Treatment for staphylococcal infection on the skin of a child. Danger of staphylococcal infection. Symptoms and general signs

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

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

How can a child become infected with staphylococcus aureus? The carriers of this dangerous bacterium are both sick and healthy people, because there are different forms of carrying the infection (temporary and permanent). The course of the disease can also occur in the lungs and severe forms Oh. Staphylococcus aureus causes sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, abscesses, and purulent inflammation of the skin and other tissues. With the generalization of the inflammatory process in newborns, sepsis often develops.

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

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

Epidermal staphylococcus. Among the varieties of staphylococci, epidermal has an average infectious potential. It occurs on the skin and mucous membranes, but during the normal operation of the carrier's immunity, it does not manifest itself in any way. Signs of bacterial damage appear only if the carrier's immunity is weakened: after surgery, a viral disease, etc. Newborns, especially premature babies, are particularly susceptible to infection.

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

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

Signs and symptoms of staphylococcus in children

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

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

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

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

Saprophytic staphylococcus. For saprophytic staphylococcus characterized by damage to the genitourinary system.

Symptoms include:

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

   Possible development of colpitis (in women);

   Burning and pain when urinating;

   Pain in the kidney area.

   General signs of intoxication (rare).

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

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

General and local symptoms of staphylococcus in children

By systematizing the symptoms, it is possible to generalize all manifestations into two large groups: general and local.

Local manifestations:

Eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes. Furuncles ("abscesses"), carbuncles, etc. In children, they are especially often localized on the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The development of spots and large boils indicates a severe course of the process.

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

General manifestations:

Symptoms of intoxication. Headache, fever up to 37.6-38.1 degrees Celsius, flushing or, conversely, pallor of the skin, nausea and vomiting (especially common in children).

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

In allergic-minded children, immune reactions to toxins and enzymes that staphylococcus secretes in the course of its life are also possible.

Risk factors

The intensity and nature of manifestations depend on many factors:

Age. Symptoms depend on the age of the child. Babies get staph infections more often and the symptoms are more severe.

Habitat and medium of penetration of the microorganism. The way it enters the body determines the object of damage. If staphylococcus enters the body with dust particles, lesions of the upper or lower respiratory tract will appear. If with food, the throat or intestines will suffer.

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

A type of microorganism. The most severe lesions are Staphylococcus aureus.

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

Causes of staphylococcus in children

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

Premature birth of a child. Premature babies are especially affected. The reason lies in the insufficient development of the immunity of the child in the womb. Children born with the help of caesarean section. Immune problems and infection can make themselves felt later in life;

Violations of the rules for the care of newborn children;

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

Pathological processes during gestation and lactation. The mother may be infected with staphylococcus aureus without being aware of it. A pathogenic microorganism can penetrate with milk for a number of other reasons. So, infection can occur even during the period of gestation.

Lack of weight. Lack of body weight leads to a weakening of the immune system.

Staphylococcus in a child in the throat, in the intestines, in the nose

The throat, intestines and nose are the "favorite" objects of staphylococcal lesions. The reason for this is the method of penetration. Most often, pathogenic flora enters the body mechanically (children often neglect the rules of hygiene), or with food.

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

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

The form is characterized by specific symptoms:

• A sore throat;

  Swelling and redness of the tonsils;

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

  General manifestations of intoxication.

Staphylococcus on the intestinal mucosa provokes typical signs of the development of acute colitis (and both the colon and small intestine, that is, the disease will take the form of enterocolitis).

Symptoms include:

• Pain in the abdomen (wandering, arching);

  Discomfort in the epigastric region (heaviness, bloating, feeling of fullness);

  Impurities of pus, blood, green mucus in the stool;

  Diarrhea or constipation, tenesmus (false painful urge to empty the intestines).

Staphylococcus on the nasal mucosa provokes sinusitis.

Symptoms:

• Purulent discharge;

  Difficulty in nasal breathing (due to swelling);

  Symptoms of body intoxication.

Diagnosis of staphylococcus in children

Diagnosis of staphylococcal lesions is quite complex and requires a high level of professionalism from a medical specialist. Diagnostic measures vary depending on the affected organ.

In general, examinations include:

Anamnesis collection includes an oral interview with the child’s parents during a face-to-face visit. If the child is of sufficient age and speaks independently, he is additionally interviewed. Complaints, previous circumstances, etc. are taken into account.

Swabs from the throat and nose are taken to determine the specific strain of bacteria, and microflora are inoculated onto nutrient media for exactly the same purposes. Using these two diagnostic methods, a culture of the infectious agent is obtained and the sensitivity of the bacterium to antibiotics is determined.

A general blood test almost always gives a picture of an inflammatory process of varying intensity: leukocytosis, high ESR, increased number of red blood cells, excessively increased hemoglobin, etc.

Specific pathogens may be found in urine or feces.

If the pathological process goes too far, colitis caused by staphylococcus can turn into an ulcerative type, then an endoscopic examination is performed to assess the condition of the colon.

Staphylococcus, which has infected the mucous membrane of the throat, can “descend” and cover the larynx. In this case, laryngoscopy is performed.

Treating staph infections is not an easy task. When it comes to treating infectious pathologies in children, the task, for obvious reasons, becomes even more complicated. The success of treating staphylococcal infections in children largely depends on timely detection of the disease and high-quality complex therapy, which involves the use of special anti-staphylococcal drugs.

The therapy is complex and includes a number of therapeutic measures:

Local therapy. It involves applying medications to the skin and mucous membranes affected by staphylococcus (pustular rashes, boils, etc.). Used: brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, 70% alcohol solution, Vishnevsky ointment.

Taking antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics for infectious pathologies (and especially staphylococcal ones) should be careful. Staphylococcus has amazing adaptability. Incompetent antibacterial treatment will lead to the formation of bacteria with enormous resistance and virulence. It is advisable to take only those drugs to which staphylococcus is sensitive (should be based on the results of bacteriological studies).

Lubrication, rinsing. To combat bacteria on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, lubrication and rinsing are used. Most often, a solution of silver, iodinol, hydrogen peroxide, as well as special preparations (Miramistin and others) are used.

Taking vitamin-mineral complexes. Used to replenish missing substances.

Immunomodulators. They are used to restore the protective functions of the body.

Transfusions. Significant damage to staphylococcus aureus can lead to serious complications, such as blood poisoning. In this case, blood or plasma transfusion is indispensable.

Operational intervention. In severe chronic tonsillitis, removal of the tonsils is indicated; surgery is also resorted to when there are multiple lesions skin with abundant exudate and inflammation.

For the treatment of staphylococcus in children, vitamin C is always used, which stimulates the immune system and supports the weakened body of the baby. With external purulent lesions, it is recommended to make baths and frequent poultices. The child's skin should be as clean and dry as possible. It is also necessary to control the cleanliness of the nails and underwear of a sick child. Sores should be constantly treated, scabs and pus removed. Household items, utensils and clothing used by a sick child are also subject to processing and disinfection.

To prevent staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to comply with sanitary standards and implement epidemic control. Pregnant women, women in labor and newborns must be screened. If purulent inflammatory diseases are detected, they are subject to hospitalization and treatment in departments with an infectious regimen.

Thus, staphylococcal infection poses a great danger to children (both newborns and older children). Especially dangerous and insidious is Staphylococcus aureus, which has a high virulence and toxic ability. Symptoms are extremely specific and manifest themselves in each child individually. In general, there is a picture of inflammation and purulent damage to the skin and mucous membranes of the body (nose, throat, intestines).

Even in the maternity hospital, mothers hear about a threatening disease that creates health problems in newborns. The type of bacteria that causes it got its name due to its spherical or oblong shape cells arranged in clusters. From the Greek kokkas is translated as "grain", staphylos - "bunch". Are these bacteria really that dangerous?

general information

The name of the bacteria coincides with the designation of the infectious and a disease dangerous to the health of children. Children with a sufficient level of immunity are not threatened. However, it is worth protective forces weaken as the infection begins to actively develop.

Staphylococcus bacteria are capable of provoke inflammation of the respiratory tract. Staphylococcal pneumonia can develop even before discharge from the hospital. There is a strong intoxication of the microorganism.

In combination with pneumonia, infection causes circulatory and respiratory disorders. A lethal outcome may result in staphylococcal enterocolitis.

How staphylococcus is transmitted in children, how the symptoms of the infection appear and how it can be cured, we will tell further.

Causes

The only cause of a staphylococcal infection is violation of local immunity. Carriers of harmful bacteria are both sick and perfectly healthy people.

And bacteria become harmful only when the child’s body’s defense mechanisms have begun to fail or are not yet strong enough.

The development of infection can be triggered by:

• Premature birth of a child with a lack of weight.
• Failure to comply with the rules of care for newborns.
• Pathologies during the gestation period, when infection occurs at the stage of fetal development.
• Infection during breastfeeding from a mother infected with staphylococcus aureus.

Types of disease

Not all members of the staphylococcal family are a threat children's health . Some of them quite coexist in the composition of body fluids and tissues. Three types of staphylococcus are considered pathogenic:

• Saprophytic. The least dangerous for humans, and even more so for children. It often affects the genitourinary system. At proper treatment You can get rid of the microbe in a few days.
• epidermal(epidermic) staphylococcus in children. Found on all areas of the skin and mucous membrane of the nose, eyes, oral cavity. For a healthy child, it is not dangerous and is even considered the norm if the child feels well. At risk are babies who were born prematurely, weakened babies, patients after surgery.
• Golden. Represents the greatest danger. This is the most insidious of microorganisms. It can be found on the surface of the skin, in the mouth, in feces. If the child is healthy, then the body copes with these bacteria on its own.

