril). Can be taken simultaneously with bacteriophage. The course of treatment is at least 5 days. The drug is allowed for children from 2 months.
3. Prevention of dehydration (maintaining water-salt balance). If the patient is at home, then the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea is restored by drinking at the rate of 100 ml/kg/day. If the child’s condition worsens (lethargy, weakness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, swelling), he must be urgently hospitalized for intravenous injections.
4. Adsorbents - remove toxins from the baby's body. Smecta, Enterosgel, Sorbex baby, Polyphepan are widely used. The drugs are used only during the period of diarrhea.
5. Probiotics are preparations containing beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria that populate the intestines instead of staphylococcus (Linex, Enterozermina, Biogayu, Yogurt).
6. Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as general strengthening agents. Today there is a drug that combines a probiotic and a vitamin complex (Bion 3). Allowed for children from 4 years old.

Drugs for the treatment of disease (gallery)

A complex containing vitamins, minerals and probiotics. Used as an adsorbent to reduce intoxication. Staphylococcal bacteriophage is the best solution in the fight against staphylococcal infection. Enterofuril - antimicrobial agent for the treatment of intestinal infections, Enterosgel removes toxins from the baby’s body

Is it necessary to wean a child from the breast?

Pediatricians today do not consider it mandatory to wean a child from breastfeeding. First, breast milk contains antibodies (immune cells) that will help your baby fight off infection. Secondly, the composition of milk is optimal for a child. The mother will need to submit milk for sterility testing. If Staphylococcus aureus is sown in it, then the woman is treated with a bacteriophage. If the therapy does not help, the complaints persist, then the child will still have to be weaned from the breast and transferred to adapted formulas.

What is Staphylococcal infection in children -

Staphylococcal infection- a large group of purulent-inflammatory diseases of the skin, internal organs, mucous membranes, and central nervous system caused by pathogenic strains of staphylococci.

According to International classification, There are several types of staphylococcal infection::

Staphylococcal food poisoning;

Septicemia caused Staphylococcus aureus;

Septicemia caused by other specified staphylococci;

Septicemia caused by unspecified staphylococci;

Staphylococcal infection, unspecified.

The infection is spread among the population by patients and carriers of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus. The highest chance of infection is from patients with open purulent foci (such as opened boils, sore throat, purulent conjunctivitis, festering wounds), with pneumonia and intestinal disorders. In these cases, the infection spreads in the environment, where it poses a danger to adults and children.

At the peak of the disease, children release the maximum mass into the external environment. The weight decreases significantly after recovery, but in frequent cases, the child becomes a carrier after the symptoms disappear, continuing to infect others. Healthy carriers also pose a great threat, especially if they work in the medical field, in maternity hospitals, departments for newborns, premature babies, or in catering units.

Staphylococcal infection is transmitted in the following ways: contact, food, airborne droplets. Most newly born and infants who become ill are infected through contact. This can happen through the hands of the mother or medical staff, through care items or underwear. Children under 12 months often become infected through nutritional means - the infection enters the body through milk if the mother has mastitis or cracked nipples. Feeding mixtures contaminated with staphylococcus are also dangerous.

Children of preschool and school age often become infected by consuming contaminated foods, such as sour cream, other dairy products, cakes, etc. When staphylococcus gets into food, it multiplies in a beneficial environment, releasing. You can become infected by airborne droplets if a child is close to a sick person or a carrier. In this case, staphylococcus colonizes the nasal cavity and oropharynx.

Newborns and infants are at risk. The reasons for their high susceptibility to staphylococcus are weak local antibacterial immunity of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. As is known, newborns do not secrete secretory, which plays an important role in the local defense of the body. The saliva of infants has very weak bactericidal effect, mucous membranes and skin are vulnerable. This is also the reason for the high susceptibility of infants to staphylococcal infection.

Susceptibility is promoted by weakness from any diseases, exudative diathesis, malnutrition, artificial feeding of the baby, long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroid hormones.

The actual number of cases is unknown, since localized forms, unlike severe ones, are usually not recorded (for example, infected wounds, pyoderma).

Staphylococcal diseases are sporadic, but there are group and family diseases, as well as epidemics in maternity hospitals, neonatal units, etc. Outbreaks can also occur due to the consumption of contaminated food by children in schools, summer camps and other similar organizations. Acute gastrointestinal diseases caused by staphylococci are characteristic of the warm season, but can also occur in the cold months.

What provokes / Causes of Staphylococcal infection in children:

Staphylococcus- gram-positive microorganisms shaped like a ball. Genus Staphylococcus divided into 3 types: epidermal, golden and saprophytic. Staphylococcus aureus is divided into 6 biovars. For humans, type A is pathogenic; it causes most diseases of a staphylococcal nature; other biovars affect birds and animals.

