What is staphylococcus

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All about staphylococcus

Staphylococcus is a saprophytic, opportunistic or pathogenic bacterium belonging to the Staphylococcaceae family. Under favorable conditions, it actively multiplies, causing various purulent processes in the human body.

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The study of staphylococcal microorganisms began in the 19th century by the outstanding French biologist Louis Pasteur. In his works, he revealed a clear connection between the presence of coccal bacteria and the onset of a purulent inflammatory process. Since then, scientists have conducted many microbiological studies of such flora, during which more than twenty strains of staphylococci were discovered.

ABOUT THE PATIENT

When infected with staphylococcus, a person can experience more than a hundred different diseases. This happens due to:

  • very wide distribution of bacteria in the environment and on the surface of the human body;
  • the high pathogenicity of some strains of microorganisms, which even in low concentrations can cause a pyogenic process;
  • significant resistance to environmental factors.

Characteristics of staphylococcus:

  • unable to move independently;
  • does not participate in sporulation processes;
  • does not have an external protective capsule;
  • retains color according to the Gram method;
  • characteristic arrangement of bacteria in the form of bunches of grapes;
  • some strains can synthesize pigment substances;
  • able to actively reproduce in conditions of oxygen deficiency;
  • pathological staphylococci secrete exotoxins and produce endotoxins, which enter the patient’s bloodstream when the bacteria are destroyed.

Infectious lesions develop in patients with defects in the immune system and with sufficient contamination with staphylococci. A major role is played by pathogenic factors of microorganisms, the presence of which increases the risk of infection. These include:

  • The ability to securely attach staphylococcus to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.
  • The release of chemicals that inhibit the activity of human immunocompetent cells and cause allergic reactions.
  • Production of toxins.

Most pathogenic strains of coccal microorganisms possess such factors.

Staphylococcus is transmitted in different ways

  • Contact – in direct contact with a sick person or contaminated household items.
  • Airborne – characteristic for the development of hospital-acquired pneumonia.
  • Food - relevant for the hot season, when the pathogen can multiply in food products.

CLASSIFICATION

The classification of staphylococcus occurs according to the genetic characteristics of the species, of which 27 have been identified at this stage of studying the bacterium. The most significant for the threat to human health are:

  • Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus aureus. It got its name because of its ability to produce pigment of the corresponding color. Staphylococcus aureus is dangerous because one of its pathogenicity factors is the ability to clot blood plasma, releasing a special toxin. This feature is used for differential diagnosis of the pathogen in the laboratory. The bacterium is the cause of many diseases that occur with purulent inflammation. Previously, the question arose: where does it come from? Modern research shows that about 40 percent of the world's inhabitants are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, hence the high incidence recorded recently.
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus epidermidis. As the name suggests, this bacterium is most often found on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. However, in a weakened body with defects in the immune system, it can cause purulent processes in the internal organs, affecting the urinary tract, the inner lining of the heart, etc.
  • Saprophytic staphylococcus or Staphylococcus saprophyticus. It plays a role in the development of severe infections of the genitourinary system.
  • Hemolytic staphylococcus or Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Due to the toxins released by the bacterium, red blood cells are destroyed, the so-called. hemolysis. In addition to its effect on red blood cells, it is capable of causing purulent inflammatory processes in various internal organs and on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes.

SIGNS OF THE DISEASE

Staphylococcal diseases have a varied clinical picture, which depends on the location of the pathological process.

Skin damage

A limited inflammatory process is accompanied only by local symptoms; when it is widespread, general signs of the disease appear.

Local symptoms:

  • swelling and hyperemia of the skin;
  • purulent discharge from the affected area;
  • pain syndrome of varying intensity.

General symptoms:

  • temperature rise to febrile levels;
  • violation of the patient’s general condition;
  • the appearance of vomiting and other dyspeptic phenomena.

The following may be involved in the pathological process:

  • the actual layers of skin;
  • secretory glands;
  • hair follicles;
  • subcutaneous fatty tissue.

Upper respiratory tract diseases

In the nose, staphylococcus can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane. This shows up:

  • deterioration of nasal breathing due to swelling and large amounts of serous-purulent discharge;
  • impaired odor recognition;
  • increased body temperature;
  • change in voice timbre;
  • decreased sleep quality.

When the inflammatory process spreads to the mucous membrane of the sinuses, sinusitis develops. They are characterized by:

  • increase in body temperature;
  • the appearance of a feeling of fullness in the projection of the sinuses;
  • copious purulent discharge;
  • disturbance of general well-being;
  • headache.

Most often, otolaryngologists are consulted for inflammation of the maxillary and frontal sinuses.

If the larynx or pharynx is affected, the patient presents the following complaints:

  • a sore throat;
  • difficulty passing food when swallowing;
  • enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
  • cough;
  • increased body temperature;
  • violation of the general condition.

Lower respiratory tract diseases

Involvement of the bronchial tree and lung tissue in the purulent inflammatory process is accompanied by:

  • cough, which produces purulent sputum;
  • dysfunction of external respiration;
  • pain syndrome;
  • significant deterioration in general condition;
  • febrile fever.

Food poisoning

The intestinal infection that occurs with staphylococcus does not have characteristic clinical features. The patient is concerned about:

  • bowel dysfunction;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • increased body temperature;
  • pain along the intestines.

HOW TO IDENTIFY STAPHYLOCOCCUS

In order to determine that it is staphylococcus, it is necessary to conduct laboratory and microbiological tests:

  • determination of the titer of specific antibodies;
  • test for coagulase, which is secreted only by Staphylococcus aureus;
  • inoculation of biological material on nutrient media with subsequent determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics.

TREATMENT BASICS

The basis of treatment for diseases caused by staphylococcus is the use of antibacterial drugs that can suppress the proliferation of the pathogen. Medical tactics for skin lesions are somewhat different. In this case, it is worth remembering that it must be treated with surgical correction followed by antiseptic treatment.

WHAT IS STAPHYLOCOCCUS DANGEROUS?