The insidiousness of a microorganism is associated with its ability to adapt to different conditions.

Staphylococcus aureus is not afraid of low and high temperatures. It even withstands +80 degrees. Adapts to the effects of most antiseptics and antibiotics, so treatment with the latter is often ineffective. Resistant to hydrogen peroxide, ethyl alcohol, sodium chloride.

For signs, symptoms and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in children, see Dr. Komarovsky's video:

There are two forms of the disease:

• Early symptoms appear a few hours after the bacteria enters the child’s body.
• Late. Declares itself only after 3-5 days.

Symptoms and general signs

About staphylococcal infection indicate:

If the disease is not diagnosed in time, the infection can affect internal organs.

Manifestations of defeat

The affected organs differ depending on the method of infection penetration into the body. Most often the throat, nose and intestines are at risk. For different forms of staphylococcus a child has its own specific symptoms:

• in the intestines: diarrhea, constipation, heaviness and abdominal pain, bloating, pus, mucus in the stool;
• in the nose: swelling and difficulty breathing, purulent discharge, intoxication of the body;
• in the mouth and throat: swelling and redness of the tonsils, sore throat, rashes on the surface of the oral mucosa, manifestations of intoxication.

How is it carried out? Quick help for your baby!

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How to recognize a disease in a child

Parents cannot diagnose the disease. Their task is to monitor the condition and reactions of the child. The intensity and nature of the manifestation of infection is affected by:

• Age. Newborns suffer from staphylococcal lesions more often, and the consequences are much more serious.
• How bacteria enters the body. If staphylococcus is carried with dust particles, it threatens to infect the respiratory tract. If the bacterium enters the body with food, the intestines and throat will suffer.
• When your baby is often sick, and his parents know that he is weakened the immune system, it makes sense to worry when suspicious symptoms appear.

You cannot self-medicate. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will examine the child and give a referral for tests.

Diagnostic measures

Only laboratory test results will be able to confirm that the symptoms are caused by a staphylococcal infection. If the amount of staphylococcus in the analysis does not exceed the norm, and there are no symptoms of infection, then there is nothing to worry about.

To determine the norm, a number of studies are carried out:

If the pathology process has gone too far, for example, with colitis caused by staphylococcus, endoscopic examination may be necessary to assess the condition of the colon. For staphylococcus that has affected the throat and has descended to the larynx, laryngoscopy is performed. Therapy may include:

IN rare cases in case of severe infection, blood and plasma transfusions are used. Surgical intervention is not excluded.

When treating a child, it is important to observe the rules of hygiene:

• The child's skin should be dry and clean, nails trimmed, linen fresh.
• All household items, dishes, clothes used by the child are subject to disinfection.

It is not always necessary to treat staphylococcus in a child - watch the video on this topic:

Prevention

The unformed and weakened body of infants is most susceptible to damage by staphylococcus aureus, which is why its symptoms appear. It is easier for older children to fight back bacteria, but only if they are healthy. Preventive measures to strengthen defense mechanisms:

• Proper nutrition, excluding fast foods, unhealthy fats, sweets.
• Active lifestyle - swimming, athletics, gymnastics, regular walks in the fresh air.
• Maintaining personal hygiene rules - regular water procedures, proper oral care, the habit of washing hands after a walk or visiting public places.
• Protecting the baby from stress: problems in the family, nervousness of adults.

These measures will help to avoid attacks of harmful bacteria and undesirable consequences.

Staphylococcal infection dangerous for both newborns and older children. Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous. Symptoms of the disease manifest themselves in different ways depending on the method of penetration of dangerous bacteria. But a healthy child's body with strong immunity is not at risk of infection.

To prevent staphylococcal infection in infants, expectant mothers need to take care of their health and promptly inform doctors about changes in the baby’s behavior. Older children need to be taught hygiene rules, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

In contact with

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tests for staphylococcus

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

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

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

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

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

It’s another matter if it grows:

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

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

How to treat Staphylococcus aureus in children

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

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

1. Drug treatment:

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

2. Treatment with folk remedies:

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

All parents need to understand that in order to avoid danger and for get well soon You cannot self-medicate a sick child. It is necessary to contact specialists as soon as possible.

Staphylococci are aerobic, facultative anaerobic, non-spore-forming Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to external environment, which are located in the form of grape-shaped clusters.

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

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

Most strains of S. aureus secrete substances that protect them from the host's immune system. So, many staphylococci are surrounded by a loose polysaccharide (mucous) capsule, which interferes with opsonization and phagocytosis. The adhesion factor causes staphylococci to adhere to each other in large clusters that are difficult to phagocytize.

Epidemiology of staphylococcal infections

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

From the vestibule of the nose, staphylococci can enter the skin, where colonization is of a short-term nature. Re-inoculation of S. aureus from the surface of the skin indicates a reintroduction of bacteria rather than a permanent bacteriocarrier. However, long-term colonization of the navel and skin of the perianal region is possible.

Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus to children usually occurs by contact or by being carried with solid particles at a distance of less than 1.8 m. The more intense the colonization, the greater the risk of transmitting staphylococci to other people. Autoinfection is common, and small foci (such as stye, pustule, paronychia) can serve as a source of disseminated infection. Washing hands between medical examinations reduces the rate of transmission of staphylococci from one patient to another. Older children and adults are more resistant to colonization than newborns. Transmission of staphylococci through objects is rare.

Invasion may follow colonization. They are facilitated by treatment with antibacterial drugs, to which S. aureus is resistant. In addition, the likelihood of infection is increased in the presence of wounds, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, intravenous or intrathecal catheters, as well as in the treatment of glucocorticoids, malnutrition, acidosis and azotemia. Viral infections also increase susceptibility to secondary staph infections.

Pathogenesis

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

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

Clinical manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus infection

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

Staphylococci aureus make a significant contribution to the incidence of newborns.

Leather. Staphylococcus aureus in children is a common cause of purulent skin infections, including impetigo (including bullous) and ecthyma, folliculitis, hydradenitis, boils, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis of the newborn, and rashes resembling scarlet fever. Staphylococcus aureus can cause wound infections in children or complicate non-infectious skin conditions such as eczema. Folliculitis (purulent infection of the hair follicle) can lead to the formation of a deep-seated abscess or carbuncle (if several follicles are affected). Furunculosis is a disease that is manifested by episodes of pyoderma, recurring for months or even years. Such patients are necessarily examined for the presence of defects in immunity, in the first place - dysfunction of neutrophils. Staphylococci also play a significant role in nosocomial skin infections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heart. Bacterial endocarditis may follow staphylococcal bacteremia. Staphylococcus aureus in children is a common cause of acute endocarditis occurring on intact valves. Complications of endocarditis include valvular perforation, myocardial abscess, heart failure, conduction disturbances, acute hemopericardium, and purulent pericarditis. Sudden death is possible.

Kidneys and urinary tract. S. aureus is a common cause of kidney and perirenal abscesses. Infection occurs by the hematogenous route. The urinary tract is rarely affected by Staphylococcus aureus in children.

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

S. aureus peritonitis occurs in patients receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis on an outpatient basis. The infection captures the channel through which the catheter is inserted, therefore, in order to achieve a bacteriological cure, the catheter must be removed.

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

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis of staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to isolate S. aureus from places where they could not accidentally enter (affected skin, abscess cavity, blood). Finding S. aureus in the nasal cavity or on the skin is of no diagnostic value because these areas can normally be colonized by staphylococci. Staphylococci grow well on both liquid and solid nutrient media. Once colonies have been obtained, the pathogen is identified using a Gram stain, as well as coagulase and protein A tests. In severe infections, antibiotic susceptibility of S. aureus is also determined.

Differential Diagnosis

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

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in children

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

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

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

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

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

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

With such severe staphylococcal infections as septicemia, endocarditis, CNS damage, intravenous administration of nafcillin, oxacillin is indicated, and in children with allergies, vancomycin or imipenem. Rifampicin has a synergistic effect.

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

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

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

Forecast

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

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

Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infection in children

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

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

To avoid food poisoning, all persons with skin infections are excluded from food preparation. Ready meals must be consumed immediately or placed in the refrigerator, otherwise staphylococci may multiply rapidly.

Healthy:

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that can be found in the environment. Within the normal range, it is found in the body of any person.

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

What is staphylococcus

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

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

1. Golden.
2. epidermal.
3. Saprophytic.

Staphylococcus aureus

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

It is the doctor who, based on the tests and the degree of infection, for example, if staphylococcus aureus is found in the feces of a child, will prescribe suitable effective drugs.

Methods of infection

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

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

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

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

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

Whichever of the reasons is not the provocateur of the disease, it is necessary to treat Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise there may be serious complications in the form of meningitis, endocarditis, fever, lung abscess, etc.

Staphylococcus aureus

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

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

Staphylococcus aureus - the causative agent of angina

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

If a pathogenic bacterium in the feces is found in the baby, to a degree exceeding the norm, a specialist should deal with it, the analysis of feces in this case will need to be retaken after treatment. In this case, the bacterium destroyed by ingestion of pyobacteriophages both inside and in the form of enemas. The course of treatment lasts no more than 15 days.

Staphylococcus aureus differs from other species in that it is able to infect most of the human organs and systems, and besides, it is very resistant to many types of antibiotics.

Very often, this pathogenic bacterium causes diseases of the ENT organs, such as prolonged rhinitis or sunusitis, which is not treated for a long time. In this case it is advisable to pass the analysis for sowing this microorganism and further entrust the treatment of staphylococcus aureus in the nose to the doctor. In this case, the treatment of staphylococcus ointment is quite successful.