Due to the toxic and allergic processes described above, immunity sharply decreases, the permeability of membranes and vessel walls increases, which contributes to the septic process. Symptomatically, this is manifested by metastasis of purulent foci and the formation of sepsis.

The course of foodborne toxic infections depends on how much of the pathogen and enterotoxin enters the child’s body. Staphylococcus is found in large quantities in biological material taken from the patient, such as vomit and feces, as well as in the remains of food that caused the infection. But with food poisoning pathological process depends largely on the enterotoxin ingested with food.

Pathomorphology. At the site where staphylococcus enters the body, a local focus of inflammation appears, which in structure consists of staphylococci, serous-hemorrhagic exudate, and necrotic tissues that are surrounded by leukocyte infiltration. Next, microabscesses form, which can merge to form lesions.

If the infection occurs on damaged skin, the formation of boils and carbuncles begins. If the entrance gate is the mucous membrane of the child’s oropharynx, sore throat, stomatitis, etc. begin. Primary changes can be observed in the lungs - serous-fibrinous exudate and leukocyte infiltration appear there. But in frequent cases, small, sometimes merging foci of abscess pneumonia are formed, and rarely - large foci that are located subpleurally.

Staphylococcal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by ulcerative, catarrhal or necrotic lesions. Morphological changes occur in the small intestine, although the pathological process can also affect the large intestine. Epithelial tissue necrotize, and sometimes necrosis affects the deeper layers of the mucous membrane. There is infiltration of the mucous and submucosal membranes with severe circulatory disorders. Ulcers form.

When (and if) the infection is generalized, sepsis occurs, then staphylococcus reaches various organs and systems through the blood, for example, bones, central nervous system, liver, etc. Metastatic foci of inflammation appear there. Morphologically, abscesses in various organs are determined.

Symptoms of Staphylococcal infection in children:

A staph infection can cause many symptoms. This depends on the location of the infection in the body and the severity of the primary inflammatory focus. Staphylococcal infection in children can be generalized or localized in form.

Most cases are localized mild forms, for example, nasopharyngitis or rhinitis. Minor inflammatory changes are observed, there is no intoxication. In infants, these forms may manifest as poor appetite and insufficient weight gain. Blood cultures can isolate staphylococcus.

But localized forms do not always go away easily; they can be accompanied by severe symptoms, severe intoxication and bacteremia, which is why it may be necessary to differentiate them from sepsis.

The disease can occur in an asymptomatic or erased form. They are not diagnosed, but are dangerous for the child and others, since an infected child spreads the infection. In some cases, something else is added to the disease, for example, which leads to an exacerbation of staphylococcal infection and complications, in some cases very severe.

For staphylococcal infection, the incubation period lasts from 2-3 hours to 3-4 days. The shortest incubation period for the gastroenteroscolitic form of the disease.

Most often, staphylococcal infection in children is localized on the skin and subcutaneous cells. With skin staphylococcal infection, an inflammatory focus quickly develops with a tendency to suppuration and a reaction of regional lymph nodes according to the type of lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. In children, staphylococcal skin lesions, as a rule, take the form of folliculitis, boils, pyoderma, phlegmon, carbuncle, hidradenitis. Newborns may have exfoliative, neonatal pemphigus. If the infection affects the mucous membranes, symptoms of purulent conjunctivitis and tonsillitis appear.

Staphylococcal tonsillitis in children as an independent disease is a rather rare phenomenon. This usually occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infection, in some cases due to exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis or as a result of sepsis.

With staphylococcal tonsillitis in children, continuous overlays appear on the palatine tonsils, sometimes they also affect the arches and uvula. In some cases, tonsillitis is follicular. Overlays with staphylococcal sore throat in most cases are purulent-necrotic, whitish-yellowish, loose. It is relatively easy to remove them, as well as to grind them between glass slides.

There are extremely rare cases when, due to a staphylococcal infection, the overlays are dense, it is difficult to remove them, and removal causes bleeding of the tonsils. Staphylococcal tonsillitis is characterized by diffuse bright hyperemia and hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the pharynx without clear boundaries. The child may complain of severe pain when swallowing. The reaction of regional lymph nodes is pronounced. Staphylococcal tonsillitis takes quite a long time to resolve. Symptoms of intoxication and elevated body temperature persist for about 6-7 days. The pharynx is cleared on days 5-7 or on days 8-10. Without laboratory methods, it is impossible to understand that a sore throat is staphylococcal.

Staphylococcal laryngitis and laryngotracheitis inherent mainly in children 1-3 years old. They develop against the background of ARVI. The disease is characterized by an acute onset, with laryngeal stenosis quickly appearing. Morphologically, a necrotic or ulcerative-necrotic process in the larynx and trachea is noted. Staphylococcal laryngotracheitis often occurs with obstructive bronchitis and, in rare cases, pneumonia. The symptoms of staphylococcal laryngotracheitis in children are almost no different from laryngotracheitis caused by other bacterial flora. The disease differs greatly only from diphtheria croup, which develops slowly, with a gradual change of phases, a parallel increase in symptoms (hoarseness, aphonia, dry, rough cough and gradual increase in stenosis).