Modern research shows that staphylococcus is a microorganism that, despite treatment, can cause complications. The most dangerous are:

  • sepsis;
  • infectious-toxic shock;
  • purulent lesion of the membranes of the brain.

HOW TO PREVENT INFECTION

The development of preventive measures was carried out taking into account the fact that staphylococcus can be transmitted both by contact and by airborne droplets. In addition to improving the body's protective properties, it is proposed:

  • sanitize foci of chronic infection;
  • carry out the necessary antiseptic measures in medical institutions;
  • consult a specialist if you suspect an infectious pathology.

PROGNOSIS FOR RECOVERY

Staphylococcus in children causes more severe purulent lesions, and therefore their prognosis is less favorable. However, timely initiation of etiotropic treatment allows us to hope for a complete recovery.

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Staphylococcus aureus (lat. Staphylococcus aureus) is the most dangerous and pathogenic microorganism among the staphylococcus family, capable of existing in oxygen.

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IMPORTANT. The information on the site is provided for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate. At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor.

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Staphylococcus

Infections caused by pathogenic staphylococcus are classified as a special group. The fact is that staphylococcus is a conditionally pathogenic microbe that almost always lives on the human body and is widespread in nature. One way or another, a person comes into contact with him every day.

Staphylococcus can cause inflammation in almost any system and any organ - skin and subcutaneous tissue, internal organs, nervous tissue, brain and heart. Toxins of certain types of staphylococcus give rise to food poisoning.

Types of staphylococcus

For humans, three types are of particular importance in the pathogenesis of diseases:

  • Staphylococcus aureus, which causes infections in adults and children in almost any organ of the body, on the skin, mucous membranes, and even in nervous tissue.
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis is most dangerous in premature, weakened children and in patients with immunodeficiencies and cancer.
  • Staphylococcus saprophytic is of great importance in genitourinary tract infections.

Each type of staphylococcus has many strains (varieties), differing from each other in the degree of aggressiveness and pathogenicity.

Depending on the strain, certain types of staphylococcus selectively affect certain organs.

Etiology of staphylococcal infection

The cause of staphylococcal infections is infection of a person with pathogenic strains of staphylococcus (for example, nosocomial infection) or entry of staphylococcus into organs where it should not normally be present. Staphylococcus is highly resistant to the external environment, can be stored in a dried or frozen state for up to six months, lives well in water and food, and is not afraid of sunlight.

Staphylococcus is capable of producing exotoxins that affect the skin or white blood cells (leukocytes), enterotoxins that affect the digestive system and cause symptoms of poisoning.

Staphylococcus also secretes special substances that suppress the body’s immune mechanisms, which helps microbes actively multiply in the body.

The source of infection is a healthy carrier of staphylococcus (for example, parents for a child), or a patient with a staphylococcal infection of any form (streptoderma, pneumonia, purulent staphylococcal mastitis). Up to 40% of people are, one way or another, infected with staphylococcus.

Nosocomial infection with staphylococcus is dangerous, as these strains are usually aggressive, resistant to antibiotics and extremely contagious. Infection occurs:

  • by contact, from person to person through skin-to-skin contact and the use of shared things and hygiene items (as, for example, with postpartum mastitis),
  • by airborne droplets, especially in relation to nosocomial pneumonia,
  • food route (during outbreaks of staphylococcal gastroenteritis),
  • through the hands of personnel who are carriers of pathogenic staphylococcus.

Particularly important factors in the development of infections are:

  • decreased immunity,
  • use of strong medications, immunosuppressants,
  • chronic pathologies,
  • thyroid problems,
  • stress, environmental influence.

Staphylococcal infections are especially severe in young children and the elderly.

Immunity to staphylococcus is unstable, you can get sick many times. No specific immunization has been developed for it.

Manifestations of staphylococcus

Symptoms will depend on where the staphylococcus will invade and multiply, in addition, the manifestations depend on the strain and aggressiveness of the staphylococcus.

Staphylococcus can affect almost all systems, tissues and organs, giving rise to the clinical picture of staphylococcal local or general diseases. The skin, subcutaneous tissue, nervous system, kidneys, liver, lungs, urinary system, bone tissue may be affected, and general infection of the body (sepsis) may occur.

Skin lesions - pyoderma, pustular lesions, arise as a result of damage to the mouth of the hair follicle. Small lesions are called folliculitis, deeper ones with damage to the fiber are called boils, purulent melting of the hair follicles. When the subcutaneous tissue is damaged, carbuncles appear. Most often they occur on the neck, buttocks and thighs, and on the face.

Ritter's disease or “scalded” skin is a staphylococcal infection in newborns with bright redness of the skin and its peeling off in layers.

With pemphigus, tense, large blisters with serous contents form on the skin. Occurs under the influence of staphylococcal toxins.

Cellulitis and abscess occur in deep tissues, being limited or widespread purulent tissue damage. With an abscess, the pus is limited to the capsule; with phlegmon, it spreads between the tissues, which can lead to dangerous lesions.

Pneumonia of staphylococcal etiology is very severe, causing massive damage to the lungs, is resistant to therapy and often leads to death.

Severe intoxication, chest pain, and shortness of breath occur. Multiple purulent foci form in the lungs with the formation of abscesses.

When staphylococcus penetrates from primary foci into the brain, abscesses and purulent meningitis are formed.

These complications are severe and life-threatening, are difficult to treat and leave residual (lasting for life) consequences, often leading to disability.

Manifested by fever, headaches, vomiting, toxicosis, and neurological symptoms. Staphylococcal thrombophlebitis of the cerebral veins can cause strokes.

Staphylococcus can infect bone tissue with the formation of osteomyelitis, in which all layers of the bone are destroyed, pathological fractures, fistulas and pain occur in the affected bones, and there may be joint damage with purulent arthritis.

Severe staphylococcal mastitis, endocarditis, pyelonephritis are also possible, and the most severe lesion is staphylococcal sepsis.