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

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

In general, in medical practice, there are four main degrees of the disease:

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

How to treat the disease

Antibiotic Cefazolin

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

Treatment consists of several areas, namely antibiotic therapy, immunity strengthening and treatment of concomitant diseases.

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

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

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

In addition to antibiotics the doctor may prescribe the use of folk remedies, for example, burdock, black currant, apple cider vinegar and Chlorophyllipt.

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

Amoxicillin

All of the above measures cannot guarantee a 100% elimination of the disease, but significantly reduce the risk of catching a bacterium.

In addition, if the disease is still taken by surprise, you should not treat it at home on your own, you must pass the appropriate tests and be treated comprehensively under the supervision of an experienced specialist.

Staphylococcus in children

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

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

Staphylococci easily develop resistance to many antimicrobial drugs, which creates great difficulties in the treatment of patients. The main human lesions are caused by S. aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), S. epidermidis (Staphylococcus epidermidis), and S. saprophyticus (Staphylococcus aureus).

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

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

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

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

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

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

S. epidermidis most commonly colonizes smooth skin and mucosal surfaces. Typical for epidermal staphylococcus are lesions caused by the colonization of S. epidermidis of various prostheses, catheters, drains. Quite often, the bacterium causes lesions of the urinary system (especially in people over 50 years old) and joint infections, most often developing no later than 12 months after implantation of the prosthesis (50% of all cases).

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

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

Severe multiple skin lesions (acne, furunculosis) are more common in adolescents; their development seems to be promoted by hormonal factors. Similar skin lesions develop in patients who are prescribed long courses of treatment with corticosteroid hormones.

Treatment of staphylococcus

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

Preparation of fees: 2 tablespoons of pre-crushed (in a coffee grinder or meat grinder) collection, pour 1 liter of boiling water, pour together with the grass in a thermos, insist overnight. Take during the day 100-150 ml 30 minutes before meals. To improve the taste, you can add honey, sugar, jam. The course of treatment is 3-4 months. With a constantly recurring infection, the course of treatment is continued after a break of 10-14 days and a change in the collection, the General course is 12-18 months (with a periodic change in the collection every 2-3 months), after which you can switch to prophylactic phyto-collections in spring and autumn, two month.

Herbal preparations can be used in combination with other medicines.

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

Staphylococcal infection is a group of diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, characterized by a variety of localization of the pathological process and clinical polymorphism.

From this article, you will learn the main causes and symptoms of staphylococcus aureus in children, how staphylococcus aureus is treated in children, and what preventive measures you can take to protect your child from this disease.

Treatment of staphylococcus in children

Treatment of staphylococcal diseases in children

The treatment is complex, aimed at neutralizing the pathogen and eliminating its toxic products, increasing the specific and nonspecific resistance of the macroorganism.

Children with generalized and severe forms of the disease, regardless of age, as well as newborns with any form of staphylococcal infection, are subject to mandatory hospitalization. Patients are isolated in boxes (semi-boxes), which contributes to the prevention of nosocomial infections.

The diet is prescribed depending on the age of the child, the severity, form and period of the disease. Food should be high-calorie with sufficient content of complete protein and restriction of carbohydrates, which promote the growth of staphylococci. Of particular importance in the treatment of staphylococcus is the use of lactic acid mixtures, which have a positive effect on intestinal eubiosis. With lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by the phenomena of toxicosis and exicosis, diet therapy is carried out according to the same principles as in other acute intestinal infections.

Remedies for the treatment of staphylococcus in children

Basic Rule drug therapy patients with various forms of staphylococcal infection is a rational combination of antibacterial drugs and specific agents. Great importance has sanitation of the primary focus, and with a generalized infection - secondary foci. According to the indications, detoxification and rehydration therapy is prescribed, emergency conditions are treated (infectious toxic shock, cardiovascular, respiratory failure). The choice of antibacterial drugs depends on the form and period of the disease, the severity of the process, the age and premorbid background of the child.

How to treat staphylococcus aureus in a child?

Antibacterial therapy of patients with mild and moderate localized forms of staphylococcus is carried out with semi-synthetic penicillins (oxacillin, ampiox), macrolides (erythromycin, roxithromycin), lincomycin. In severe forms of localized staphylococcal infection, aminoglycosides (gentamicin), rifampicin, 1st generation cephalosporins (cefazolin) are prescribed; in generalized forms, cephalosporins of the II and III generations (cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime), III generation aminoglycosides (netilmicin, tobramycin) are prescribed for the treatment of staphylococcus aureus. Nitrofuran preparations (furazolidone, furadonin, furagin, nifuroxazide) can be used in various forms of staphylococcal diseases.

IN complex treatment children with staphylococcal infection importance has specific therapy. With a protracted nature of the course of the staphylococcal process (pneumonia, enterocolitis, furunculosis, staphyloderma), native staphylococcal toxoid is used for treatment, which is administered subcutaneously according to the schemes:

scheme - 7 injections (0.1 ml - 0.2 ml - 0.3 ml - 0.4 ml - 0.6 ml - 0.8 ml - 1.0 ml; course dose 3.4 ml), treatment drug staphylococcus is administered at intervals of 2-3 days;

scheme - 5 injections (0.1 ml - 0.5 ml - 1.0 ml - 1.0 ml - 1.0 ml; course dose 3.6 ml), the drug is administered with an interval of 1 day.

Staphylococcal bacteriophage is used for local treatment (for staphyloderma, furunculosis, osteomyelitis, infected wounds), orally (for acute enteritis, enterocolitis), subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

Hyperimmune antistaphylococcal immunoglobulin indicated for patients with severe and generalized forms of staphylococcal infection, especially for young children. The drug is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 5-8 AU/kg of body weight per day daily or every other day; course of therapy - 5-7 injections. IN severe cases the dose is increased to 20-50 AE/kg.

Hyperimmune antistaphylococcal plasma has been used since the first days of illness in the treatment of staphylococcal infection accompanied by toxicosis; administered intravenously, daily or at intervals of 1-3 days (5.0-8.0 ml/kg/day) for 3-5 days.

Along with etiotropic treatment, the appointment of immunostimulating drugs (methyluracil, sodium nucleinate), probiotics (bifidumbacterin, lactobacterin, bactisubtil, etc.), enzymes (creon, pancreatin, mezim-forte, abomin), vitamins (C, A, E, groups B) symptomatic agents.

Dispensary observation. Children who have had any form of staphylococcal infection are under dispensary observation in the clinic or hospital where the treatment was carried out. Period of medical examination - from 1 month. up to 1 year or more.

Treatment of staphylococcus in infants

The best method of combating staphylococcus is complex therapy aimed at increasing the protective functions of the body. The baby's immune system is not perfect, it is still "tuning", so the baby's tender age must be protected by all means. Try to protect your baby from potentially sick people, try to introduce more vitamins and useful substances.

As for the treatment of a baby who is currently suffering from a virus, the best thing you can think of is chamomile decoction. Chamomile can be given to drink, you can use it as an enema, as an inhalation or nose drops. Depending on the location and type of lesion, the place of application of efforts is also selected.

An excellent remedy for the treatment of staphylococcus is camphor oil. Not in vain, far from being in vain, it is used as a personal hygiene product for babies. It has excellent antiseptic properties and does not dry the skin of the child at all.

Staphylococcus is a legacy for life. Once, picking up the problem, you can deal with it for the rest of your life. But this does not mean that it is superfluous to know how and how to treat staphylococcus aureus in an infant. Perhaps your treatment will be so effective that the baby will be able to forget about the problem for a long time.

Prevention of staphylococcus in children

Preventative work should be carried out in all medical institutions. The antenatal clinic organizes systematic monitoring and examination of pregnant women, with special attention paid to the diagnosis and treatment of "small" forms of staphylococcal infection (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, staphyloderma).

Of particular importance is the early detection of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus and staphylococcal diseases in medical and nursing staff of children's hospitals. Identified carriers of pathogenic staphylococcus (and patients) are subject to isolation and treatment; staff is removed from serving children. At the same time, sanitary and hygienic measures are carried out aimed at interrupting the spread of staphylococcus (disinfection of household items, high-quality cleaning of premises, strict implementation of the anti-epidemic regime, proper storage milk formulas, etc.). It is necessary to strictly observe the rules of asepsis and antisepsis during any medical manipulations and surgical operations.

An important place in the prevention of staphylococcal infection is sanitary and educational work with pregnant women, as well as the correct organization and conduct of rational feeding of the child, compliance with the rules of the sanitary and hygienic regime at home and in child care facilities.

Symptoms of staphylococcus in children

Incubation period ranges from several hours (9-10) to 3-5 days.

Staphylococcal lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue are the most common localization of the pathological process in children.

Staphyloderma is one of the most common forms, observed at different ages. In newborns, vesiculopustulosis, pemphigus of newborns (pemphigus) are more often recorded, less often - exfoliative dermatitis of Ritter.

Vesiculopustulosis is characterized by the appearance on the 5-6th day of a child's life of pustules (2-3 mm in size), which are located on the scalp, trunk and skin folds. Bubbles burst after 2-3 days and crusts form. Sometimes infiltrates appear around the pustules, it is also possible to develop multiple abscesses and, less often, phlegmon.

Pemphigus of newborns is characterized by high contagiousness. The general condition of children is disturbed, they become lethargic, body temperature rises, appetite decreases. In the region of the inguinal folds, armpits, on the skin of the abdomen and neck, blisters of various sizes appear, initially filled with serous, and after 2-3 days with serous-purulent contents. When opening the bubbles, an erosive surface is exposed. Pemphigus of newborns can occur with complications (conjunctivitis, otitis media, pneumonia) and be the primary focus of sepsis.

