Staphylococcus: types, diagnosis, treatment in adults. Why does staphylococcus appear in the blood and is it necessary to treat Staphylococcus common?

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A widespread genus of bacteria. Under a microscope, clusters of staphylococci look like bunches of grapes. There are opportunistic staphylococci (for example, epidermal and saprophytic staphylococci), which under normal conditions are present on the skin, nasopharynx and oropharynx without causing disease. Other staphylococci are highly pathogenic for humans (for example, Staphylococcus aureus) and with a high frequency cause purulent lesions of various organs and tissues.

Staphylococcus is perhaps the most famous bacterium. After all, it is with it that the development of a variety of diseases is associated. Some species can affect any organs and tissues and cause various purulent processes. What is the main danger of this microbe? And what should you do if you test positive for staphylococcus? The MedAboutMe portal will help our readers understand all the important issues.

Staphylococcus in adults

Staphylococcus is found everywhere. It is found on the skin and mucous membranes, and often settles in the throat and nose of a person. But it does not cause unpleasant symptoms or significant diseases - carriage of the bacterium is the most common form of staphylococcus in adults. That is why all types of this microorganism are classified as opportunistic microflora. This means that they do not threaten a healthy person, but under unfavorable conditions they can cause illness.

Moreover, if the bacterium nevertheless provokes an infection, it can cause a variety of damage to organs and tissues. In fact, the specific diagnosis depends only on the localization of the purulent process. Staphylococcus in adults can cause the following diseases:

• Lesions of the skin and mucous membranes - boils, carbuncles, purulent wounds.
• Food poisoning.
• Inflammation of the lungs of a bacterial nature.
• Bronchitis.
• Endocarditis.
• Osteomyelitis.
• Meningitis.
• Blood poisoning.

Particularly dangerous in this regard is Staphylococcus aureus, which can penetrate anywhere in the body and cause a generalized infection.

Staphylococcus in women

Among the bacteria that are dangerous specifically for women is saprophytic staphylococcus, which in some cases can lead to inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. However, this happens quite rarely, since this particular type of bacteria is easily controlled by the immune system. By observing hygiene standards, the risk of developing such diseases is minimized.

Staphylococcus during pregnancy

Pregnant women and women in labor are at risk for developing staphylococcal infections. This is caused by the fact that a woman’s immunity is weakened, metabolic processes are rearranged, and against the background of such changes, staphylococcus can become more active. Therefore, it is very important to get tested, even if there are no signs of infection. A positive result is not a reason to treat staphylococcus, but in this case the woman should monitor her condition and be attentive to preventive measures.

Staphylococcus aureus is of particular danger during pregnancy, since this type of bacterium can easily pass through the placental barrier. This is fraught with serious consequences for the unborn child - the membranes and the fetus itself become infected. This often ends in miscarriage.

A pregnant woman with a positive test for staphylococcus must take into account the risks of infecting her baby. In particular, if the bacterium is found in the vagina, treatment must be carried out even if there are no symptoms of inflammation. When passing through the birth canal, the child can become infected with bacteria, and this will provoke the development of the disease.

Since the children's immune system is also not sufficiently developed, staphylococcus in children often causes infectious processes. Most often in preschool and school age, this bacterium, along with streptococcus, causes respiratory tract diseases:

• Sinusitis.
• Rhinita.
• Pharyngitis.
• Bronchitis.
• Pneumonia.

Skin lesions are also common. Moreover, in childhood they can be provoked even by those types of staphylococcus that practically do not bother adults - epidermal and saprophytic. Rashes and pustules appear on the skin and mucous membranes, sometimes the disease is similar to an allergic reaction.

Staphylococcus in children, if it gets into the intestines, often provokes eating disorders. Moreover, their cause may not even be the development of a purulent process, but poisoning with toxins released by the bacterium.

Staphylococcus in newborns

Since staphylococcus is ubiquitous, encounters with the microbe often occur in infancy, sometimes in the first days of life. And in this case, the development of infection is very likely; moreover, staphylococcus in newborns causes a number of specific diseases that are not typical for other ages. Among them are dermatological problems:

• Scalded skin syndrome (Ritter's disease), in which large areas of affected skin form and the upper layers of the epidermis peel off. Moreover, this particular disease is caused by the toxin exfoliatin secreted by the bacterium, and not by the purulent process itself. Staphylococcus poison is especially dangerous for infants because it provokes severe lesions.
• Pemphigus of newborns. Characterized by the appearance of many painful blisters.

Staphylococcus in infants can also cause purulent mastitis, food poisoning, and cause poor wound healing. Most often, the infection develops in premature babies, after difficult births, and also if basic hygiene rules are not followed.

Staphylococcus in a newborn, most often aureus, can quickly lead to generalized damage - the bacterium easily spreads throughout the body. Even minor lesions of the skin are dangerous, which without treatment can develop into phlegmon of newborns - a purulent lesion of adipose tissue, accompanied by necrosis.

If the mother is a carrier of the bacteria, the infection can easily enter the baby's intestines (during breastfeeding), and this leads to serious digestive disorders that affect the growth and development of the newborn. In addition, staphylococcus in children can enter the blood from skin suppurations and cause an extensive inflammatory process, life-threatening sepsis.

What is staphylococcus

Staphylococci are round-shaped bacteria that can form clusters resembling clusters. Hence its name: translated from ancient Greek “kokk” means grain. This is a large group of bacteria, numbering 27 species, 14 of which are found on human skin and mucous membranes. Moreover, only 3 species are capable of causing diseases, and therefore belong to opportunistic microflora.

• Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. Epidermidis).

Settles on any mucous membranes and skin areas. It poses the greatest danger during operations, for example, it can be introduced into the body with an infected prosthesis - valve, shunt, etc. The most common cause of suppuration of catheters. In most cases, this staphylococcus does not require treatment, and the infection caused by it goes away on its own after removing the prosthesis or replacing the catheter, as well as cleaning the wound.

• Saprophytic staphylococcus (S. Saprophyticus).

The least dangerous of all opportunistic species, most often lives in the urethra and genitals. May cause cystitis and urethritis.

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus).

The most pathogenic species of all existing ones. The vast majority of diseases caused by staphylococcus bacteria are associated with this species. At the same time, it may also be present in the microflora of a healthy person.

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus got its name for its ability to form a specific pigment - under a microscope, its colonies have a yellowish-orange color. This species was first described back in 1880. It is resistant to drugs, can withstand boiling, survives the scorching rays of the sun, and can withstand drying. Insensitive to hydrogen peroxide, survives in saline solutions. The latter provides Staphylococcus aureus with the opportunity to live and multiply in human sweat glands.