Diagnostics

The basis of diagnosis is the clinical picture and serological methods, the main of which are the coagulase test and latex agglutination.

A standard coagulase test in a test tube lasts 4 hours, but if the result is negative, it is extended for a day.

Latex agglutination uses commercial kits of latex particles associated with antibodies to staphylococci (A-protein, clumping factor and a number of surface antigens), which makes it also useful for species and strain identification of the pathogen.

It is important to culture the pathogen and determine sensitivity to antibiotics (methicillin), since staphylococci can be resistant to most traditional types of therapy.

Additional diagnostic tests will include a general blood and urine test, biochemical tests and other research methods depending on which organs are affected - x-rays for pneumonia and osteomyelitis, ultrasound for liver and kidney damage, etc.

Treatment for staphylococcus

The basis of treatment is the fight against the pathogen and the elimination of the consequences of its vital activity.

For purulent wounds and abscesses, the basis of treatment is surgical opening of the abscesses, followed by rinsing with antibiotics and drainage.

Staphylococci are treated with the use of modern new generation antibiotics due to their multiresistance (insensitivity) to conventional antibiotics.

  • semisynthetic and protected penicillins (amoxiclav, naficillin),
  • aminoglycosides (neomycin, kanamycin),
  • some other types (vancomycin, clindamycin, ofloxacin).

For staphylococcus, one of the treatment methods is phage therapy. These are special “eaters” of staphylococcus, specific viruses that selectively kill staphylococci, for example, anti-staphylococcal bacteriophage liquid. For external treatment, ointments with antimicrobial components and antiseptics are used.

In case of staphylococcal infection, the use of immunomodulators and means of strengthening the immune system is extremely important. Anti-staphylococcal immunoglobulins, hyperimmune plasma, autohemotherapy, etc. are used. Use multivitamins, drink plenty of fluids, and detoxify.

Forecast

Prognosis for staphylococcal infection largely depends on the type of staphylococcus and its strain, the severity of the lesion and focus, the age of the patient and the resistance of the microbe to antibiotics.

With nosocomial infection, the prognosis can be unfavorable, even fatal, due to the high resistance of microbes to antibiotics and the high aggressiveness of the pathogen.

Today, staphylococcal infection is one of the leading causes of the development of purulent-septic complications in weakened, operated patients and young children, especially newborns and premature infants.

Diagnosis by symptoms

Find out your probable illnesses and which doctor you should go to.

Source: http://www.diagnos.ru/diseases/infec/staphilokokk

What is staphylococcus and the reasons for its appearance

This harmful bacterium causes a lot of diseases, which in medicine are called staphylococcal infections. Such diseases are highly resistant to antibiotics, so the inflammatory process comes first when determining the diagnosis.

Description

What is staphylococcus? Why are diseases caused by these microorganisms taken so seriously? These bacteria lead a sedentary life and can be located in the body on the skin and mucous membrane of any organ.

Usually, staphylococcus does not provoke the appearance of any disease. But if for some reason the body’s protective functions begin to weaken, a staphylococcal infection may occur.

Newborns and pregnant women are at risk. Inflammation can also occur in a nursing woman. In addition, depending on the individual condition of the person, staphylococcus in the blood may appear in patients suffering from chronic diseases with weakened immunity.

What is staphylococcus? Doctors call it a “hospital infection.” This is due to the fact that people often become infected with staph infections in the hospital.

Varieties

The species of this bacterium have been studied for a long time. The most dangerous are:

Staphylococcus saprophytic is found on the surface of the mucous membrane of the urethra. It causes cystitis in the weaker sex.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is located mainly on the mucous membrane of any organ and skin.

How does staphylococcus affect the body?

Of course, it is very important for every doctor to know how staphylococcus manifests itself. After all, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment depend on this.

If a person is completely healthy, then his defense system easily kills epidermal staphylococcus. But if a person has a severely weakened immune system, or is in the intensive care unit, staphylococcus, once inside the body, can cause very serious illnesses, which will not be easy to treat in the future.

For example, its activity can cause sepsis. Sometimes you have to treat endocarditis. The presence of staphylococcal infection can be expressed by a number of other severe pathologies.

Staphylococcus aureus causes the most inflammation and various diseases. It can affect the entire body, since this bacterium can take root anywhere. It is this microorganism that is to blame for the emergence of hundreds of different diseases, some of which can become incurable and ultimately lead to death.

Staphylococcus aureus, entering the human body with the help of an original “device”, is able to resist its protective system. As a result, an inflammatory process occurs.

It must be said that there are also several subspecies (strains) of this harmful bacterium. Each of them has its own characteristics.

Therefore, provoking the same diseases, strains become decisive in determining the clinical picture and diagnosis. An important feature of the viability of staphylococcus is its ability to remain in a dried form for more than 6 months. Even a frozen microbe, after thawing, can cause inflammation in the body.

Staphylococcus is not affected by sunlight and is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation. A serious danger to the body is the fact that staphylococcus is capable of reproducing harmful toxins.

One of the representatives of such toxins is exfoliatin. It damages the skin. The symptoms of this disease are very similar to food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus promotes the appearance of leukocidin. This toxic substance destroys white blood cells.
Staphylococci also produce various enzymes, which, as described above, make it possible to create powerful protection against the effects of the human immune system. In addition, simultaneously with the production of enzymes, they provide the opportunity for staphylococci to reside in various tissues of the body, which allows them to begin rapid development.

If you study in more detail everything that is known about staphylococcus, you will discover an interesting fact. The infection can be spread by a sick person with characteristic symptoms. You can also become infected from a completely healthy person who carries a similar asymptomatic infection.

It must be said that according to statistics, approximately 40% of absolutely healthy people are considered such carriers. They can be the source of any strain.

The infection enters the body through micro-lesions in the skin or enters the body by moving through the respiratory tract. The main factor for the occurrence of staphylococcal infection is considered to be weak immunity after taking antibiotics or other medications.