Ritter's exfoliative dermatitis is the most severe form of staphyloderma in newborns. The disease begins on the 5-6th day of a child's life with the appearance of redness and maceration of the skin in the navel or around the mouth. Soon, blisters appear on the skin, which quickly increase in size and merge with each other. There is a detachment of the epidermis and the formation of erosion. The disease proceeds with symptoms of intoxication, high body temperature. By the 10-11th day of illness, exfoliative dermatitis becomes pronounced: the child's skin turns red, extensive erosions appear on the trunk and limbs. When rubbing areas of practically healthy skin, the epidermis wrinkles and exfoliates (Nikolsky's symptom).

Multiple skin abscesses, as a rule, occur at an early age in debilitated children suffering from rickets, anemia, and malnutrition. Initially, nodes 0.5-2 cm in size of a purple-red color appear on the skin, later fluctuation is determined above them. The course of the disease is torpid, accompanied by long-term increase body temperature and intoxication phenomena.

Folliculosis is observed in older children. These include: folliculitis, furuncle, carbuncle, hydradenitis. The inflammatory process in these cases is localized at the mouth of the hair follicle. The most severe forms are furuncle and carbuncle, in which the deep layers of the dermis are involved in the process, and with carbuncle, subcutaneous tissue. Folliculosis is localized most often on the back of the neck, in the lumbar region and armpits. Hidradenitis is observed mainly in children during puberty and is located in the apocrine area. sweat glands. It is characterized by a tendency to subacute and chronic course, often recurrent.

Staphylococcal infection with a scarlatiniform syndrome can develop at any localization of the staphylococcal focus (infected wound, burn surface, panaritium, phlegmon, furuncle, osteomyelitis). The onset is acute, body temperature rises to 38.5-39.5 ° C, vomiting is sometimes noted. 3-4 days after the onset of the primary staphylococcal focus, a punctate rash appears, which is localized on the inner surface of the upper and lower extremities, in the lower abdomen. The rash is located on a hyperemic background of the skin, thickens around the primary lesion, persists for 1-2 days. In the pharynx, moderate diffuse hyperemia can be observed; from the 4th day of illness - "papillary" tongue. The enlargement of the lymph nodes corresponds to the localization of the lesion.

It is possible to generalize the process with the appearance of secondary purulent foci (otitis media, lymphadenitis, sinusitis).

In the period of convalescence, lamellar peeling of the skin can be observed.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) and lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis) of staphylococcal etiology are more often observed in young children in the presence of staphylococcal skin lesions. The clinical picture includes an increase in body temperature, symptoms of intoxication (loss of appetite, headache, sleep disturbance). The affected regional lymph node is dense, enlarged, sharply painful on palpation. In the future, catarrhal lymphadenitis translates into purulent with melting of the lymph node. With lymphangitis, pain and hyperemia of the skin with infiltration along the lymphatic vessels are noted.

Complications of staphylococcus in children

Mucosal damage

Conjunctivitis of staphylococcal etiology is observed both in newborns and older children. Usually the lesion is bilateral, with purulent discharge from the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, conjunctival hyperemia and injection of scleral vessels. The inflammatory process can take a long time. In some cases, in young children, severe complications are observed (purulent dacryocystitis, ethmoiditis, orbital phlegmon, sepsis). Aphthous-ulcerative stomatitis develops in young children with burdened premorbid background, weakened by concomitant diseases. More often, stomatitis is preceded by a herpetic or respiratory infection. In severe cases, the disease begins with fever and symptoms of intoxication. Ulcers of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and tongue are covered with yellow plaques, which often merge. The child during the meal there is abundant salivation and severe pain. As a rule, there is an increase in the submandibular and sublingual lymph nodes. Characteristic is the torpidity of the pathological process and the low efficiency of the use of antibacterial agents.

Damage to ENT organs

Rhinitis and purulent nasopharyngitis of staphylococcal etiology are common forms of staphylococcal infection. Characterized by a gradual onset and lingering course. Rhinitis and nasopharyngitis are most severe in newborns and infants. The child becomes restless, refuses to eat, nasal breathing difficult, there is an increase in body temperature. From the nose there is an abundant thick purulent discharge of green color. Perhaps the development of otitis, pneumonia, enteritis, sinusitis.

Staphylococcal tonsillitis occurs in children of different ages. The onset of the disease is often gradual. In all patients, as a rule, the body temperature rises to 37.5-39 ° C, symptoms of intoxication appear, increased salivation, vomiting, and sore throat are noted. In the pharynx there is diffuse hyperemia, edema and infiltration of the mucous membranes. Angina can be lacunar, follicular, and more often has a purulent-necrotic character. Regional lymph nodes are enlarged, their palpation is sharply painful. The course of staphylococcal tonsillitis is torpid, the duration of fever is 7-8 days; local changes in lacunar angina persist for 7-10 days.

Staphylococcal otitis occurs more often in young children. The inflammatory process in the middle ear has a purulent character, a tendency to a protracted and chronic course.

Damage to bones and joints

Osteomyelitis of staphylococcal etiology can occur primarily and secondarily, as a result of a septic process. The inflammatory process is localized mainly in the femur and humerus. Osteomyelitis is characterized by an acute onset, fever, severe intoxication, vomiting, anxiety, and a rash may appear. In the first days of the disease, local changes are slightly expressed, but there is a sharp pain when changing the position of the body, limited mobility of the affected limb. Later, local symptoms appear in the form of an increase in skin temperature, swelling, tension, local pain on palpation.

Staphylococcal arthritis is characterized by severe pain, limited function of the joint, its deformity, and local fever. In the absence of adequate treatment, destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone develops.

Damage to the organs of the respiratory system

Laryngitis and laryngotracheitis are the most frequent form staphylococcal infection of the respiratory tract. They occur mainly in young children on the background of respiratory viral infections (flu, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection). In sick children against the background of typical clinical manifestations viral infection larynx (trachea) there is a new rise in body temperature to 39 - 40 ° C, worsening general condition. Symptoms of intoxication and signs of hypoxia are expressed (the child is restless, vomiting, petechial rash is noted). Laryngoscopy reveals necrotic or ulcerative-necrotic changes in the larynx and trachea. The course of laryngo-tracheitis is long, with frequent development laryngeal stenosis, obstructive bronchitis and pneumonia.

Staphylococcal pneumonia develops in young children as primary (infection occurs by airborne droplets) or as a result secondary lesion lungs with various forms of staphylococcal infection. The clinical picture is characterized by polymorphism of symptoms. In typical cases, there is a violent onset, accompanied by severe fever, intoxication, and rapidly increasing changes in the lungs. The child is lethargic, adynamic, refuses to eat; there is a frequent painful cough, shortness of breath. Shortness of breath appears up to 60-80 breaths per minute with the participation of auxiliary muscles. Percussion is determined by the shortening, sometimes tympanic shade. Auscultatory, against the background of bronchial or weakened breathing, localized sonorous small bubbling rales are heard, on the 5-6th day of the disease - crepitating. Signs of cardiovascular insufficiency are found (muffled heart tones, tachycardia, small frequent pulse, acrocyanosis), bloating, hepatosplenomegaly, stool retention. The skin is pale, with a gray tint, sometimes there is an ephemeral polymorphic rash.

One of the features of staphylococcal lung disease is the development of destructive pneumonia. In children, the formation of air cavities (bull) is often noted. Bullae can be either single or multiple. More often, air cavities appear in the period of convalescence and much less often - at the height of the disease. With percussion over the lesion, tympanitis is determined, auscultatory - weakened or amphoric breathing. On x-ray examination of the lungs, the bullae are ring-shaped formations with sharply defined contours. In most patients, the process of bull formation proceeds favorably, however, in some cases, the development of pneumothorax or emphysema is possible.

In the case of abscess formation, lung abscesses appear by the 5th - 6th day of the disease. For abscesses of staphylococcal etiology, the subpleural location is characteristic, the predominant localization in the right lung. The formation of an abscess proceeds rapidly, accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the condition, hyperthermia, an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular insufficiency. With the formation of large purulent cavities, auscultatory reveals amphoric breathing, wheezing with a metallic tinge.

One of the severe manifestations of staphylococcal infection is purulent pleurisy. Development purulent pleurisy is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the patient’s condition: a pained expression appears, chest pain, painful cough; body temperature becomes hectic, shortness of breath increases, cyanosis increases. In patients with a large amount of purulent effusion in the pleural cavity, asymmetry is noted chest, smoothness of the intercostal spaces, lagging in the act of breathing of the diseased half of the chest from the healthy one, the mediastinal organs may be displaced. Percussion above the exudate zone is determined by a distinct dullness, weakening of voice trembling, bronchophony. The severity of physical data depends on the localization of pleurisy (parietal, basal, interlobar).

Gastrointestinal diseases

Gastrointestinal diseases of staphylococcal etiology in children are common and are characterized by various clinical variants.

Classification of acute intestinal infections of staphylococcal etiology:

Type:

typical;

Gastrointestinal (food poisoning):

• gastritis;
• gastroenteritis;
• gastroenterocolitis.

Diarrhea (enteritis and enterocolitis) in young children:

• primary;
• secondary;
• as a result of dysbacteriosis.

  Staphylococcal intestinal mixed infections.

  Atypical:

  • erased;
  • asymptomatic.

  By gravity:

  Light form.

  Medium form.

  Severe form.

  Severity Criteria:

  • the severity of local changes.

  With the flow:

  A. By duration:

  Acute (up to 1 month).

  Prolonged (up to 3 months).

  Chronic (more than 3 months).

  B. By nature:

  Non-smooth:

  • with complications;
  • with relapses and exacerbations;

  Typical shapes

  The gastrointestinal form (gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroenterocolitis) develops in older children.