The microbe secretes the following main enzymes:

• Lipase.

It is capable of destroying fats, due to this the bacterium easily enters the skin layer into the blood, and from there it can move to any organ and tissue.

• Coagulase.

Once in the bloodstream, due to this enzyme, the microbe provokes blood clotting and, as a result, surrounds itself with a blood clot. This is how staphylococcus protects itself from immune cells - leukocytes.

• Penicillinase.

A special enzyme that was developed in staphylococcus through natural selection after the antibiotic penicillin was used to treat infections caused by it. Now many bacteria of this genus are capable of breaking down the penicillin molecule and thereby being resistant to such drugs.

In addition, it is Staphylococcus aureus that secretes exo- and endotoxins, which can cause severe poisoning of the body. Even without the development of an inflammatory process, this microbe can harm health.

Staphylococcus aureus is quite resistant to drugs, constantly mutates, and therefore diseases caused by it are quite difficult to treat. One of the most dangerous strains of bacteria is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus, which has developed resistance to methicillin (a chemically modified penicillin). Its prevalence is directly related to the frequency of treatment of infections, and therefore occurs mainly as a hospital strain in developed countries.

Staphylococci are classified as non-motile bacteria, but recent studies conducted by scientists at the Universities of Nottingham and Sheffield have shown that the methicillin-resistant strain is capable of movement.

Diseases caused by staphylococcus

Staphylococcal infection is a purulent lesion of one or another area of ​​the skin, mucous membrane, organ, tissue. The list of diseases caused by staphylococcus includes more than 100 different names. At the same time, every person has encountered the most common manifestation of infections - the vast majority of ulcers on the skin (boils, styes, carbuncles) are caused by the golden type of this bacterium.

Diseases depend on the location of development of the infectious process:

• Respiratory tract: sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis, etc.
• Intestines: digestive disorders, poisoning.
• Blood: sepsis.
• Brain: meningitis.
• Bone tissue: osteomyelitis.
• Heart: endocarditis.
• Mammary gland: purulent mastitis.

With severe damage, staphylococcus can cause a generalized infection that affects all or most organs. Also, the growth of its colony on the skin (pyoderma) can develop into phlegmon - an extensive purulent process. In such cases of staphylococcal infection, treatment is carried out in a hospital; without proper therapy, death is possible.

Staphylococcus is a bacterium resistant to environmental factors that can withstand long drying, heat, etc. It can remain on surfaces for up to six months.

Infection with staphylococcus often occurs through wounds on the skin, because in the majority of the world's population it is part of the healthy microflora. The bacterium can be obtained in transport, on the street, at home, with some food and water.

Due to their amazing resistance, staphylococci are frequent residents of hospitals. Even compliance with all sanitary standards is not able to destroy the microbe; moreover, this is where its most dangerous strains live.

How is staphylococcus transmitted?

There are several main routes of transmission:

• Contact and household. In this case, staphylococcus enters the body through contaminated objects - the patient’s personal hygiene products (for example, towels), door handles, bed linen, etc.
• Airborne. The bacteria is carried through the air by sneezing, coughing and even talking.
• Fecal-oral. Directly related to non-compliance with hygiene standards. Staphylococcus is present in the stool and vomit of an infected person. It is transmitted through dirty hands, poorly washed vegetables, berries and fruits, and poorly washed dishes.
• Vertical. In this case, staphylococcus is transmitted to the newborn from the mother either during pregnancy or during childbirth, when the child passes through the birth canal.

The bacterium can persist in dust for several months and is very difficult to remove from various fleecy surfaces - carpets, plush, rugs, etc. That is why, to prevent staphylococcus in children in the first weeks of life, doctors recommend giving up soft toys and washing plastic and rubber ones frequently.

Staphylococcus epidermidis can be transmitted even in the operating room, through medical instruments during various manipulations.

Risk groups for disease development

All three types of staphylococcus, which can cause disease, are part of the healthy microflora in most people and do not manifest themselves in any way. The immune system is able to control the growth of microorganisms and keep their numbers within safe limits. The pathogenicity of bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci manifests itself only in specific cases when the body's defenses cannot effectively resist it. Risk groups for the development of various staphylococcal infections include the following categories:

• People with various forms of immunodeficiency, including those caused by HIV.
• Patients with endocrine diseases, diabetes mellitus.
• People with chronic diseases, such as bronchial asthma.
• Newborns, children of the first years of life.
• Aged people.
• Pregnant women.

The impetus for an increase in the number of staphylococcus in adults and children can be frequent colds and acute respiratory viral diseases. The flu is especially dangerous in this regard, as it greatly weakens the body. Most often, complications after this disease are associated with the activation of streptococci and staphylococci.

People with bad habits, such as smokers and alcohol addiction, are also at risk. A decrease in immunity can be caused by an irregular or poor diet - processed foods, fast food, canned foods.

For a healthy person, the risk is posed by non-compliance with hygiene rules. Since staphylococcus survives well in the external environment and is easily transmitted through objects and through the air, to reduce its number in the room it is necessary to frequently carry out wet cleaning and ventilate the room. This is especially true for infants, because they often develop skin staphylococcal infections.

The final diagnosis can only be made by a doctor and only on the basis of positive tests for staphylococcus. Since in some cases similar diseases can be provoked by other pathogens, for example, protozoa.

Staphylococcus test

A person constantly encounters different types of this bacterium, so when taking tests it is necessary to separate the concepts of staphylococcus and staphylococcal infection. Because a positive result does not mean the disease itself. Moreover, such checks are recommended only when staphylococcus is accompanied by symptoms of the disease. Otherwise, the person is simply a carrier of the bacteria, and it cannot cause significant harm. It is also important to determine which staphylococcus causes the disease, since different treatment regimens may be recommended for different types.

The analysis is taken from the area in which the infection is supposed to develop:

• Blood is checked if massive infection is suspected.
• Skin scrapings are taken for dermatological problems.
• Feces are examined if there is a digestive disorder.
• A swab from the nose and throat - if there are diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
• Urinalysis - for cystitis.

Standards for the degree of staphylococcus are prescribed for each type, each type of analysis and patients of different ages. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the body, because in some patients even exceeding the norm does not lead to illness, while in others, underestimated levels cause the onset of an infectious process.

For example, the average norm is considered to be the amount of staphylococcus 10 to 3-4 degrees. This result is often found in tests of healthy adults, but for a newborn such a colony of bacteria can pose a serious threat.