Inflammation can also begin due to the presence of a variety of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Staphylococcus and its effects on the body are also associated with the environment. Poor environmental conditions can cause infection.

Staphylococcal infections are most severely suffered by older people and young children.

Characteristic diseases

The peculiarity of the bacteria entering the human body and the onset of staphylococcal infection determines specific clinical symptoms. Of course, the level of aggressiveness that corresponds to a certain type of staphylococcus plays an important role.

The most common purulent skin disease caused by staphylococcus is pyoderma. In humans, the skin in the area at the mouth of the hair is affected. Such superficial lesions cause folliculitis. A small abscess forms right in the center of the hair.

With deeper damage, a boil begins to develop. A purulent hair follicle appears, connecting with other nearby tissues.

In addition, a carbuncle may appear. This type of lesion is considered the deepest. Its action causes inflammation of the skin together with the subcutaneous cells located around the hair follicles.

Such formations mainly appear on the thighs, neck and buttocks of a person.

The most dangerous is the appearance of a carbuncle in the face area. This is due to the peculiarity of its blood circulation. The appearance of a staphylococcal infection threatens its penetration into the brain. As a result, a person may develop meningitis or a brain abscess.

Another manifestation of staphylococcal infection is Ritter's disease. It is also called “scalded skin.” Typically, this syndrome is found in newborn babies. Sometimes young children get Ritter's disease. The symptoms of this disease are very similar to scarlet fever, as the body is covered with a rash. Sometimes the disease is confused with the onset of erysipelas.

The occurrence of a staphylococcal infection may look like epidemic pemphigus. It is caused by a harmful substance called exfoliatin, which is produced by the infection.

With this disease, detachment of the upper layers of the skin begins, and quite large sizes. Large bubbles begin to form at this point.

Staphylococcus can cause the appearance of a variety of phlegmons. In this case, the subcutaneous tissues located in the deepest layers of the skin are affected. They begin to melt, releasing a mass of pus.

Unlike phlegmon, an abscess causes inflammation limited to one capsule. It prevents inflammation from spreading throughout the body. Phlegmon does not have such a capsule; inflammation quickly moves to other tissues.

Of course, phlegmon, which has severe purulent inflammation, is considered the most dangerous staphylococcal infection.

Sometimes the bacteria can manifest itself as staphylococcal pneumonia. This disease is not diagnosed very often, but it should not be forgotten. Since such an infection is resistant to antibiotics and has different characteristics.

When staphylococcal pneumonia appears, the patient experiences severe pain, and the disease is very severe. The disease has pronounced intoxication. The patient develops shortness of breath and severe chest pain associated with damage to the pleura.

During this period, a large number of foci are found on the lung tissue, which then melt and begin to form abscesses. These tumors can rupture and enter directly into the pleura. As a result, empyema is formed.

If a staphylococcal infection reaches the brain, purulent meningitis or the development of an abscess may occur.

Typically, the resulting abscesses are distinguished by their small dimensions, but their localization is characterized by a dispersed nature.

Meningitis that appears usually has a secondary form. It occurs independently, due to the flow of blood, which contains a large number of staphylococci.

When a malfunction of the brain occurs, a person experiences severe headaches, nervous breakdowns and severe neurological disorders. In such patients, consciousness is impaired and epileptic seizures are possible.

The appearance of a staphylococcal infection causes thrombophlebitis to appear in the area of ​​the superficial vessels of the brain. As a result, very severe neurological diseases may occur.

According to statistics, approximately 95% of cases of osteomyelitis are associated with staphylococcal infection. This disease leads to inflammation of the bone marrow.

As a result of inflammation, the bone layers are affected and gradually they are destroyed. Very often, purulent foci that appear break through and come out.

The basic sign of osteomyelitis is severe pain in the affected area. A few days after the onset of the disease, swelling becomes clearly visible, located directly above the inflammation. A purulent fistula begins to form at this site.

When joints are affected by staphylococcal infection, purulent arthritis appears. In most cases, the disease affects the hip joints and knees.

One of the possible types of inflammation caused by staphylococcal infection may be damage to the heart muscle. A person develops endocarditis. The disease is very difficult to treat and does not always lead to a positive result. If you look at the statistics, they are quite high. Approximately 60% of all patients died.

When a large amount of staphylococcus is in the blood and enters the heart muscle, the heart valve begins to collapse very quickly. Severe complications arise in which peripheral arteries close. Heart failure begins to develop, myocardial abscess occurs

Toxic substances secreted by staphylococci cause several types of diseases that are in the intoxication group. Prominent representatives of such diseases are:

When a person experiences toxic shock, due to aggressive toxins entering the blood, his blood pressure drops and a fever appears. The person feels nauseous and his stomach begins to hurt badly. The disease is accompanied by diarrhea and severe headache. Coordination is completely disrupted and consciousness is lost. After a few days, the body becomes covered with a spotty rash.

The onset of food toxicosis is detected very quickly. Within two hours after eating food contaminated with a staphylococcal infection, you begin to feel: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain in the abdominal area.

In severe forms of this staphylococcal infection, the symptoms are very similar to cholera.

Sepsis is considered the most severe form of staphylococcal infection. The bloodstream carries a huge number of bacteria throughout the body. At this time, the formation of foci caused by secondary infection occurs in all internal organs.

How is staphylococcus diagnosed?

The main method used to detect a staphylococcal infection remains bacterial culture. For analysis we use:

If there is a suspicion of dysbacteriosis, when the infection multiplies in the intestines, feces are tested. Based on the results of the analysis, the amount of staphylococcal infection that has entered the body is determined, and the presence of other intestinal microflora is determined. If a woman is pregnant, a swab is taken from the nasal sinuses and throat for bacterial culture.

Carrying out such tests makes it possible to understand how sensitive the bacteria is to the action of antibiotics. What kind of drug can be used to combat it and what kind of drug will give a positive result.

It must be said that all the results of bacterial research cannot be used as a direct indication for determining the diagnosis and prescribing subsequent treatment.