  The incubation period is short (several hours). The disease begins acutely, there are sharp pains in the epigastric region, repeated vomiting, weakness, dizziness, hyper- or hypothermia. At the same time, pronounced pathological changes in the nervous system (convulsions) and cardiovascular disorders (acrocyanosis, muffled heart tones, thready pulse, lowering blood pressure) can be noted. In some patients, a punctate or petechial rash appears. The disease can proceed according to the gastritis variant (with damage only to the stomach), however, in most patients, the small intestine (gastroenteritis) is involved in the pathological process, and less often the large intestine (gastroenterocolitis). The chair is usually frequent, liquid, watery with an admixture of mucus. In severe cases, along with toxicosis, exsicosis develops. When conducting timely adequate therapy after 6-8 hours, the symptoms of intoxication decrease and disappear by the end of the day. At the end of the first week of the disease, the stool returns to normal and recovery occurs. Complications are rare.

  Causes of staphylococcus in children

  Historical data on staphylococcus aureus

  Historical data. Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the skin, soft tissues and internal organs have been known since ancient times. In 1880, L. Pasteur first discovered pathogens in pus from a boil and called them "pyogenic vibrios." In 1884 they were studied and described by F. Rosenbach under the name "staphylococci". Great merit in the study of staphylococcal diseases belongs to domestic scientists: M. G. Danilevich, V. A. Tsinzerling, V. A. Khrushchova, O. I. Bazan, G. N. Vygodchikov, G. N. Chistovich, G. A. Timofeeva, A.K. Akatov, V.V. Smirnova, G.A. Samsygina.

  The causative agent of staphylococcus

  Etiology. The causative agents of staphylococcal diseases are bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, which includes 19 species.

  The most important in human pathology are 3 types of staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), epidermal (S. epi-dermidis), saprophytic (S. saprophytics). The type of Staphylococcus aureus includes at least 6 biovars (A, B, C, D, E, F). The causative agent of human diseases is biovar A, the remaining variants are pathogenic for various animals and birds.

  Staphylococci have a spherical shape, their diameter is 0.5-1.5 microns, gram-positive. In smears from a pure culture, microorganisms are located in clusters resembling bunches of grapes; in smears from pus, short chains, single and paired cocci are found. Staphylococci do not have flagella and do not form spores. Some strains form a capsule or microcapsule, mainly of a polysaccharide nature. Staphylococci grow well on ordinary nutrient media with a pH of 7.2-7.4 at a temperature of +37 ° C; form enzymes that break down many carbohydrates and proteins.

  In the pathogenesis of staphylococcal infection, highest value have plasmacoagulase, DNAase, hyaluronidase, lecithinase, fibrinolysin, proteinase.

  Plasmocoagulase causes plasma coagulation; hyaluronidase promotes the spread of staphylococci in tissues; lecithinase destroys lecithin, which is part of cell membranes; fibrinolysin dissolves fibrin, delimiting the local inflammatory focus, contributing to the generalization of the pathological process.

  The pathogenicity of staphylococcus is primarily due to the ability to produce toxins: hemolysins - alpha (a), beta (p), gamma (y), delta (5), epsilon (e), leukocidin, exfoliative, enterotoxins (A, B, Cj , Cr, D, E, F), TOKCHH-1.

  The main hemolysin group is a-hemolysin, produced by Staphylococcus aureus. It causes tissue damage, dermonecrotic, neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects.

  • α-hemolysin has a cytotoxic effect on amnion cells and human fibroblasts, monkey kidney cells, HeLa tissue cultures, platelets, macrophages.
  • p-hemolysin lyses the erythrocytes of humans, rabbits, sheep, dogs, birds, and has a lytic effect on leukocytes.
  • γ-hemolysin has a wide spectrum of cytotoxic activity, including low doses, like cholera enterotoxin, causes an increase in the level of cAMP and an increase in the secretion of Na+ and C1+ ions into the intestinal lumen.

  Leukocidin has a detrimental effect on phagocytic cells, mainly polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages, and has a pronounced antigenic activity.

  Exfoliative toxins cause staphylococcal "scalded skin" syndrome in humans.

  Staphylococcal enterotoxins are thermostable, resistant to proteolytic enzymes, cause food poisoning in children. Enterotoxins cause the development of changes in the intestine similar to pseudomembranous enterocolitis, cause toxic shock syndrome, affect immunocompetent cells and their precursors.

  Toxin-1 (TSST-1) is found only in some strains of Staphylococcus aureus and causes the development of toxic shock syndrome.

  The surface structures of microbial cells of staphylococci represent complex system antigens with various biological activities. The following have antigenic properties: peptidoglycan, teichoic acids, protein A, flocculating factor, type-specific agglutinogens, polysaccharide capsule.

  Peptidoglycan has an endotoxin-like effect (pyrogenicity, reproduction of the Schwartzmann phenomenon, complement activation, etc.).

  Teichoic acids cause complement activation in the classical way, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.

  Protein A is present in the cell wall of S. aureus and is capable of non-specific binding to the Fc fragment of IgG, has the properties of a precipitinogen and an agglutinogen.

  The flocculating factor prevents efficient phagocytosis.

  The polysaccharide capsule is not a component of the staphylococcus cell wall, but is structurally related to it and is considered as a surface somatic antigen. The biological activity of capsular polysaccharides is expressed mainly in their antiphagocytic action.

  Staphylococci have a number of plasmids that have signs of resistance to antibiotics, the ability to synthesize coagulase, hemolytic toxins, fibrinolysin, pigments. Plasmids of resistance are easily transferred from Staphylococcus aureus to epidermal, from staphylococci to Escherichia coli, hay bacillus and other bacteria.

  During infectious process staphylococci can change their enzymatic, invasive and toxigenic properties.

  Staphylococcus aureus forms a golden yellow pigment, a capsule; synthesizes coagulase, a-toxin; protein A and teichoic acids are present on the surface of the cell wall.

  Staphylococci aureus are subdivided into three lytic (I, II, III) and three serological (A, B, F) groups, within which fagovars are isolated.

  Epidermal Staphylococcus aureus synthesizes the pigment yellow or white color; protein A is absent in the cell wall; sensitive to novobiocin; does not produce coagulase and a-toxin.

  Saprophytic staphylococcus forms a lemon-yellow pigment, does not have protein A, does not produce a-toxin and coagulase.

  Staphylococci are stable in the external environment: they tolerate drying well, and under the influence of direct sunlight they die only after a few hours. At room temperature, they remain viable on items of solid inventory for tens of days, items for patient care for 35-50 days. Especially long remain on foodstuff, in particular, fruit (till 3 6 months). When boiled, they die instantly, at a temperature of +80 ° C - after 20 minutes, under the influence of dry steam - after 2 hours. Less resistant to the action of chemical agents: 3% phenol solution and 0.1% sublimate solution kill them within 15-30 min, 1% aqueous solution of chloramine - 2-5 min.

  Source of staph infection

  Epidemiology. The main source of infection is a person - a patient or a bacteriocarrier; pets are of secondary importance. The greatest danger is represented by persons with staphylococcal lesions of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis), gastrointestinal tract (gastroenterocolitis, enterocolitis). The main reservoir of staphylococcus are bacteria carriers, in which the pathogen is localized on the nasal mucosa.

  Transmission mechanisms: drip, contact, fecal-oral.

  Ways of transmission - airborne, airborne, contact-household, food. Indoor air becomes infected when coughing, sneezing, dry cleaning. The spread of the pathogen is facilitated by overcrowding of the wards, poor lighting, insufficient ventilation, violation of the rules of disinfection, asepsis and antisepsis. Transmission of the pathogen is possible through the use of infected food (milk and dairy products, creams, confectionery).

  Infection of children with staphylococcus aureus

  Infection can occur antenatal and intranatal. In newborns and children of the first six months of life, the contact-household transmission route prevails. Infection is carried out through the hands of personnel or the mother, through contact with contaminated care items, toys, as well as through the use of infected mixtures and milk.

  Staphylococcal infection is recorded in the form of sporadic cases and group diseases. Epidemic outbreaks in maternity hospitals, departments for newborns and premature babies, children's homes, children's surgical and infectious diseases hospitals are described.

  The highest incidence of staphylococcal infection is observed among newborns and children of the first six months of life. This is due to anatomical and physiological features, the state of local immunity, specific and nonspecific protection factors. Children with a burdened premorbid background (early artificial feeding, exudative catarrhal diathesis, rickets, malnutrition, dysbacteriosis, perinatal CNS damage) who receive antibacterial and corticosteroid therapy are especially often sick.

  Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of staphylococcal infection in all countries. According to WHO, up to 50% of cases of sepsis are caused by staphylococcus aureus.

  Staphylococcal infection does not have a pronounced seasonality, cases of the disease are recorded throughout the year.

  Pathogenesis. Entrance gates (with exogenous infection) are damaged skin, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract, conjunctiva, umbilical wound. At the site of the introduction of the pathogen, a primary purulent-inflammatory focus occurs. In the mechanism of limiting the focus, the reaction of regional lymph nodes is of great importance. In young children, due to a decrease in the content of granulocytes in the blood and the ability to digest microbes, phagocytosis of virulent strains of staphylococcus is incomplete; persistent and prolonged bacteremia occurs. Enzymes secreted by staphylococci contribute to the multiplication of microbes in the inflammatory focus and spread to the tissue (lymphogenous and hematogenous routes).

  Bacteremia contribute to malnutrition, beriberi, irrational use of antibiotics. As a result of the reproduction and death of staphylococci, a significant amount of toxin accumulates in the macroorganism, which leads to the development of general intoxication. Clinical manifestations of staphylococcal infection are diverse and are caused by various types of staphylococcal toxins. With the predominance of hemolysins, lesions of organs and tissues with hemorrhagic syndrome develop, with the production of toxin-1 - toxic shock syndrome, with exposure to enterotoxins - damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

  In the pathogenesis of staphylococcal diseases, the age of patients, the state of specific and nonspecific resistance are of great importance.