One of the main criteria for the presence of staphylococcal infection is an increase in the number of microorganisms. Therefore, when staphylococcus is detected, it is important for people at risk to undergo several tests of the same type so that the doctor can assess the dynamics. If the amount does not change and there are no symptoms, then the degree of staph present is controlled by the immune system.

Staphylococcal infection: symptoms

In the presence of infection, staphylococcus manifests itself with severe symptoms. They depend on the localization of the inflammatory process. All staphylococcal infections have in common the following symptoms:

• Increase in temperature, local (at the site of infection) or general fever.
• The presence of purulent processes.
• Intoxication – general deterioration of condition, loss of appetite, drowsiness, joint pain.

The following symptoms are also typical:

• Ulcers on the skin of different sizes: boils, pyoderma, abscesses, etc.
• Cough and rhinitis with purulent yellowish-green discharge.
• Mucus in the stool, stool upset, nausea.
• Pain at the site of infection. For example, with staphylococcal osteomyelitis, bones begin to ache, endocarditis may be accompanied by heart pain.

Localization of staphylococcus

Staphylococcus aureus, which is the cause of 90% of all infections caused by this type of bacteria, can settle in any organs and tissues. This distinguishes it from saprophytic and epidermal and at the same time makes it the most dangerous.

In fact, this microbe can cause purulent processes in any organ. It is able to penetrate the placental barrier. Therefore, infection in pregnant women can lead to infection of the child and subsequent miscarriage. Staphylococcus aureus also passes the blood-brain barrier, which provides protection to the central nervous system and brain from various infections. This explains its ability to cause purulent meningitis.

Staphylococcus in the nose is found very often, since the mucous membranes of the sinuses are one of the most common habitats of this microbe. Moreover, we are talking specifically about the golden species, since the saprophytic and epidermal ones do not settle here.

Normally, a level of staphylococcus 10 grade 3-5 in the nose is not a cause for serious concern and should be treated only if symptoms of the disease are present. For example, whitish or yellow-green discharge from the nose, against which chills, fever, intoxication of the body, and headache appear.

The bacterium can cause the following diseases:

• Rhinitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Sinusitis.
• Frontit.

Factors that provoke the growth of staphylococcus in the nose include the following:

• Deviation of the nasal septum.
• Constant nasal congestion due to an allergic reaction.
• Frequent and uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drops.
• Using antibacterial drops in an incomplete course.
• Self-medication with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Staphylococcus in the throat

Staphylococcus is often found in the throat. Moreover, quite often the bacterium spreads throughout the entire upper respiratory tract; if a positive test for staphylococcus is obtained in the nose, there is a high probability that some of it will be detected in the pharynx.

The presence of a microbe on mucous membranes without pronounced symptoms of the disease is not a sufficient reason for treatment. However, it must be taken into account that it is here that its presence increases the risk of developing bacterial complications after ARVI. The fact is that even mild viral infections weaken the immune system. And against this background, there is often an increased growth of streptococci and staphylococci - bacteria often present on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Microbes can cause the following diseases:

• Laryngitis.
• Sore throat, tonsillitis.
• Pharyngitis.

The main danger is that in some cases staphylococcus does not linger in the throat, the infection moves lower down the respiratory tract and causes diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis. There is also a possibility of ingestion and the bacteria entering the intestines, where it will lead to the development of gastrointestinal diseases.

Staphylococcus aureus in the throat, according to statistics, periodically lives in 60% of the world's population. If it causes infection, the following symptoms appear:

• Pain and sore throat.
• Hoarseness.
• Separation of purulent, greenish sputum.
• Increased body temperature (sometimes up to 40°C).
• In some cases, noticeable pustules on the mucous membranes or severe redness, hyperemia of the tonsils and the back wall of the pharynx.

Since Staphylococcus aureus in the throat provokes not only a purulent process, but also secretes poisons, the sick person also feels signs of intoxication:

• Chills.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Severe weakness.

In acute cases, Staphylococcus aureus in the throat, even if the infection is localized, can worsen the condition of people with chronic diseases. First of all, patients with lung and heart diseases are at risk. In addition to the fact that the infection causes exacerbation of chronic diseases, staphylococcus in the throat can provoke the development of complications such as purulent pneumonia and lung abscess, as well as endocarditis.

Staphylococcus epidermidis

This type of staphylococcus normally lives on the skin and mucous membranes. However, here it is extremely rarely able to provoke an infection - ulcers on the skin are most often caused by the golden appearance. Moreover, if the location changes, epidermal staphylococcus can cause a purulent process.

It is this type that is responsible for the development of complications during prosthetics - installation of shunts, heart valves, artificial joints. Staphylococcus epidermidis also provokes suppuration of catheters. But since this species does not have a high level of pathogenicity, often to eliminate complications it is enough to simply remove the infected prosthesis or catheter and treat the affected area. Since staphylococcus does not need to be treated with antibiotics, it is more easily tolerated than aureus.

The danger of Staphylococcus epidermidis is not even associated with the infection itself, but with the fact that often complex patients are forced to undergo repeated operations after a short period of time. After all, staphylococcal infection develops in the first 1-3 days after surgery. And this increases the risk of complications associated with the surgical intervention itself.

Analysis for staphylococcus in stool is a common examination in childhood for various digestive disorders, change in stool color, diarrhea or constipation. A positive result indicates that staphylococcus is present in the intestines, however, as in other cases, it may well be part of the normal microflora.

Therefore, even if the listed symptoms are present, treatment should not be started without additional tests. It is important to make sure that the gastrointestinal disorder is not caused by other factors. The fact is that it is in childhood that the digestive system is imperfect. The baby’s body does not yet produce enough enzymes to break down various foods, as a result, even good food can cause indigestion, diarrhea, and provoke skin rashes.

In this case, staphylococcus in the intestines may not be the cause of the listed ailments. At the same time, treatment, which will necessarily include antibiotics, will negatively affect the composition of the microflora and can provoke the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Staphylococcal infection in the intestines differs from ordinary disorders in the following ways:

• Manifestations do not depend on the type of food.
• Symptoms are always present.
• Staphylococcus in feces is characterized by mucous and sometimes purulent discharge.
• Diarrhea and abdominal pain are accompanied by fever.
• With staphylococcus, there may be blood in the stool.
• Purulent rashes often appear on the skin.

If the test for staphylococcus is positive, it is advisable to take several more tests - this way the doctor will be able to see whether the number of bacteria is increasing and whether the disease itself is progressing.