The reason is very simple, because it can be an asymptomatic infection, which indicates the patient’s normal condition.

How is staphylococcus treated?

To combat staphylococcal infection, it is necessary first of all to focus on removing the main causative agent of infection from the body. It is necessary to take into account concomitant diseases and prescribe complex treatment in order to achieve a decrease in the overall reactivity of the body.

Even in ancient times, when the body was covered with boils and a large number of purulent abscesses were observed, surgical methods were used. Today is no exception. Boils and ulcers are removed surgically, usually using local anesthesia. In fact, this is the best solution when fighting this type of staphylococcal infection.

Taking antibiotics to treat staphylococcus does not always help. Some types of disease are simply neutral to such drugs. They will not give the expected result, and sometimes can even lead to a worsening of the disease.

Conclusion

Basically, the doctor prescribes treatment for a detected staphylococcal infection with special semi-synthetic penicillins. Sometimes penicillin is used together with a special clavulanic acid or other types of antibiotics.

A staphylococcal infection that affects a person cannot be cured on its own. Indeed, in everyday conditions it is impossible to determine the nature of the pathogen. This requires special tests. Therefore, at the first appearance of such a disease, you should urgently consult your doctor to avoid severe complications.

Source: http://proinfekcii.ru/kozha/stafilokokkovye-bolezni/chto-takoe-stafilokokk.html

Staphylococcal infection: causes, signs, diagnosis, how to treat

Staphylococcal infection is a complex pathological process of interaction between staphylococcus and the human body with a wide range of manifestations - from asymptomatic carriage to severe intoxication and the development of purulent-inflammatory foci.

Due to the high resistance of the microbe to antibacterial drugs, diseases of staphylococcal etiology occupy a leading place among all purulent-inflammatory pathologies.

Staphylococcus causes the following diseases:

Etiology

The cause of the disease is staphylococci, which are gram-positive cocci belonging to the Micrococcaceae family. These bacteria have a regular spherical shape and are immobile. Staphylococcus in the smear is located in the form of clusters or bunches of grapes.

Staphylococci that cause pathology in humans include only three types:

  1. S. aureus is the most harmful,
  2. S. epidermidis – less dangerous, but also pathogenic,
  3. S. saprophyticus is practically harmless, but can cause disease.

These are opportunistic bacteria that are permanent inhabitants of the human body, without causing any illnesses.

When exposed to unfavorable external or internal factors, the number of microbes increases sharply, they begin to produce pathogenicity factors that lead to the development of staphylococcal infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is the main representative of this group, causing severe illness in humans. It coagulates blood plasma, has pronounced lecitovetylase activity, ferments anaerobic mannitol, and synthesizes a cream or yellow pigment.

  • Staphylococci are facultative anaerobes that can live and reproduce both in the presence of oxygen and without it. They obtain energy through oxidative and fermentative pathways.
  • The bacteria are resistant to freezing, heat, sunlight and certain chemicals. Staphylococcal enterotoxin is destroyed by prolonged boiling or exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
  • Microbial resistance to antibacterial drugs is a problem in modern medicine. New multidrug-resistant strains are constantly being formed in medical institutions. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are very important epidemiologically.
  1. Enzymes - hyaluronidase, fibrinolysin, lecitovitellase;
  2. Toxins – hemolysins, leukocidin, enterotoxins, exfoliatins.

Enzymes break down fats and proteins, destroy body tissue, supply staphylococci with nutrients and ensure their movement deep into the body. Enzymes protect bacteria from the effects of immune mechanisms and contribute to their preservation.

  • Fibrinolysin promotes the penetration of microbes into the blood and the development of sepsis - blood poisoning.
  • Hemolysins suppress the activity of immunocompetent cells and help staphylococci survive in areas of inflammation for a long time. In children and the elderly, due to these factors, the infection acquires a generalized form.
  • Exfoliatin damages skin cells.
  • Leukocidin destroys leukocytes - white blood cells.
  • Enterotoxin is a strong poison produced by staphylococci and causes foodborne illness in humans.

Epidemiology

Sources of infection are patients and bacteria carriers. Microbes enter the human body through abrasions and scratches on the skin, as well as the mucous membranes of the respiratory, genitourinary and digestive systems.

The main routes of transmission of the pathogen:

The airborne route predominates among all others. This is due to the constant release of staphylococci into the air and their long-term preservation in the form of an aerosol.

Staphylococcus is transmitted through contact and household contact in medical institutions through the hands of staff, instruments, medical devices, and patient care items.

In the maternity hospital, newborns become infected with staphylococcus through drinking solutions, breast milk, and infant formula. Nosocomial staphylococcal infection poses a great danger to newborns.

Factors contributing to the development of infection:

  • Weakened immunity,
  • Long-term use of antibiotics, hormones or immunosuppressants,
  • Endocrine pathology,
  • Viral infections
  • Exacerbation of chronic diseases,
  • Long-term chemotherapy or radiotherapy,
  • Impact of harmful environmental factors.

Staphylococcal infection is usually sporadic, but can occur in small outbreaks. Staphylococcal food intoxications are group diseases that occur when consuming foods contaminated with bacteria.

Pathogenesis

Microbes enter the human body through the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, respiratory system, digestion, and eyes. At the site of staphylococcus penetration, purulent-necrotic inflammation develops. Further development of the process can occur according to two scenarios:

  1. Intense specific immunity prevents the development of the disease and contributes to the rapid elimination of the outbreak.
  2. A weakened immune system cannot fight infection. The pathogen and toxins enter the bloodstream, bacteremia and intoxication develop. When the process generalizes, staphylococcus affects internal organs with the development of septicemia and septicopyemia.

Nonspecific changes, which are a consequence of disrupted metabolic processes in the body and the accumulation of microbial decay products, contribute to the development of infectious-toxic shock.

Staphylococcal toxins penetrate the blood from the source of inflammation, which is manifested by intoxication - vomiting, fever, loss of appetite. Erythrogenic toxin causes scarlet fever syndrome.