  Pathomorphology. At the site of introduction of the pathogen, an inflammatory focus appears, which is characterized by serous hemorrhagic exudate, a zone of necrosis, surrounded by leukocyte infiltration and accumulation of staphylococci. Perhaps the formation of microabscesses with their subsequent merger into large foci.

  Staphylococcal pneumonia is characterized by multiple foci of inflammation and destruction.

  With staphylococcal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring as a foodborne toxic infection, there is predominant defeat stomach and small intestine. These organs are somewhat dilated, their lumen contains a greenish-yellow liquid. The mucous membrane is full-blooded, swollen, gray pityriasis deposits are noted, occasionally massive fibrinous-purulent membranous overlays. Lymph follicles (Peyer's patches) are enlarged and swollen. In the colon, only plethora is often determined.

  In primary and secondary staphylococcal enteritis and enterocolitis, the maximum changes are detected in the large intestine. The mucous membrane of the intestines with pronounced focal hyperemia and hemorrhages. The folds are thickened, covered with mucus, and in some places with yellowish-gray, grayish-brown or dirty green membranous overlays, which are easily separated with the formation of ulcers.

  Pathological findings in sepsis are varied. Often, with very violent clinical manifestations, morphological changes are very meager. Characterized by icteric staining of the skin and sclera, hemorrhages on the skin and in internal organs, especially in the kidneys, vein thrombosis. The spleen is significantly enlarged, flabby, with abundant scraping on the cut. In all parenchymal organs and the heart muscle show signs of dystrophy and fatty infiltration.

  Classification of staphylococci in children

  By prevalence:

  Localized forms with lesions:

  • skin, subcutaneous tissue (staphyloderma, multiple skin abscesses, folliculosis, staphylococcal infection with scarlet fever syndrome);
  • lymphatic system (lymphadenitis, lymphangitis);
  • mucous membranes (conjunctivitis, stomatitis);
  • ENT organs (rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis, otitis media);
  • bones, joints (osteomyelitis, arthritis);
  • respiratory system (laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy);
  • digestive system (esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, colitis, cholecystitis);
  • nervous system (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, brain abscess);
  • genitourinary system (urethritis, cystitis, adnexitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, kidney abscesses).

  Generalized forms:

  • septicemia;
  • septicopyemia.

  By gravity:

  Light form.

  Medium form.

  Severe form.

  Severity Criteria:

  • severity of intoxication syndrome;
  • the severity of local changes;

  With the flow:

  A. By duration:

  Acute (up to 1 month).

  Prolonged (up to 3 months).

  Chronic (more than 3 months). B. By nature:

  Non-smooth:

  • with complications;
  • with a layer of secondary infection;
  • with exacerbation of chronic diseases.

  Staphylococcal diseases in children

  Staphylococcal enteritis and enterocolitis

  Primary staphylococcal enteritis and enterocolitis arise as a result of food or contact-household infection, which often occurs already in the maternity hospital (from mothers, medical personnel, etc.). Sick more often weakened children, mainly the first year of life, who are on artificial or mixed feeding, with manifestations of rickets, anemia, malnutrition, exudative-catarrhal diathesis.

  The disease begins acutely or gradually. Regurgitation, anxiety, fever (subfebrile, less often febrile), pallor of the skin are noted. The chair gradually becomes more frequent, retains a fecal character, contains a large amount of mucus; by the end of the week, streaks of blood may appear. The abdomen is swollen, the liver is often enlarged, less often the spleen. The frequency of stools in mild forms does not exceed 5-6 times, in moderate forms - 10-15 times a day. Intestinal dysfunction is often prolonged, the stool returns to normal no earlier than the 3-4th week of illness. Subfebrile condition persists for 1-2 weeks; exacerbations are often observed.

  Secondary enteritis and enterocolitis are a manifestation of a generalized staphylococcal infection. In these cases, the lesion of the gastrointestinal tract joins other foci of staphylococcal infection (otitis media, pneumonia, staphyloderma). The leading clinical symptoms are: subfebrile (or febrile) body temperature, persistent regurgitation or vomiting, persistent anorexia, bowel dysfunction, weight loss, anemia. In such patients, intestinal damage begins gradually, enterocolitis, including ulcerative necrotic, is characteristic. The disease is severe with severe symptoms of toxicosis and, often, toxicosis. With the development of ulcerative necrotic colitis, there is a sharp deterioration in the general condition of the child, an increase in dyspeptic disorders, bloating, the appearance of mucus, blood, and sometimes pus in the stool. Possible perforation of the intestine with the development of peritonitis. High lethality is noted.

  In these cases, damage to the gastrointestinal tract is caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of staphylococcus, which multiply rapidly in the absence or with a decrease in obligate intestinal microflora (full-fledged Escherichia coli, bifidumbacterium, lactobacilli, etc.). The most common are staphylococcal enteritis and pseudomembranous staphylococcal enterocolitis (it is difficult, cholera-like syndrome is characteristic, intestinal ulcers may develop).

  Staphylococcal intestinal mixed infections occur as a result of exposure to the body of both pathogenic staphylococcus, and other microbes (Shigella, Escherichia, Salmonella) and viruses. In most cases, mixed infections are exogenous in nature and are severe.

  Forms of staphylococcal enteritis and enterocolitis

  Atypical forms

  The erased form is characterized by the absence of symptoms of intoxication with mild and short-term intestinal dysfunction.

  Asymptomatic form: clinical manifestations are absent; there is a repeated seeding of pathogenic staphylococcus in diagnostic concentrations and / or an increase in the titer of specific antibodies in the dynamics of the study.

  Complications of staphylococcal enteritis and enterocolitis

  Damage to the nervous system of staphylococcal etiology (purulent meningitis, meningoencephalitis). More common in young children, especially newborns, are one of the manifestations of staphylococcal sepsis. Rarely there is a primary lesion of the meninges. The occurrence of meningitis and meningoencephalitis is promoted by cranial injuries of various origins.

  In infants, meningoencephalitis is more often observed, which begins with severe cerebral symptoms. Anxiety appears, followed by drowsiness, vomiting, body temperature rises to 39-40 ° C, there is a tremor of the chin, hands, convulsive readiness, skin hyperesthesia. Tension and bulging of the large fontanel, clonic-tonic convulsions are determined; focal neurological symptoms are observed. Meningeal symptoms are usually mild.

  In older children, the pathological process is often more limited. The clinical picture is dominated by symptoms of damage to the meninges (meningitis). In patients, along with severe fever, there is repeated vomiting, chills, weakness, photophobia. Meningeal syndrome is determined from the first days of illness. Focal neurological symptoms are unstable and disappear by the end of the first week of the disease.

  A feature of staphylococcal meningitis and meningoencephalitis is a tendency to a protracted undulating course, abscess formation and frequent involvement of the brain substance in the inflammatory process. The formation of severe residual changes in the central nervous system (hydrocephalus, epilepsy, etc.) is characteristic.

  Lesions of the genitourinary system of staphylococcal etiology are manifested in the form of urethritis, cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, ogous nephritis. Clinical symptoms indicating involvement in the pathological process urinary tract and kidneys, do not differ from similar manifestations caused by other bacterial flora. Urinalysis reveals leukocyturia, hematuria, cylindruria, proteinuria.

  Staphylococcal diseases - sepsis in children

  Generalized forms of staphylococcal infection (septicemia, septicopyemia) are more common in young children. The risk group for the development of sepsis is preterm infants, children with perinatal dystrophy and hypoxia. Depending on the entrance gate, the following forms of sepsis are distinguished: umbilical, skin, pulmonary, enteral, tonsillogenic, otogenic.

  According to clinical and anatomical signs and symptoms, two variants of sepsis are distinguished: septicemia (sepsis without metastases) and septicopyemia (sepsis with metastases).

  The course of sepsis can be acute (fulminant), acute, subacute and chronic.

  With fulminant sepsis, the onset is stormy. Body temperature rises to 39.5-40 ° C, intoxication appears, hemodynamic disorders and acidosis increase. At the end of the first day of the disease, a clinic of infectious-toxic shock may develop (earth-gray skin color, acrocyanosis, pointed facial features, tachycardia, thready pulse, expansion of the boundaries and weakening of heart sounds, lowering blood pressure, toxic dyspnea, anuria). The cause of death is acute adrenal insufficiency due to hemorrhages in the adrenal glands.

  At acute course Sepsis is characterized by fever up to 39-40 ° C, chills are possible. During the 1st week. illness, body temperature remains at febrile levels, only in more late dates(from the 2nd week) takes on a typical septic character (with daily ranges of 1-1.5 ° C). In the early period of the disease, a small-dotted, small-spotted or hemorrhagic rash may be observed. There are symptoms characteristic of a septic condition: agitation or lethargy, jaundice of the skin, dry mucous membranes, tachypnea, tachycardia, intestinal paresis, hepatosplenomegaly, delayed or increased stool, decreased diuresis. In the future, secondary septic foci appear (abscessing pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, endomyocarditis). Lethality is high.

  Subacute course of sepsis: characterized by a gradual onset at normal or subfebrile body temperature, anxiety or lethargy, loss of appetite; there is periodic vomiting, stopping weight gain, bloating, intestinal dysfunction. In the future, malnutrition and anemia increase, the liver and spleen increase, and subicteric skin appears. The disease is often accompanied by sluggish secondary foci (pneumonia, otitis media, enterocolitis).