Staphylococcus in urine

The presence of bacteria in urine is referred to as bacteriuria. And unlike other cases, this analysis should not normally contain staphylococcus. However, if the result is positive, there is a possibility that the microbe entered the material during collection from the skin. True bacteriuria is rare. For example, in pregnant women such a diagnosis is confirmed only in 2-8% of all cases.

Therefore, the decision about the presence of infection and diagnosis is checked based on the results of two independent tests and only if staphylococcus is accompanied by symptoms of urinary tract and kidney diseases. 15-45% with bacteriuria may actually develop diseases of these organs:

• Cystitis.
• Urethritis.
• Pyelonephritis.

But even if the test is positive, it is necessary to pay attention to what staphylococcus the urine is infected with. So, for example, golden is more likely to provoke a disease and can affect the kidneys, but saprophytic does not pose a great danger.

Staphylococcus in the blood

A positive test for staphylococcus in the blood is a potentially dangerous situation for any number of microbes. Together with the bloodstream, bacteria can spread throughout the body, causing extensive damage to various organs, as well as blood poisoning - sepsis.

Staphylococcus aureus, entering the blood, due to the enzyme coagulase, is able to form a blood clot around itself, thus protecting itself from the immune system. The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream can provoke the following diseases:

• Heart valve damage.
• Pneumonia.
• Osteomyelitis.
• Pyelonephritis.
• Liver lesions.

In addition, if staphylococcus passes through the blood-brain barrier, it will cause brain damage - meningitis. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus found in the blood requires prompt treatment. Especially when it comes to newborns and children of the first years of life.

Staphylococcus is found in the blood extremely rarely, as a rule, in people with immunodeficiency, after serious illnesses and in cases where the purulent process has not been treated.

Treatment of staphylococcal infections in adults and children is quite difficult and can sometimes last several months. In some cases, it is necessary to change the main drug – the initially chosen antibiotic – several times. Depending on the severity of the infection, staphylococcus is treated on an outpatient basis or in a hospital.

When is treatment needed?

The indication for treatment is the presence of a staphylococcal infection, and not the pathogen itself. Like any bacterial process, it occurs with pronounced symptoms: intoxication of the body is observed, there are signs of purulent processes. If a patient has such complaints, before treating staphylococcus, the patient is sent for tests. Material is collected from the site where the infection is supposed to be localized, and bacterial culture is done. After this, it is clarified what kind of staphylococcus the person is infected with, and the number of bacteria is specified.

Moreover, if staphylococcus is detected in tests, but there are no symptoms of the disease, treatment can only worsen the situation. The fact is that a common medicine for treating staph infections is antibiotics. These drugs, while effective, still significantly affect the composition of the microflora. As a result of taking them when you are carrying staphylococcus, you can provoke an increase in the number of microbes, and this will already lead to the development of infection.

If the disease is confirmed, in no case should you self-medicate, especially with the use of antibacterial drugs. Since staphylococcus is actively mutating, today it is resistant to many drugs.

After it is determined which staphylococcus a person is infected with, the patient undergoes an antibiotic sensitivity test. Only after this a suitable drug is selected.

At the same time, treatment of some types of staphylococcus, for example, epidermal or aureus, which caused lesions on the skin, can take place without antibacterial drugs. Such damage by staphylococcus requires treatment using surgical methods. The abscess is opened, the pus is removed, and the wound is treated with antiseptic agents. Moreover, despite the resistance of this bacterium to many drugs, it dies from aniline dyes. Therefore, wounds are often covered with brilliant green.

Staphylococcus in the throat that causes the infection must also be treated using local remedies. The affected areas can be treated with a chlorophyllipt solution, as well as various healing ointments, for example, vinylin.

Staphylococcus in the intestines requires the use of antibiotics. Staphylococcal bacteriophage, a special virus that can infect these bacteria, can also be used.

The complex of treatment for staphylococcal infection necessarily includes measures to strengthen the immune system. If the disease progresses rapidly and is generalized, the patient will be advised to be tested for HIV infection or examined for other possible causes of immunodeficiency.

Staphylococcus aureus and its treatment

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of infections caused by this family of bacteria. While highly pathogenic, it also has a number of protective mechanisms that make it invulnerable to drugs and some immune defense mechanisms.

The most dangerous type is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is always extremely difficult to treat because it is resistant to first-line antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins). It was first discovered in Great Britain in 1961 and has since spread widely throughout the world, mainly in European countries and North America.

Under normal conditions, this type of bacterium behaves like other staphylococci - it does not cause disease, but coexists with microflora. However, if it leads to the development of infection, the lesions often spread throughout the body and are not local in nature. Doctors most often associate complex cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Antibiotics for streptococci and staphylococci

The first antibiotics discovered, penicillins, were effective against two main groups of bacteria that infect humans - streptococci and staphylococci. In the first years of using the drug, it was possible to successfully treat most purulent processes, stop sepsis, and increase survival rate in severe purulent wounds. However, staphylococci have managed to develop resistance to these drugs; in particular, some strains of aureus produce the enzyme penicillanase, which quickly destroys and neutralizes the drug.

Nevertheless, penicillin antibiotics are still considered first-line drugs. When treating staphylococcal infections, medications of the latest generations are used - amoxicillin, oxacillin and others.

Also common antibiotics in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections include cephalosporins - cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefazolin.

In severe cases, the following drugs are used:

• Vancomycin (although strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to this drug have now been identified).
• Clindamycin.
• Co-trimoxazole.
• Tetracyclines – doxycycline, minocycline.

The choice of any drug, as well as the treatment regimen, is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Antibiotic sensitivity tests are performed before the appointment.

A nosocomial infection is considered to be a disease that develops in a person 48-72 hours after admission to the hospital. And one of the main causative agents of such diseases is Staphylococcus aureus. At the same time, the most dangerous forms of it live within the walls of hospitals - antibiotic-resistant, often leading to fatal infections. This is due to the fact that it is in medical institutions that the premises are treated with antiseptic agents, and patients take various medications. Thus, conditions are created for the survival of only the most resistant forms of staphylococcus.

Among the most common nosocomial infections is hospital-acquired pneumonia, which accounts for a fifth of all diseases developing in hospitals. Factors that increase the risk of contracting this type of pneumonia are:

• Immunodeficiencies.
• Chronic lung diseases.
• Smoking.
• Frequent, uncontrolled use of antibiotics.
• Kidney failure.
• Bronchoscopy and tracheal intubation procedures.
• Postoperative period.

Since it is very difficult to treat hospital-acquired staphylococcus, the patient may require a combination of several antibacterial agents and even the introduction of immunoglobulins.