The result of the breakdown of microbial cells is an allergic reaction of the body to foreign proteins. This is manifested by fever, lymphadenitis, allergic rash and a number of complications - inflammation of the kidneys, joints and others.

The allergic reaction and the toxic component reduce immunity, increase vascular permeability, and lead to the development of a septic process, which is accompanied by the formation of many purulent foci and the formation of sepsis.

Pathomorphological changes

  • In places where staphylococci invade, a focus is formed that consists of microbial cells, serous or hemorrhagic discharge, and leukocyte infiltration

around necrotic tissues.

  • When the skin becomes infected, boils, phlegmons, and carbuncles are formed.
  • Bacterial infection of the oropharynx leads to the development of sore throat or stomatitis. In the lungs, signs of abscess pneumonia appear with the presence of large subpleural foci.
  • Staphylococcus in the intestine causes ulcerative, catarrhal or necrotic inflammation with damage to the epithelium and deeper layers, infiltration of the mucous membrane, impaired circulation and the formation of ulcers.
  • Sepsis is characterized by the hematogenous spread of microbes, their penetration into internal organs, bones, and the central nervous system with the development of metastatic foci of inflammation.

    • Symptoms

    Clinical signs of pathology are determined by the location of introduction of the bacterium, the degree of its pathogenicity and the activity of the human immune system.

    • When the skin is damaged by staphylococcus, pyoderma develops. The pathology is manifested by inflammation of the skin at the roots of the hair or folliculitis - an abscess with hair in the central part. Purulent-necrotic skin diseases of staphylococcal etiology include furuncle and carbuncle, which are acute inflammation of the hair follicle, sebaceous gland, surrounding skin and subcutaneous fat. A particular danger to human health is the location of purulent-inflammatory foci on the face and head. If the course of the pathology is unfavorable, the formation of abscesses in the brain or the development of purulent meningitis is possible.
    • Purulent melting of deep tissues is called an abscess or phlegmon. In an abscess, inflammation is limited to the capsule, which prevents the process from spreading to surrounding tissues. Phlegmon is a diffuse purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous fat.
    • Pneumonia of staphylococcal etiology is a severe but quite rare pathology. Manifestations of pneumonia are intoxication and pain syndromes, respiratory failure with severe shortness of breath. Complications of the pathology are lung abscesses and pleural empyema.
    • Purulent inflammation of the meninges of staphylococcal origin develops through the penetration of microbes through the bloodstream from foci of infection on the face, in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Patients develop severe neurological symptoms, signs of meningism, seizures, and impaired consciousness.
    • Osteomyelitis is a purulent infectious and inflammatory disease that affects bone tissue, periosteum and bone marrow. Purulent foci located in the bone often break out. Signs of pathology are pain, tissue swelling, formation of purulent fistulas.
    • Staphylococci often affect large joints with the development of purulent arthritis, which is manifested by pain, stiffness and limited movement, joint deformation, and the development of intoxication.
    • Staphylococcal endocarditis is an infectious inflammation of the connective tissue of the heart lining its internal cavities and valves. Symptoms of the disease are fever, pain in muscles and joints, chills, sweating, pale skin, the appearance of small rashes and dark red nodules on the palms and soles. Auscultation reveals a heart murmur. Endocarditis is a severe pathology leading to the development of heart failure and characterized by high mortality.
    • Infectious-toxic shock is an emergency condition caused by exposure to bacteria and their toxins on the human body. It is manifested by severe intoxication, dyspepsia, confusion, signs of cardiovascular and renal failure, and collapse.
    • Food toxicosis develops as a result of eating food containing staphylococcal toxins and often occurs as acute gastritis. Incubation is fast - 1-2 hours, after which severe intoxication and dyspepsia appear. Vomiting often results in dehydration.

    Features of staphylococcal infection in children

    Staphylococcal infection in children occurs in the form of epidemics, sporadic, group, and family diseases. Epidemic outbreaks are usually recorded in maternity hospitals or neonatal units. Epidemics can affect schools, kindergartens, camps and other organized children's groups. This is due to children eating food contaminated with bacteria. Food poisoning usually occurs during the warm season.

    Newborn children become infected with staphylococcus through contact from the mother or hospital staff. The main route of transmission of infection for infants is nutritional, in which microbes enter the child’s body with the milk of a mother with mastitis.

    Preschoolers and schoolchildren become infected by consuming low-quality food. Staphylococcus, multiplying in a living organism, secretes an enterotoxin that causes gastroenterocolitis.

    Staphylococcal respiratory diseases occur when infected by airborne droplets. The microbe enters the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx or oropharynx and causes inflammation of these organs.

    Factors causing high susceptibility of newborns and infants to staphylococcus:

    1. Insufficiently strong local immunity of the respiratory and digestive organs,
    2. Lack of immunoglobulin A, which is responsible for local protection of the body,
    3. Vulnerability of mucous membranes and skin,
    4. Weak bactericidal effect of saliva,
    5. Concomitant pathologies - diathesis, malnutrition,
    6. Long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids.

    Symptoms in children

    There are two forms of staphylococcal infection - local and generalized.

    Local forms in children include: rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, conjunctivitis. These pathologies are mild and rarely accompanied by intoxication. They usually manifest themselves in infants as loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, local forms are manifested by fever, general deterioration and extensive local symptoms.