  Staphylococcal sepsis can take a chronic course, which is associated with the formation of metastatic foci and the development of an immunodeficiency state.

  By severity, staphylococcal diseases are divided into mild, moderate and severe.

  With a mild form, the body temperature rises to 38.5 ° C, the symptoms of intoxication are moderate. Local changes and functional disorders are minor.

  In the moderate form, the body temperature is increased to 38.6-39.5 ° C. The symptoms of intoxication and local changes are pronounced.

  The severe form is characterized by fever above 39.5 °C, pronounced changes in the nervous and cardiovascular systems, severe metabolic disorders and local manifestations.

  Current (by duration).

  In most patients, the course of staphylococcal diseases is acute (up to 1 month). However, in newborns and infants with a burdened premorbid background, as well as in older children with an immunodeficiency state, the pathological process can take a protracted (up to 3 months) or chronic course (more than 3 months).

  Flow (by nature).

  It can be smooth and non-smooth (with complications, exacerbations of chronic diseases, etc.).

  Features of staphylococcal infection in young children

  In newborns and infants, staphylococcal diseases occupy a leading place in infectious pathology. They are especially common in newborns and premature babies suffering from malnutrition, exudative-catarrhal diathesis, weakened by concomitant diseases. In newborns, the causative agents are St. aureus, St. epidermidis and St. saprophyticus; in infants - mainly St. aureus. Risk factors for the development of purulent-inflammatory diseases of staphylococcal etiology are: complicated course of pregnancy and childbirth, perinatal pathology of the child, etc.

  Forms of staphylococcal infection

  Among the localized forms, omphalitis, vesiculopustulosis, neonatal pemphigus, Ritter's exfoliative dermatitis, pyoderma, pemphigus, panaritium, paronychia, lymphadenitis, otitis media, mastitis, conjunctivitis, enteritis and enterocolitis are often found.

  A severe manifestation of staphylococcal infection is phlegmon of newborns, in which extensive purulent-necrotic processes develop in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, more often on the back and neck. The disease is accompanied by severe fever, severe intoxication, a sharp violation of the general condition, vomiting.

  Generalized forms are characterized by severe severity. The following symptoms are noted: excitement or lethargy of the child, anorexia; regurgitation, vomiting, hypothermia are possible. The skin is pale gray, cyanosis increases, icterus of the sclera appears; edematous and hemorrhagic syndromes develop. As a result of metabolic disorders and circulatory disorders, shortness of breath, chest swelling, tachycardia, intestinal paresis, hepatosplenomegaly, and enterocolitis occur. Sepsis in newborns is often fatal.

  Diagnosis of a staphylococcal infection

  Supporting and diagnostic signs of staphylococcal infection:

  • characteristic epidemiological anamnesis;
  • local focus of staphylococcal infection;
  • fever;
  • intoxication syndrome;
  • polyorganism of the lesion;
  • tendency to flow.

  Laboratory diagnosis of staphylococcal infection

  The bacteriological method is decisive for the etiological confirmation of the diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the disease and the localization of the pathological process, the material is taken from the mucous membrane of the pharynx, oral cavity, nose, larynx; skin, wounds, purulent foci. In generalized forms, bacteriological examination involves culture of blood, urine, bile, bone marrow punctate, pleural, cerebrospinal and synovial fluid. In the intestinal form of the disease, crops of feces, vomit, gastric lavage, food debris, and breast milk are cultured.

  In the case of a study of sectional material, blood from the heart, palatine tonsils, lungs, liver, spleen, small and large intestines, mesenteric lymph nodes, contents of the stomach, intestines, and gallbladder are subjected to bacteriological examination. Crops are carried out on solid nutrient media - yolk-salt agar, blood agar, milk-salt agar. Of diagnostic significance is the isolation of staphylococcus only in the first days of the disease in monoculture and in a diagnostically significant concentration (> 105-106 CFU per 1 g of material). Laboratory study, in addition to quantitative assessment of contamination, includes the determination of the potential pathogenicity of staphylococcus: plasma coagulation reaction, mannitol fermentation under anaerobic conditions, DNase activity, hemolyzing ability, lecithinase test, hyaluronidase activity, toxigenicity. Of great importance is the establishment of the phagotype, genotype of pathogenic staphylococci, as well as sensitivity to antibiotics.

  The serological method of research is used to detect antibodies in the blood serum: agglutinins and a-anti-toxins. For this purpose, an agglutination reaction with a museum strain of staphylococcus "505" or an autostrain in the dynamics of the disease is used. A titer of agglutinins in RA of 1:100 or an increase in the titer of specific antibodies by 4 times or more is considered diagnostic.

  The staphylococcal etiology of the disease is also confirmed by the increase in the titer of antistaphylolysin in the neutralization reaction.

  Express diagnostic methods: radioimmune, enzyme immunoassay and latex agglutination.

  Differential diagnosis of staphylococcal infection

  Differential diagnosis of staphylococcal infection is carried out with localized and generalized forms of purulent-inflammatory diseases of a different etiology. Clinical diagnosis without laboratory confirmation is almost impossible. Differential diagnosis of primary lesions of the gastrointestinal tract of staphylococcal etiology with other acute intestinal infections is presented in Table.

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

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

Symptoms and signs of the disease

Staphylococcus aureus has different symptoms, which depend on the form of infection.

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

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

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

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

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

Tests for staphylococcus

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

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

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

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

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

It’s another matter if it grows:

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

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

How to treat Staphylococcus aureus in children

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

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

1. Drug treatment:

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

2. Treatment with folk remedies:

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

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

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

What kind of bacteria are these?

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

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

Causes and methods of infection

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

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

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

Insects can also be carriers of these microorganisms, so it is recommended to treat bites without fail. soda solution or brilliant green.

Classification of staphylococci

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

Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria can live both on the skin and on any mucous membranes. This type of microorganism is dangerous because it can enter the blood of a person with a weakened immune system and cause inflammation of the endocardium (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 an inflammatory process of any severity. In addition, people of all ages are equally susceptible to infection, but Staphylococcus aureus is more common in children and the elderly. Their bodies are weakened due to various viral infections and chronic diseases.

This strain is characterized by extreme resistance and is able to withstand extremely high temperatures, exposure 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.

Staphylococcus in children

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 diseases force most parents to seek professional help doctors

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

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

Symptoms of Staphylococcus epidermidis

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

Manifestations of hemolytic staphylococcus

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

Manifestations of a saprophytic strain

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

Staphylococcus aureus

The most insidious and widespread strain is Staphylococcus aureus. It can affect any of the child’s organs, causing inflammatory and purulent processes in it that are difficult to treat 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 can be damage to the membranes of the brain or respiratory system, as well as acute renal failure.

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

Skin manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus

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

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

The body's reaction to staphylococcal infection

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

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

Treatment of staph infection

When considering methods of combating staphylococcal infection, you need to remember that this disease, regardless of its severity, should be treated exclusively by a specialist. And before 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 104, treatment will be limited to taking vitamins and immunomodulators, such as IRS-19, Imudon or Broncho-munal. This degree of severity of the disease does not pose a danger to either an adult or a child. However, it is impossible to hope that microorganisms can be quickly eliminated. Over the next months, you will need to monitor the patient's health status, and then undergo a re-examination.

If staphylococcus is diagnosed in infants, and the CEC indicator is above 10 to 104, cephalosporin drugs are added antibacterial agents: “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 to 104. 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.

Staphylococcus aureus lives in the throat, localizing mainly on the mucous membranes. Its colonization is observed in the nasal cavity and other organs, in particular the intestines. Under the influence of provocateurs, infectious and inflammatory processes develop.

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus bacteria are divided into several main types. The development of certain diseases depends on their group affiliation. The only similarity between all representatives of bacteria is settling on the mucous membranes. Microbes affect the skin, intestines and nasopharynx. The main representatives of staphylococci are:

• saprophytic;
• epidermal;
• golden.

Staphylococcus aureus can lead to severe damage to the body. It is a provocateur of many diseases, in particular blood poisoning, sepsis and meningitis. These are the most severe complications that can lead to death.

Often the bacterium acts as a provocateur of peritonitis, pneumonia and infections of the musculoskeletal system.

The disease transferred in early childhood can affect the mental and physical development child.

Basic treatment methods

How to treat Staphylococcus aureus in a child, and by what algorithm is this carried out? The optimal tactics are selected by a specialist based on examination of the patient and laboratory tests. Treatment cannot begin without an accurate diagnosis. All experts try to adhere to the following algorithm:

• drug therapy;
• recovery;
• prevention

Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. For this purpose, antibiotic therapy is used. It negatively affects bacteria and also affects the immune system. To restore protective functions, immunostimulating drugs and vitamin complexes are used.

Additionally observed preventive actions, which are based on hygiene, proper food processing and avoidance of contact with sick children.

Standard treatment regimen

The treatment regimen for Staphylococcus aureus in a child has its own characteristics. The standard uses the algorithm described above. However, it can change and be adjusted depending on the condition of the baby and the severity of the damage to the body.

To eliminate severe forms of diseases, drugs belonging to the penicillin group are used. Staphylococcus is sensitive to these medications. The most popular remedy is Amoxiclav. If a child has an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, it is replaced with cephalosporins. These drugs are no less effective. The most common drugs are Kefzol and Ceftriaxone.

The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the disease. This period can vary from one week to 60 days. For purulent skin lesions, in particular furunculosis and impetigo, it is appropriate to use drugs local action. This may be Mupirocin or Pleuromutilin. Experts allow the use of more gentle drugs, in particular antibacterial ointments (Bactroban), brilliant green and hydrogen peroxide.