These bacteria are transmitted in the usual ways: airborne droplets and household contact. Doctors themselves often turn out to be carriers of the microbe - they have dangerous strains of staphylococcus in their nose and throat. Also, if hygiene standards are not observed, the infection can be transmitted on hospital gowns, dishes, bed linen, and medical instruments.

Complication of staphylococcal infections

The most dangerous complication of a staphylococcal infection of any localization is the entry of bacteria into the blood. It is in this case that life-threatening conditions can develop - damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and the development of sepsis. After an infection, a person may become disabled. This course of staphylococcal infection is especially dangerous in infants, since irreversible processes can develop within several days and sometimes hours.

Superficial skin lesions can provoke the development of phlegmon - an acute and extensive purulent lesion of adipose tissue.

Under certain conditions, Staphylococcus aureus poses a mortal danger, so even if the infection is local in nature, it must be treated.

Serious complications of staphylococcal infection also include toxic damage to the body. Many strains of Staphylococcus aureus can secrete powerful poisons - endotoxins. It is with them that severe poisoning is associated (if staphylococcus is detected in the feces), causing diarrhea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Poisons also cause toxic shock syndrome, which is fatal without immediate treatment.

Prevention of staphylococcal infections

Understanding how difficult it is to treat staphylococcus, most doctors pay attention to preventing the development of infection. It is simply impossible to completely get rid of different types of this microorganism. Therefore, the key task is not to eliminate the bacteria, but to prevent the development of the infectious process. Staphylococcus becomes pathogenic when there is a large accumulation of bacteria and an uncontrolled increase in their number. And this can happen in two cases:

• When the body's resistance is low, when the immune system cannot stop the proliferation of the microorganism.
• With frequent contact with a source of infection.

By eliminating these two factors, you can expect that staphylococcus will not cause symptoms of the disease.

Maintaining hygiene standards is a key task in preventing infection. Since staphylococcus can be transmitted through household contact and also persists in dust for a long time, the following rules must be followed:

• Wash your hands after walking, visiting the toilet, before eating.
• Eating only well-washed vegetables, fruits, berries, as well as fresh produce.
• Collect drinking water only from clean sources.
• Frequent wet cleaning.
• Ventilation of the room.

Doctors overwhelmingly associate the development of staphylococcal infection in infants with non-compliance with hygiene standards. If the disease develops several weeks after birth, infection of the newborn with staphylococcus during childbirth or the perinatal period is excluded.

To avoid the risk of infection, you need to:

• Bath your child daily.
• Change diapers often.
• Use only clean clothes, diapers, and bedding.
• Wash toys regularly.
• Disinfect pacifiers and bottles. Under no circumstances should you lick them before giving them to the child: if the mother has Staphylococcus aureus in her throat, it will be passed on to the child.
• Wash your nipples before breastfeeding.
• Avoid fleecy things in the children's room - soft toys, carpets, etc.
• Ventilate the room frequently and spend as much time outdoors as possible.

It is also necessary to remember that staphylococcus easily penetrates through small wounds and cuts on the skin and in such cases can cause a local purulent process. Therefore, any skin damage should be treated:

• The wound is well washed and cleaned of dirt.
• The damage is treated with an antiseptic.
• A bandage is applied.

Immunity

With a normally functioning immune system, even bacteria entering an open wound will be quickly neutralized and will not lead to infection. Also, it is the body’s protective functions that prevent staphylococcus from entering the blood, and therefore the development of pneumonia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis and meningitis.

Immunity can be affected by the following factors:

• Unbalanced diet with insufficient amounts of vitamins, macro- and microelements.
• Bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.
• Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle.
• Frequent stressful situations, depression.
• Insufficient sleep.
• Uncontrolled use of medications, especially antibiotics.

All this is a prerequisite for the occurrence of various diseases, which in turn further reduce the protective functions of the body. That is why staphylococcus in adults and children is often activated against the background of acute respiratory viral infections, exacerbation of chronic infections, and other things.

People suffering from primary or acquired immunodeficiencies need to be especially careful, since they are extremely rarely found to carry staphylococcus - with any contact the bacterium causes an infection. People with cancer, those undergoing chemotherapy, and taking medications for a long time are at increased risk.

– an infectious bacterium that can cause a number of unpleasant diseases. Among them, the most common are purulent ailments of the skin, colds, infectious diseases of varying severity and disorders of the nervous system.

Staphylococcal bacteria can exist in the environment or even in the human body quite harmlessly, but the slightest weakening of protective functions entails an increase in the adverse effects of pathogens of unpleasant diseases. Often illnesses are severe and can cause death, so it is very important to know how to identify staphylococcus, and then take measures to combat the infection.

Staphylococci are a type of spherical and spherical bacteria that are classified as positive non-motile microorganisms. In relation to different types of organisms, their effects may be different.

For humans, staphylococcus is an opportunistic bacterium, that is, it always lives on his body. Depending on certain biological characteristics, staphylococcal bacteria can be completely pathogenic, which, when entering the human body, will certainly cause disease. In addition, these microorganisms are distributed literally everywhere, so “catching” them is not a difficult task.

A number of predisposition factors (weakened immunity, stress, poor environment, etc.) can significantly increase the risk of pathological activity of the bacterium. In this case, if it enters the body, it can cause inflammation of any organ. Staphylococcus is often the culprit of skin diseases, nervous disorders, brain abscesses, heart problems, digestive system and so on.Staphylococcal bacteria are divided into a huge number of strains (varieties), so the microorganism that causes the same illness in different people can be of different biological forms.

The most common pathogenic staphylococci are: aureus, epidermal, saprophytic and hemolytic.

Regardless of biological activity (pathogenic, non-pathogenic), these microorganisms are classified according to the degree of aggressiveness and pathogenic activity.

The main danger of staphylococci lies in their ability to produce enzymes and toxins that adversely affect the cells of the human body, disrupting normal life activities and destroying them. Due to such specific and dangerous properties, microorganisms can not only cause diseases, but also provoke various kinds of complications after illnesses caused by other bacteria.In addition to everything, staphylococcus of any strain is extremely resistant to environmental influences and the action of antibiotics.

Causes and signs of infection

The main reason for the onset of the pathogenic effect of staphylococcus on humans is that when the body is weakened, infectious bacteria become more active and cause a number of diseases.