    • Skin diseases of staphylococcal etiology in children occur in the form of folliculitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, hidradenitis, and phlegmon. They are accompanied by regional lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. Epidemic pemphigus is a pathology of newborns, manifested by symptoms reminiscent of scarlet fever or erysipelas: a rash or focal redness of the skin with clear contours. With pemphigus, the skin peels off in entire layers, under which large blisters form.
    • Staphylococcus in the throat can cause acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis in children, often against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection. Staphylococcal tonsillitis manifests itself as a sore throat, intoxication, fever and the appearance of a continuous coating on the tonsils, arches and uvula. The plaque is usually yellow or white, loose, purulent, and easily removed. When examining a child, the doctor discovers diffuse hyperemia of the throat mucosa without clear boundaries.
    • Inflammation of the larynx of staphylococcal origin usually occurs in children 2-3 years old. The pathology develops rapidly and has no specific symptoms. Laryngitis is often combined with inflammation of the bronchi or lungs.
    • Staphylococcal pneumonia is a serious pathology, especially in young children, often complicated by the formation of abscesses. Catarrhal and intoxication signs in children appear simultaneously, while the general condition sharply worsens, and signs of respiratory failure appear. The child is lethargic, pale, sleepy, refuses to eat, often spits up and even vomits. Pneumonia does not always end in recovery; death is possible. This is due to the formation of bullae in the lungs, in place of which abscesses can form, leading to the development of purulent pleurisy or pneumothorax.
    • Scarlet fever-like syndrome in children accompanies infection of wounds, burns, the development of lymphadenitis, phlegmon, and osteomyelitis. The manifestation of the disease is a scarlet-like rash that appears on the hyperemic skin of the torso. After the rash disappears, lamellar peeling remains.
    • Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in cases of damage to the digestive tract depend on the location of the pathology and the condition of the macroorganism. Gastroenteritis begins acutely with symptoms of intoxication and dyspepsia. Children experience vomiting, usually repeated and uncontrollable, abdominal pain, fever, weakness, and dizziness. With inflammation of the small intestine, diarrhea begins up to 5 times a day.
    • Staphylococcal sepsis usually develops in newborns, often premature children. Infection occurs through the umbilical wound, damaged skin, respiratory organs and even ears. The disease develops rapidly and occurs with severe intoxication, the appearance of rashes on the skin, and the formation of abscesses in the internal organs.

    Sick children are hospitalized in a hospital for antibacterial and symptomatic treatment.

    Video: about staphylococcus - Doctor Komarovsky

    Staphylococcus during pregnancy

    During pregnancy, a woman's immunity is weakened and her defenses are reduced. At this time, the female body is most vulnerable and open to various microbes, including staphylococcus.

    1. The least dangerous to the health of a pregnant woman and the unborn child is saprophytic staphylococcus, which is most often localized on the mucous membrane of the bladder, urethra, and genital organs and causes the following diseases in pregnant women: cystitis, nephritis, urethritis.
    2. More dangerous at this crucial time for a woman is staphylococcus epidermidis, a normal inhabitant of the skin. This microorganism can cause sepsis and endocarditis in a pregnant woman, which often ends in the loss of the child and the death of the woman.
    3. Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous microbe of this group, threatening the life and health of the mother and fetus. In pregnant women, it can cause serious diseases - mastitis, inflammation of the lungs, meninges, peritoneum, furunculosis, acne. Staphylococcus aureus often causes infection of the amniotic membranes and the fetus itself. In a newborn it causes pemphigus.
    4. Hemolytic staphylococcus is often activated during pregnancy and causes acute tonsillitis.

    Every pregnant woman, after registering at the antenatal clinic, must undergo a number of mandatory examinations, including tests for staphylococcus in a microbiological laboratory. The bacteriologist counts the number of grown colonies that correspond in morphological, cultural and biochemical properties to Staphylococcus aureus. If their number exceeds the norm, then the pregnant woman is prescribed appropriate treatment, which consists of sanitizing the nasopharynx with antiseptics, using immunomodulators, local antibiotics or staphylococcal bacteriophage. Staphylococcus in the nose in pregnant women is treated by instilling antiseptic solutions into the nasal passages. In order to prevent infection of the child, pregnant women are immunized with staphylococcal toxoid.

    Preventive measures during pregnancy:

    • Personal hygiene,
    • Regular walks in the fresh air
    • Balanced diet,
    • Ventilation of the room,
    • Gymnastics for pregnant women.

    When the first symptoms of staphylococcus appear, you should gargle and rinse your nose with a warm water-salt solution every three hours.

    Diagnosis

    Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection is based on epidemiological history, patient complaints, characteristic clinical picture and laboratory test results.

    Laboratory diagnostics

    The main diagnostic method is microbiological examination of nasopharyngeal discharge. To do this, patients usually take a swab from the throat for staphylococcus. The material for research can be blood, pus, discharge from the ears, nose, wounds, eyes, exudate of the pleural cavity, feces, gastric lavage, vomit, discharge from the cervical canal in women, urine. The purpose of the study is to isolate and fully identify the pathogen to genus and species.

    A series of tenfold dilutions are prepared from the test material and the required amount is inoculated onto one of the elective nutrient media - milk-bile-salt or yolk-salt agar. The number of grown colonies is counted and studied.

    Significant differential signs of staphylococcus:

    1. Pigment,
    2. Lecitovitellase,
    3. Plasmocoagulase,
    4. Catalase activity
    5. DNAase,
    6. Ability to ferment mannitol under anaerobic conditions.

    The number of bacteria less than 10 3 indicates asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Higher rates indicate the etiological significance of the isolated microbe in the development of the disease.

    If the content of staphylococcus in the nasopharyngeal discharge is 10 4 - 10 5, then the patient requires antibacterial treatment.

    To determine staphylococcal enterotoxin in the test samples, the enzyme immunoassay method or the gel precipitation reaction is used.

    Serodiagnosis involves detecting antibodies to staphylococcal antigens in blood serum. To do this, use the hemolysis inhibition reaction, the passive hemagglutination reaction, and ELISA.

    Staphylococcal infection should be differentiated from streptococcal infection. Staphylococcus is manifested by inflammation, which tends to suppurate, the formation of thick greenish pus and fibrinous deposits. Staphylococcal infection is characterized by inconsistency of temperature reaction, return of temperature, and low-grade fever. In this case, blood parameters are more constant - neutrophilic leukocytosis and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

    Streptococci also cause inflammation of the tonsils, nasal mucosa, lymph nodes, ears, and lungs. Both infections have similar pathogenesis and pathomorphology. They are characterized by the development of purulent-necrotic inflammation. The clinical picture of diseases caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus includes intoxication, pain and allergic syndromes.