How to cure Staphylococcus aureus in a child with damage to the organs of vision? For this purpose, a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a 30% solution of albucid is used. The use of bacteriophage and immunoglobulin is possible. Such an effect is appropriate for sepsis and severe course of any disease.

If staphylococcus has caused food poisoning, antibiotics are not used. In this case, it is necessary to lavage the stomach and give the child Regidron.

Treatment regimen for intestinal infection

If Staphylococcus aureus is detected in the intestines, treatment in children is carried out according to a certain algorithm:

• gastric lavage;
• purgation;
• special diet;
• drug therapy.

To stop the spread of infection, it is necessary to cleanse the stomach and intestines. For this purpose, a bacteriophage is used and several enemas are performed. The baby is fed with Alfare milk formula. To normalize intestinal function and prevent the development of dysbiosis, it is appropriate to use Bifiliz.

Treatment of staphylococcus in the intestines is mandatory if the microbe has begun to actively reproduce. In particular, if diathesis appears on the child’s skin. The therapy is accompanied by bacteriophages; these drugs are used for a month.

Impact through traditional medicine

The pathogenic microorganism can be eliminated through alternative medicine. This is an auxiliary technique that is skillfully combined with the main treatment regimen. Traditional medicine is based on the use of medicinal herbs.

Healing properties and common chamomile. An infusion of the plant helps to cope with lesions of the nasal passages and oral cavity. A decoction based on St. John's wort has a good effect.

The use of folk remedies in childhood has a beneficial effect on the baby’s condition. Healing herbs have a positive effect on the body and do not cause allergic reactions. Regarding combining traditional medicine with traditional methods, you should consult your doctor.

Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous microorganism for a child. It needs to be properly diagnosed and treated.

The optimal therapy regimen is selected by a specialist based on the child’s condition.

Drug treatment is complemented by restorative procedures for the intestines and compliance with preventive measures.

The very phrase “staphylococcus in children” causes anxiety and sometimes panic among parents. Meanwhile, the development of a dangerous staphylococcal infection requires specific conditions, which, oddly enough, most often occur in medical institutions. What kind of “beast” is this terrible staphylococcus, and how does it really threaten children’s health?

Some types of staphylococci are extremely dangerous for the health of children; they take a long and “tedious” time to treat. Therefore, it is very important for parents to know under what conditions staphylococci “transform” into a staphylococcal infection.

What kind of “beast” is staphylococcus?

Staphylococcus is a bacterium, a special microbe. It coexists with humans as closely as hundreds of other microorganisms. There are a great many varieties of staphylococcus - today doctors already know about 27 types of this microbe. Of these, about 14 constantly live on the skin and in the human body, and of these 14, only 3 are considered potentially dangerous to human health. Moreover, there is no organ in the human body (and in particular a child) where staphylococcus cannot live and reproduce .

Staphylococcus in children can cause an impressive number of various diseases - from a common pimple on the skin to inflammation of the kidneys, from intestinal infection to purulent meningitis and so on. There are also “sores” that are caused only by staphylococcus (and most often by Staphylococcus aureus) and no other microbe - for example, barley in the eye, a boil on the skin, and others.

But there is no reason to be afraid ahead of time. Since (we repeat!) only three types of staphylococcus are really dangerous to the health of adults and children. Moreover, even their detection in the human body does not mean the development of an infection - special conditions are required for the onset of the disease. The main one is a greatly weakened immune system.

According to data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 65% of the urban population (including children from newborn age) have staphylococcus constantly present on the skin. In another 20%, this microbe appears sporadically.

Moreover, according to the same WHO, one of the types of dangerous staphylococcus - namely Staphylococcus aureus - most often causes an infectious disease in people who are hospitalized (about 35% of all cases of Staphylococcus aureus in children are registered in hospitals). Simply put, the greatest chance of catching Staphylococcus aureus occurs not just anywhere, but in a hospital ward. After all, one of the conditions for the potential development of infection is a weakened body with low immunity. Where do people (including children!) with weakened immune systems “gather”? Of course, in medical hospitals...

Staphylococcus and staphylococcal infection in children are fundamentally different things!

The presence of staphylococcus in a child’s body is far from a reason to panic and run around pharmacies in search of the most expensive antibiotics. As we have already mentioned, more than 80% of the population carries staphylococcus on themselves or in themselves, and most of them never “bother” to get a staphylococcal infection in their lives.

The real development of staphylococcal infection in children is indicated not by a positive test for staphylococcus, but by the resulting symptoms of staphylococcal infectious disease:

• heat;
• the appearance of purulent mucus;
• redness;
• painful sensation (as a rule, it appears exactly in the place where the inflammatory process occurs).

A typical manifestation of staphylococcal infection is purulent inflammation, which can develop anywhere in a child’s body (although most often it occurs in the nasopharynx). And if staphylococcus is detected during the analysis, but no purulent processes are observed in the child’s body, then there can be no talk of any staphylococcal infection.

This situation only means that your baby and staphylococcus coexist peacefully with each other, and the child’s immune system successfully controls this “settlement” of microbes in his body.

Staphylococcus and herpes: what is the connection?

Alas, in children quite often the background and stimulus for the development of staphylococcal infection is the course of a herpetic infection. The thing is that the herpes virus in children has an extremely pronounced ability to suppress the immune system.

Therefore, in children, against the background of a herpes infection, a staphylococcal infection very often occurs. If this trouble happened to a child once - a staphylococcal infection occurred against the background of herpes - then in this case, experienced doctors advise parents to focus their main efforts not on fighting staphylococcus, but on fighting recurrent herpes, so that in the future they simply do not give “soil” for development of staphylococcal infection.

The most dangerous staphylococci for children: golden and company

So, in the company of those 14 types of staphylococci that are constantly present in most people (including children), the majority are relatively peaceful. And only 3 species have the potential to cause serious and dangerous diseases. This:

• Staphylococcus aureus;
• Staphylococcus epidermidis;
• saprophytic staphylococcus.

In children, the harmful activity of the first two microbes is most often observed, but the activity saprophytic staphylococcus - a rare event. The habitat of saprophytic staphylococcus is the skin in the genital area and the mucous membrane of the urinary canal, so it most often causes inflammation Bladder or kidneys.

Staphylococcus epidermidis lives exclusively on the skin, but - what a paradox! - and never causes any skin ulcers. Most often, a microbe from the surface of the skin seeps into the body (through wounds, scratches, as well as “riding” any medical equipment such as drainage tubes, etc.) and causes inflammatory processes in blood vessels, joints, can cause blood poisoning, etc.

But the most notorious among the trio is Staphylococcus aureus. This microbe is one of the most harmful and tenacious types among all other varieties of staphylococci that are potentially hazardous to health. In the process of its life activity, this microbe creates a huge amount of poisons and toxins, and is capable of multiplying in almost any environment (even in a salt solution, in ethyl alcohol or in a solution of hydrogen peroxide). This microbe survives at temperatures of 150 ° C. In addition, Staphylococcus aureus quickly develops resistance to antibiotics and for effective treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection it is usually difficult to select a “killer” drug. Therefore, treatment of this type of infection in children often takes several months.

“Hospital” Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most harmful and persistent. Unlike “domestic” ones, microbes that have survived numerous sanitary treatments, quartz treatments and airings acquire literally “iron-concrete” resistance to most drugs. Any doctor will confirm that becoming infected with Staphylococcus aureus in a hospital or outside its walls are two huge differences. The most terrible and long-lasting purulent infections in children are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which the baby “caught” in the hospital.

Staphylococcus aureus is able to live and reproduce in any organ baby body and causes about a hundred of the most dangerous diseases (most of these diseases are caused only by Staphylococcus aureus and no other microbe). Among the most terrible diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus are: osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone tissue), damage to the heart valves, staphylococcal sepsis, staphylococcal meningitis and others.

Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus produces strongest poisons and toxins. One of these toxins sometimes affects newborn babies, causing inflammation on the skin in the form of numerous blisters (like burns). In the medical and parental community, this disease is more often referred to as “scalded baby disease.” And the culprit of this whole nightmare is Staphylococcus aureus!

Treatment of staphylococcus in children

Staphylococcal infections in children are usually treated long and difficult. And since staphylococcus itself is a microbe by nature, most of the diseases caused by it require antimicrobial therapy (taking antibiotics). At the initial stage of this therapy, the doctor must not only clarify the type of staphylococcus that attacked the child’s body, but also determine its sensitivity to various types of antimicrobial drugs in order to select the most effective one.

In addition, when treating staphylococcal infections in children, naturally, special attention is paid to purulent foci located in the internal organs - they are usually removed by surgery.

If the occurrence of a staphylococcal infection was influenced by the presence of another disease that weakened the immune system (as already in the mentioned case, when a staphylococcal infection immediately develops against the background of a herpes infection), then treatment also includes prophylaxis against this disease.

Finally, when treating any staphylococcal infection, various measures are usually carried out to strengthen general immunity- after all, while it is weakened or “undermined”, the risk of another staphylococcal infection is quite high.

Prevention of staphylococcal infection in children: you need to live like neighbors

And yet! No matter how terrible and dangerous staphylococci are (and even the most formidable of them - Staphylococcus aureus), most healthy people and children peacefully coexist with it throughout their lives. Our immune system, being in a normal “working” state, is capable of completely blocking any activity of staphylococci.

And only a serious weakening of the immune system (due to injury, any disease, prolonged exhaustion of the body, etc.) gives real chances dangerous staphylococci attack the child's body. Thus, there is only one preventive measure that is really effective against any staphylococcal infections - maintaining immunity in an exemplary manner.

What usually contributes to healthy eating, systematic hardening, active recreation, frequent and long walks in the fresh air. And any responsible parent knows this list of “events” by heart!