As noted earlier, there are quite a lot of strains (varieties) of these microorganisms, but among those that cause ailments in humans, three main ones can be distinguished:

• Saprophytic staphylococcus. A relatively harmless species that mostly affects women, causing them diseases of the urinary system (cystitis) and skin in the genital area.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis. Lives in all mucous membranes and skin areas of the human body. An unimpaired immune system copes well with the pathogenic factors of the bacteria, but if the protective barrier becomes slightly weaker, Staphylococcus epidermidis causes various ailments. Once in the blood, it can cause inflammation of the endocardium (heart).
• . The most common and dangerous type of infectious bacteria for humans. Such staphylococcus can cause inflammation of any organ or tissue, regardless of a person’s age. It can be treated, but with great difficulty.

Staphylococcus is transmitted in various ways: contact, airborne droplets, food and parenteral.

Staphylococcus can be detected by diagnosing a specific disease through testing. As a result, the symptoms of infection appear different in each case (depending on the disease caused).

Staphylococcus causes such major diseases as:

• pyoderma
• rhinitis
• sinusitis
• pharyngitis
• laryngitis
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• osteomyelitis
• food poisoning
• angina
• abscesses
• furunculosis
• meningitis
• pneumonia

Important! Despite such a wide range of diseases caused by staphylococcus, there is a common clinical picture (inherent in almost every ailment).

Common symptoms of staph infection:

• increase in temperature, very often not general, but local, that is, in the area of ​​the infected organ or tissue
• hyperemia - overflow of blood vessels in the affected area, resulting in its redness
• the appearance of swelling of tissues or organs affected by staphylococcal bacteria
• pain, again, in the area of ​​the affected tissue or organ
• dysfunction of the affected area
• poor general health

With the maximum guarantee, staphylococcus is determined only by examining laboratory tests, and not by symptoms.

How to identify staphylococcus - types of tests

If you suspect a staphylococcal infection, you must undergo a certain test, which is often prescribed by a doctor. Having identified in time that the cause of a certain illness is staphylococcus, treatment of the disease will be more effective and complications will be avoided.

Each individual case requires a certain type of analysis. The main ones:

1. donation of stool or urine
2. breast milk collection
3. smears of mucous membranes
4. collection of blood, purulent masses, ear discharge

Each type of analysis requires proper preparation.

Stool collection:

• the release of feces should not be provoked by laxatives, the whole process is natural
• the feces are placed in a special container; before placing it, it is advisable to scald it with boiling water
• collection of biomaterial is carried out from a clean surface (paper, polyethylene), from the toilet - not advisable
• you need to take feces with a special spoon and fill the container at least 1/3 of the way

Urine collection:

• Before urinating, the genitals should be washed with running water.
• collection must be carried out not from the first stream, but wait a little
• the container must first be scalded with boiling water
• container is filled to the middle

Collecting breast milk:

• milk must be expressed after thoroughly washing your hands with soap
• Before the process, it is important to treat the nipples with a 70% alcohol solution; take a separate swab for each
• the first 15 ml of milk is expressed into a separate container, the subsequent biomaterial is analyzed
• the container is first scalded with boiling water; the walls of the container must not be touched during the collection of milk
• milk from each nipple is given in a separate container

Important! Other types of tests are collected and submitted only in laboratory conditions and under the supervision of a doctor.

More information about Staphylococcus aureus can be found in the video:

Preparation for events includes the following measures:

• It is important to stop taking diuretics and antibiotics 48 hours before the test
• if biomaterial is collected, then it is necessary to wait 3-4 hours between bowel movements
• Women cannot be tested during menstruation and 2 days before and after it
• before collecting stool, it is necessary to stop therapy with laxatives and rectal suppositories 2-3 days before
• one day before the analysis, you should not expose your body to serious physical or stress loads
• a number of tests need to be taken on an empty stomach
• It is not advisable to drink alcohol the day before the event

Important! Failure to comply with preparatory measures will result in unreliable analysis results.

Treatment methods for staphylococcus

Depending on the disease caused by staphylococcal infection, different treatment methods are used.

Local and non-serious ailments are treated under the supervision of a doctor at home; in more severe cases, hospitalization is possible.

Therapy may be based on:

• Taking antibacterial agents. Depending on the results of the analysis, the patient is prescribed antibiotics of varying strengths. The most commonly used drugs for the treatment of staphylococcus are Ampiox, Amoxiclav, Gentamicin and Cefepime. Such medications and, in principle, antibacterial agents can only be taken under the supervision of a doctor, otherwise there is a serious risk of worsening the patient’s well-being.
• Bacteriophagic therapy. This type of treatment is based on the introduction of special neutralizing bacteria – bacteriophages – into the affected area. After completing the mission they die.
• Immunostimulation. Aimed at strengthening the body's protective functions. Drugs used for immunostimulation: Thymogen, Amiksin and others.
• Surgical measures. They are applicable when abscesses and boils occur due to the action of staphylococci.
• Ethnoscience. Complements the effect of the main drug treatment. The choice of folk remedies depends on the specifics of the disease.

Effective and safe treatment of staphylococcal infections is possible only under the supervision of a specialist.In general, identifying and treating staphylococcus is quite simple. The main thing is to be attentive to the state of your health and, at the slightest suspicion of infection, take a test.

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

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

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

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

Enzymes

The following staphylococcal enzymes are isolated:

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

Groups of staphylococci depending on the presence of coagulase

Adhesins

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

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

Method of infection with staphylococcus

The following mechanisms of transmission of staphylococci are distinguished:

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

Contact and household mechanism

Airborne mechanism

Air-dust mechanism

Nutritional mechanism

Artificial mechanism

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

What diseases does Staphylococcus aureus cause?

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

The following symptoms are characteristic of staphylococcal sepsis:

• increase in body temperature to 39 – 40°C;
• intense headache;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• increased sweating;
• skin pustular rash;
• increase in heart rate to 140 beats per minute;
• an increase in the size of the liver and spleen;
• loss of consciousness;
• rave.

The culprit of a huge number of infectious diseases, it belongs to the genus of bacteria of the Micrococcaceae family. Today, science knows more than 27 species of this microorganism, of which 14 are permanent inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes. Almost all of them are absolutely harmless, and only three types of staphylococcus have a genetic factor of pathogenicity, leading to the development of an infectious process.

Varieties of pathogenic staphylococcus

1. The most dangerous type of pathogenic cocci is Staphylococcus aureus(s. aureus). This is an extremely tenacious, highly virulent bacterium with a characteristic golden color. Factors that determine the degree of virulence of a given pathogen include its ability to produce the extracellular enzyme coagulase and toxic waste products (toxins).

Staphylococcus aureus, as well as streptococcus, is capable of forming colonies on the skin and mucous membranes of humans, and, in certain situations, provoke the development of purulent-inflammatory diseases.