Staphylococcal pneumonia- a special form of lung damage with a characteristic tendency to abscess formation. Young children are more susceptible to the disease than others. It begins in most cases during or after ARVI. As an independent disease not accompanied by others, staphylococcal pneumonia is extremely rare.

The disease begins acutely or violently, body temperature is greatly elevated, and severe symptoms of toxicosis are observed. In more rare cases, staphylococcal pneumonia in children may begin gradually, initially followed by minor catarrhal symptoms. But even in these rare cases, the patient’s condition quickly deteriorates sharply, the temperature “jumps” greatly, intoxication intensifies, and respiratory failure increases. The child is lethargic and pale, he is drowsy, does not want to eat, spits up, and often vomits. Shortness of breath, shortening of the percussion sound, a moderate amount of fine-bubbly wet rales on one side and weakened breathing in the affected area are recorded.

With staphylococcal pneumonia, bullae form in the lungs. These are air cavities, the diameter of which is 1-10 cm. They can be identified by taking an x-ray. Infection of the bulla threatens lung abscess. Breakthrough of a purulent focus leads to purulent pleurisy and pneumothorax. Deaths are common with staphylococcal pneumonia.

With a primary staphylococcal lesion of any localization, scarlet-like syndrome. Most often this happens with staphylococcal infection of a wound or burn surface, lymphadenitis, phlegmon, etc.

The disease manifests itself as a scarlet-like rash. It occurs on a hyperemic (reddened) background, is formed from small dots, and is located, as a rule, on the lateral surfaces of the torso. When the rash disappears, abundant lamellar peeling is observed. During this form of the disease, the child’s body temperature is high. The rash appears 2-3 days after the onset of the disease and later.

Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract by staphylococcus can be located in various places (in the stomach, intestines, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in biliary system). The severity of such diseases also varies.

Staphylococcal stomatitis Young children are mainly affected. There is a pronounced hyperemia of the oral mucosa, the appearance of aphthae or ulcers on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, on the tongue, etc.

Staphylococcal gastrointestinal diseases- this is gastroenteritis, enteritis, enterocolitis, which occurs when infected through food. In children under 12 months of age, enteritis and enterocolitis often occur as secondary diseases against the background of another staphylococcal disease. If the route of infection is contact, and enteritis or enterocolitis occurs, a small amount of the pathogen is in the body. Staphylococci cause local changes when multiplying in the intestines, as well as general symptoms intoxication, when a toxin enters the blood.

With gastritis or gastroenteritis of staphylococcal nature, the incubation period lasts 2-5 hours, followed by an acute onset of the disease. The most striking symptom is repeated, often indomitable, severe weakness, severe pain in the epigastric region, dizziness. Most sick children have a fever. The skin is pale and covered with cold sweat, the heart sounds are muffled, the pulse is weak and rapid. In most cases, defeat occurs small intestine, which leads to bowel dysfunction. Bowel movements occur 4 to 6 times a day, the stool is of a liquid consistency, watery, and contains some mucus.

The most severe manifestation of staphylococcal infection is staphylococcal sepsis. It occurs more often in young children, mainly in newborns; premature infants are at particular risk. The pathogen can enter the body through the umbilical wound, gastrointestinal tract, skin, tonsils, lungs, ears, etc. This causes the type of sepsis.

If staphylococcal sepsis is acute, the disease develops rapidly, and the patient’s condition is characterized as very severe. The body temperature is greatly elevated, and symptoms of intoxication are pronounced. Petycheal or other rashes may appear on the skin. Secondary septic foci appear in various organs (abscesses, abscess pneumonia, purulent arthritis, skin phlegmon, etc.). A blood test reveals neutrophilic leukocytosis with a shift to the left, ESR is increased.

There is a (very rare) fulminant course of the disease, which ends in death. But in most cases the course is sluggish, with low-grade fever and mild symptoms of intoxication. Children sweat, pulse instability is noted, abdominal bloating occurs, the liver may be enlarged, on the front abdominal wall and the chest, dilation of the veins is noted; stool upset is often among the symptoms. Sepsis in young children may manifest itself various symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Staphylococcal infection in newborns and children of the 1st year of life associated primarily with maternal illness. Infection of a child occurs at any stage of pregnancy, during and after childbirth.

Diagnosis of Staphylococcal infection in children:

Staphylococcal infection is diagnosed based on the detection of purulent foci of inflammation. They mainly resort to laboratory research methods, since other diseases may have similar symptoms.