    Distinctive signs of streptococcal infection are:

    • Severe hyperemia, swelling and soreness of inflamed mucous membranes,
    • Rapid development of acute inflammation with damage to the tonsils, ears, lymph nodes,
    • Streptococci do not affect the intestinal tract, do not cause diarrhea, boils and carbuncles,
    • Penicillin in moderate doses works well for streptococcal lesions.

    Staphylococcal infection is characterized by:

    1. Hyperemia of the mucous membrane with a cyanotic tint,
    2. Inflammation of the nasopharynx is always accompanied by regional lymphadenitis,
    3. Weaker effect from large doses of penicillin.

    Treatment

    Local forms of staphylococcal infection are treated at home. Hospitalization is indicated in cases of generalization of the process with sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, or if surgical treatment of purulent-necrotic skin lesions - boils or carbuncles is necessary.

    Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus is complex, including antibacterial therapy, the use of immunotherapy drugs and sanitation of purulent foci.

    Antibacterial treatment

    Antibiotics are prescribed to the patient after receiving the results of a microbiological examination of the discharge from the pharynx or nose. Patients are prescribed:

    • Semi-synthetic penicillins - “Ampioks”, “Oxacillin”;
    • Combined penicillins - “Amoxiclav”;
    • Aminoglycosides - "Gentamicin";
    • Cephalosporins - Cefepime.

    Currently, there are microbes whose enzymes destroy these drugs. They are called MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Only a few antibiotics will help cope with such strains - Vancomycin, Teicoplanin, Linezolid. "Fuzidin" is often prescribed with "Biseptol".

    Antibiotics should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Antibacterial therapy must be justified and thoughtful.

    Irrational use of drugs:

    1. Destroys healthy microflora of the body,
    2. Has a detrimental effect on the functioning of internal organs,
    3. Harmful to health
    4. Provokes the development of dysbacteriosis,
    5. Complicates the course of staphylococcal infection.

    Bacteriophages

    Bacteriophages are biological weapons against bacteria. These are viruses that act very specifically, attack harmful elements and do not have a negative effect on the entire body. Bacteriophages multiply inside bacterial cells and lyse them. Having destroyed dangerous bacteria, bacteriophages die themselves.

    To destroy Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteriophage is used locally or orally throughout the day, depending on the location of the pathology. To treat purulent skin lesions, lotions or irrigations with liquid bacteriophage are used. It is injected into the articular or pleural cavity, vagina, uterus, taken orally, instilled into the nose and ears, and given enemas with it.

    Immunostimulation

    • Autohemotransfusion is the intramuscular injection of a patient’s own venous blood. This procedure is widely used to treat furunculosis. After intramuscular injection, the blood is destroyed, and the breakdown products stimulate the immune system.
    • Subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of antistaphylococcal antitoxic serum or intravenous administration of antistaphylococcal plasma.
    • Herbal immunostimulants - Schisandra, Echinacea, Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Chitosan. These drugs normalize energy and basal metabolism, have an adaptogenic effect - help cope with stress and stress.
    • For patients with severe signs of immune dysfunction, synthetic immunomodulators are indicated - “Polyoxidonium”, “Ismigen”, “Timogen”, “Amiksin”.
    • Vitamin therapy.

    Surgery

    Surgical treatment is indicated for the formation of infectious foci with purulent melting - carbuncles, abscesses, boils in cases where conservative therapy does not produce results.

    Surgical intervention consists of opening abscesses and boils, excision of necrotic tissue, removal of purulent contents and foreign bodies, drainage of lesions to create unimpeded outflow of pus, and local administration of antibiotics. Often, surgeons remove the source of the infection itself - a catheter, artificial valve or implant.

    ethnoscience

    Folk remedies complement the main drug treatment of pathology.

    1. For this purpose, infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs are used, which have a pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. These include: chamomile, eucalyptus, sage, licorice, thyme, plantain. These products are used in the form of lotions, rinses and taken orally.
    2. A decoction of burdock and echinacea is an effective remedy for the treatment of staphylococcus. Take raw materials in equal proportions, add water and cook for half an hour. Take on an empty stomach three times a day.
    3. Garlic infusion eliminates staphylococcal skin infections. Soak a bandage in it and apply it to the affected skin 2 times a day for ten days.
    4. Newborns and infants are bathed daily in a decoction of the string. It is added to the baby's bath immediately before bathing. This folk remedy helps cure staphylococcus skin lesions in young children.
    5. For adults, baths with apple cider vinegar or vinegar compresses will help.

    It is strictly forbidden to use any thermal procedures at home to accelerate the maturation of ulcers. Hot baths, steam baths and saunas will only worsen the patient’s condition and lead to further spread of the infection.

    Heat treatments can only be used during the recovery period.

    Prevention

    Preventive measures aimed at preventing staphylococcal infection:

    • It is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and give up bad habits.
    • Carriers of Staphylococcus aureus should be promptly identified and treated, paying special attention to food service workers or health care facilities.
    • Treat skin microtraumas with brilliant green, iodine and other antiseptics.
    • Isolate patients with staphylococcus in a separate room.
    • Avoid drafts, hypothermia and overheating.
    • Reduce the length of a patient's stay in hospital.
    • In the first hours after birth, place the newborn to the breast.
    • It is necessary to observe the sanitary-hygienic and anti-epidemic regime in the hospital - disinfect the hands of staff, treat bed linen in disinfection chambers, and correctly maintain the sterilization regimes for instruments and materials in autoclaves.
    • Use antibiotics only when necessary and as prescribed by your doctor.
    • Persons with reduced immunity are prescribed for prophylactic purposes drugs that increase the body's defenses.
    • It is necessary to follow the rules for processing, storage, preparation and sale of finished products to prevent staphylococcal toxic infection.

    Source: http://uhonos.ru/infekcii/stafilokokk/