2. Staphylococcus epidermidis (s. epidermidis) belongs to coagulase-negative representatives of the genus Staphylococcus. Normally, it lives on smooth human skin and mucous membranes, without causing any negative symptoms. However, when the immune system is weakened, Staphylococcus epidermidis acquires aggressive properties, and if it penetrates the bloodstream (through wounds, postoperative drains, catheters, etc.) it can cause blood poisoning or endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart).

3. Saprophytic staphylococcus(s. saprophyticus) is the bacterium that causes the least damage. It is a permanent inhabitant of the skin of the external genitalia and the mucous membrane of the urinary tract, but, under unfavorable conditions for the body, it can provoke the development of cystitis and inflammation of the kidneys.

Symptoms and signs of staph infection

Staphylococcal infection is very severe in newborns. As a rule, infection occurs during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal, or during breastfeeding. Also, the main causes of infection in infants include contact with bacteria carriers (relatives or medical personnel).

Symptoms caused by pathogenic staphylococcus are quite varied. First of all, they depend on the type, the place of its introduction, as well as on the state of the human immune system.

The most characteristic signs of staphylococcal infection include:

Increase in local and general body temperature;
The appearance of sensitive areas, swelling and redness on the skin;
Suppuration of wounds and the appearance of purulent rashes on the face and body, in the ear, mouth and other areas of the mucous membranes, as well as itching and burning in the eyes (if the visual organs are damaged);
When the infection enters the blood, prolonged fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting are observed;
With the development of toxic shock syndrome, rashes appear on the patient’s soles and palms, body temperature reaches high levels, severe headaches develop, and epileptic seizures may occur;
If a staphylococcal infection affects the joints (septic arthritis), patients develop pain and swelling in the infected joints, an increase in body temperature, and other symptoms of general intoxication of the body.

Strains of pathogenic staphylococcus are capable of producing enterotoxin, which is not destroyed by digestive enzymes. Getting into the digestive tract along with meat, milk or other contaminated products, it begins to be absorbed directly in the stomach, activating motility and disrupting the absorption of water in the intestines, as well as significantly lowering blood pressure.

When the pathogen enters the bloodstream, coagulase (an enzyme that clots blood plasma) leads to the formation of microthrombi, in which pathogenic bacteria “hid” from the protective factors of the immune system. This condition can cause staphylococcal sepsis, and also lead to the development of a purulent-inflammatory process in any internal organ of the body.

And finally, the cause of inflammation can be staphylococcus, previously present in the body in an inactive form. Most often, this condition occurs after treatment with antibiotics: the death of other types of microorganisms sensitive to the antibacterial drug leads to the uncontrolled growth of staphylococcus (staphylococcal enterocolitis).

Complications of staphylococcal infection

Causes and routes of transmission of staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcus aureus penetrates the human body by contact, artificial (through medical instruments), aerogenic and nutritional routes. Exactly with. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the main cause of nosocomial infections.

Chronic carriers of the pathogen are medical workers, patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, as well as people who use drugs. In healthy people, this bacterium can be localized in the nose and nasopharynx. Less commonly, staphylococcus is found in the throat or larynx, in the armpits, on the scalp and in the gastrointestinal tract;

Staphylococcus epidermidis can penetrate into the body artificially (through drainages, vascular and urinary catheters, etc.) and contact;

Saprophytic staphylococcus is the most “friendly” representative of the pathogenic coccal flora. Being a permanent inhabitant of the mucous membrane of the urethra, under unfavorable conditions for the body it can become aggressive and provoke the development of inflammation (most often it is saprophytic staphylococcus that causes the development of cystitis in women).

Diagnostics

Note: To avoid the development of staphylococcal infection in newborns, at the stage of pregnancy planning, experts recommend that expectant mothers take a test. culture of a swab from the throat and nose to detect carriage of staphylococcus.

Treatment

Surgery involves carrying out a drainage procedure (creating an unimpeded outflow of pus). However, surgeons often have to remove the source of infection itself. This could be an artificial implant or heart valve, intravenous catheter, etc. Postoperative abscesses, osteomyelitis and other foci of purulent infection also require surgical intervention;

During conservative treatment antibacterial agents active against staphylococcus are used (taking into account methicillin resistance). Patients with generalized staphylococcal infection must undergo antibacterial therapy;

Interesting data
Not long ago, British scientists found that oregano oil (a noble Himalayan spice), which contains the aromatic substance carvacrol, fights Staphylococcus aureus much more effectively than antibiotics. It dissolves the microbial membrane and leads to the death of the pathogen. After testing, the production of bandages, wipes and sprays with oregano extract began. Scientists say that even a low concentration of the essential oil of this plant is fatal to various pathogens, including the deadly Staphylococcus aureus

It is mandatory for patients diagnosed with a staphylococcal infection to undergo immunomodulatory therapy, and also appointed active detoxification(blood purification).

Prevention of staphylococcal infection

If a pathogen is detected in one of the family members, mandatory examination and preventive treatment of all children and adults living with the patient in the same apartment is necessary. Due to the fact that pathogenic staphylococcus is sometimes transmitted from humans to animals, in this situation it is also recommended to examine domestic cats and dogs for infection.

Any open injury, cut, or even a minor scratch requires regular antiseptic treatment to help heal the wound faster and prevent the development of staphylococcal infections.

Strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene, regular hand washing with soap, a balanced diet, hardening, the use of personal protective equipment (gloves, masks and gowns) when working with patients, as well as careful adherence to the rules of asepsis and antisepsis aimed at preventing the development of nosocomial infections, will significantly reduce the likelihood of infection.

Many diseases that develop in the human body are provoked by pathogenic bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Its most common location is the nasopharynx. Both adults and children can become infected with staphylococcus. In order to prevent the development of infection and start treatment in a timely manner, you need to know the symptoms of the disease and the route of infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is a spherical bacterium of the Staphylococcus family. The first discovery of a pathogenic bacterium was made in 1880 by the Scottish surgeon A. Ogston. The bacterium received its specific name “golden” due to the hue present after washing according to the Gram method.

The reasons influencing the manifestation of Staphylococcus aureus are:

1. Frequent stress, overexcitation of the body.
2. Injury to the skin.
3. Severe fatigue.
4. Weakened immune defense.
5. Hypovitaminosis or vitamin deficiency.
6. Poor nutrition and lack of personal hygiene, unsanitary conditions.
7. Chronic diseases.
8. Introducing medications that stimulate immunosuppressive effects on the body.
9. Uncontrolled antibiotic treatment.