A microbiological method is often used to detect pathogenic staphylococcus in the lesion and especially in the blood. For serological diagnosis, RA with an autostrain and a museum strain of staphylococcus is used. An increase in antibody titer in the dynamics of the disease undoubtedly indicates its staphylococcal nature. An agglutinin titer in RA of 1:100 is considered diagnostic. Diagnostic titers are detected on the 10-20th day of illness.

Among laboratory methods, the reaction of toxin neutralization with antitoxin is used. Today instead traditional methods RLA is also often used.

Treatment of Staphylococcal infection in children:

Treatment of patients with staphylococcal infection depends on each individual case. If the infection in older children is mild, doctors prescribe symptomatic medications. To treat severe and moderate forms of the disease, complex therapy is needed: antibiotics and specific anti-staphylococcal drugs (such as anti-staphylococcal plasma, anti-staphylococcal immunoglobulin, staphylococcal bacteriophage, ).

Can be applied surgical methods, nonspecific detoxification therapy. Doctors often prescribe vitamins.

To cure or prevent dysbiosis, bacterial preparations are used, such as bificol and others. Stimulant therapy may also be necessary to increase protective functions the child's body.

Patients with severe forms of staphylococcal infection are required to be hospitalized. It is also mandatory to hospitalize newborns, even if the form of the disease is mild.

Antibacterial drugs such as semi-synthetic penicillinase-resistant penicillins and 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins are used.

Acute sepsis, abscess destructive pneumonia, meningoencephalitis are treated simultaneously with two antibiotics at the maximum dose appropriate to the patient's age.

Severe and generalized forms of staphylococcal infection, especially if the child is young, are treated with hyperimmune antistaphylococcal immunoglobulin.

Staphylococcal gastroenteritis and enterocolitis are treated according to the same principles as other acute intestinal infections. Hospitalization is necessary if there are appropriate clinical and epidemiological indications. Newborns and infants up to 12 months are placed in a separate box.

If a child becomes infected through mother's milk, you should stop breastfeeding. In such cases, the child should be fed donor milk, lactic acid or adapted formulas in accordance with age and severity of damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Foodborne toxic infection is treated by gastric lavage with a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution on the first day from the onset of the disease. If toxicosis with dehydration is severe, you must first infusion therapy, and then oral rehydration(restoration of water balance in the body).

Prevention of Staphylococcal infection in children:

In children's institutions, to prevent staphylococcal infection, a sanitary and anti-epidemic regime should be observed. This means that household items are disinfected, premises are properly cleaned, etc. Patients need to be identified and isolated in a timely manner so that they do not spread the infection.

It is also necessary to identify carriers of pathogenic multidrug-resistant strains of staphylococci among caring personnel in maternity hospitals and departments for newborns and remove them from work, monitor the staff’s compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules for child care, aseptic maintenance of individual nipples, care items and utensils, etc.

At least 2 times a year, maternity hospitals must be closed for disinfection measures and cosmetic repairs. In child care facilities, kitchen staff should be inspected daily. Personnel with any form of staphylococcal infection are not allowed to work - be it staphylococcal diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pustular diseases of the hands or any other form.

Children with staphylococcal diseases are hospitalized in an individual box so as not to introduce infection into the hospital department. All items for caring for a sick child must be strictly individual.

Infants become less susceptible to staphylococcal infection if (provided that the mother is healthy). There are currently no measures for specific prevention of staphylococcal infection.

Which doctors should you contact if you have Staphylococcal infection in children:

Infectious disease specialist

Gastroenterologist

Dermatologist

Is something bothering you? Do you want to know more detailed information about Staphylococcal infection in children, its causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention, the course of the disease and diet after it? Or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with a doctor– clinic Eurolab always at your service! The best doctors will examine you and study you external signs and will help you identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance and make a diagnosis. you also can call a doctor at home. Clinic Eurolab open for you around the clock.

How to contact the clinic:
Phone number of our clinic in Kyiv: (+38 044) 206-20-00 (multi-channel). The clinic secretary will select a convenient day and time for you to visit the doctor. Our coordinates and directions are indicated. Look in more detail about all the clinic’s services on it.

(+38 044) 206-20-00

If you have previously performed any research, Be sure to take their results to a doctor for consultation. If the studies have not been performed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

You? It is necessary to take a very careful approach to your overall health. People don't pay enough attention symptoms of diseases and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific signs, characteristic external manifestations - the so-called symptoms of the disease. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to do it several times a year. be examined by a doctor to not only prevent a terrible disease, but also maintain healthy mind in the body and the organism as a whole.

If you want to ask a doctor a question, use the online consultation section, perhaps you will find answers to your questions there and read self care tips. If you are interested in reviews about clinics and doctors, try to find the information you need in the section. Also register on the medical portal Eurolab to stay up to date latest news and information updates on the website, which will be automatically sent to you by email.

Other diseases from the group Children's diseases (pediatrics):