If treatment is not started in time, the disease can lead to the development of sepsis, infectious toxic shock, or be fatal.

Routes of infection

Infection with a bacterium occurs due to contact with a carrier of the microorganism. Other routes of infection include airborne transmission, unwashed food, and the oral route. Staphylococcus aureus can reach a child while playing with toys contaminated with bacteria, through dirty dishes or other household items.

The mechanism of entry of Staphylococcus aureus into the body

1. Contamination - pathogenic bacteria from the external environment enter the mucous membranes or upper layers of the epidermis. They penetrate the organs, the infection attaches to the surface with a specific acid, and begins to produce toxins.
2. Cocci pass through the soft tissue of the epithelium and become attached next to extracellular elements. Whole skin or increased immunity becomes a natural barrier to infection.
3. Destruction of soft layers - during the period of life, viruses have the ability to destroy cell membranes due to the specific enzymes they produce.
4. Destroying the barriers of the immune system. Due to penetration into cells, when the upper layers of the epidermis are damaged or mechanical trauma to the mucous membrane occurs, the number of pathogenic bacteria increases, which causes various diseases, including the development of an abscess.

Why is golden staphylococcus dangerous?

The microorganism is present in humans on the mucous membranes and skin. The bacterium can be present without manifesting itself and without causing the development of diseases. This is due to the fact that the human immune system does not allow an increase in the number of harmful cells. But the moment the body’s defenses weaken, Staphylococcus aureus begins to develop.

Factors associated with high infectiousness

1. When treating, you need to accurately select an antibacterial medication to which staphylococcus will be sensitive. A special feature of this virus is that the microorganism is highly resistant to various antibiotics. Therefore, you cannot use medications yourself. They can not only harm the intestinal microflora, but also provoke the development of complications.
2. Microorganisms are not susceptible to the influence of the external environment - bacteria do not die in boiling water for 10 minutes, in extreme heat, freezing, or under the influence of hydrogen peroxide or ethyl alcohol.
3. The infection produces the enzymes lidase or penicillinase. This process leads to resistance to penicillin antibiotics. Also, thanks to this ability, staphylococci can penetrate into organs.
4. The bacterium stimulates the production of endotoxin, leading to food poisoning and whole-body intoxication syndrome.

The danger of microbes is that immunity to this type of staphylococcus is not developed. Therefore, having recovered from staphylococcus, you can become infected with it again.

Symptoms and signs of infection

During its life, Staphylococcus aureus in adults in the body stimulates the production of various toxins and enzymes. The latter contribute to the development of the following diseases:

• boils;
• sepsis;
• felon;
• abscess;
• sinusitis;
• inflammation of the middle ear;
• phlegmon;
• tonsillitis;
• pneumonia;
• meningitis;
• colitis;
• pyelonephritis.

Infectious disease specialists identify 2 forms of disease development: generalized and local. Local includes infection of the mammary glands in women, damage to joints, bones, and the umbilical cord in newborn infants.

The main symptoms of the disease are the following:

• general malaise, weakness;
• nausea and vomiting;
• temperature increase;
• rapid loss of ability to work, fatigue;
• aches in joints and bones;
• loss of appetite.

When the upper tissues of the epidermis are infected, an inflamed rash appears, with the presence of purulent foci. The development of the process also leads to the merging of papules into one large blister; after its opening, a weeping ulcer is formed.

During infection of the respiratory tract, internal secretion leaks out of the nose. There is a sore throat, shortness of breath and a severe cough. If the genitourinary system is affected, then painful sensations appear when urinating and pain in the lower back.

When joints, bones or muscle tissue are affected, there is pain in the area of ​​the affected organ and redness in this area of ​​the skin. The inflammatory process stimulates the formation of swelling and purulent exudate resulting from soft tissue injury.

When pathogenic bacteria colonize the intestines, symptoms are observed: loose stools, redness of the skin near the anus, nausea and vomiting. Children in educational institutions are most often affected by the bacterium.

If the patient feels unwell or signs of inflammation, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor for examination.

Diagnostics

Before prescribing medications, the doctor must accurately identify the diagnosis. The doctor examines, interviews the patient and directs the patient to undergo tests.

Checklist

1. Sowing biological material is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine an antibiotic that can completely eliminate the infection.
2. Latex agglutination is a procedure necessary to determine certain strains of pathogenic microorganisms that populate the patient’s internal organs.
3. Coagulase testing. If the test over the past 4 hours is negative, then secondary testing is done.
4. General analysis of blood and urine - the level of ESR, leukocytosis is determined, and in urine - protein, staphylococcus and the number of leukocytes.
5. Analysis for conjunctivitis - a smear of the mucous membrane is taken from the eyelid.
6. The Widal agglutination reaction is determined - it reveals the titer of antibodies, which are analyzed every 6-10 days. The frequency of sampling is 2 or more times.

Based on the results of the identified examinations, the doctor can recommend effective medications.

Treatment tactics

Treatment is only necessary if adults or young children show symptoms of deterioration. If a person is a carrier of a staphylococcal infection that has settled in the intestines or nasopharynx, doctors recommend normalizing immunity.

Types of drugs to support the immune system

• “Chlorophyllipt” - in certain situations different forms of release are necessary;
• Bactroban ointment - if the infection is localized to the mucous membranes in the nasal passages.

If a mild stage of staphylococcus is detected, antibiotics are not required and it is recommended to use external agents.

For moderate or severe cases, it is necessary to administer semisynthetic drugs from the penicillin series (Amoxiclav). Cephalosporins can also be used if Staphylococcus aureus is not sensitive to penicillins. The following drugs are effective in this case: Ceftriaxone or Kefzol.

If staphylococcus is localized on the skin, then external medications such as Mupirocin should be used.

If purulent follicles are detected on the skin, indicating the development of phlegmon or an abscess, surgical intervention is required.

When pathogenic microorganisms settle in the intestines, antibiotics do not give an effective result during treatment. So that the patient can be cured, antistaphylococcal Anatoxin is used. Additionally, gastric lavage and blood saturation with saline solutions are performed.

Treatment methods are developed individually for each patient depending on the lesion.

Prevention methods

To prevent the onset of the disease, people must follow the rules of personal hygiene:

1. Before eating, after going outside, or going to the toilet, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
2. Mechanical cuts or burns should be promptly treated and bandaged.

If the symptoms progress to the chronic stage, the disease leads to serious complications, including death. It is necessary to adhere to prevention, avoid contact with infected people and monitor your own hygiene.

Thus, Staphylococcus aureus is a serious disease that can lead to complications if left untreated.