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Staphylococcus - what is it, types, symptoms and treatment for staphylococcal infection in adults

Staphylococcus is a bacterium that has a regular spherical shape and belongs to the group of gram-positive non-motile cocci.

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Most often, under a microscope, you can see a cluster of such bacteria, which in appearance resemble a bunch of grapes.

Due to the high resistance of the microbe to antibacterial drugs, diseases of staphylococcal etiology occupy a leading place among all purulent-inflammatory pathologies. It is important for everyone to know about staphylococcus: what kind of disease it is in adults, its symptoms and treatment in order to prevent irreversible health consequences.

Staphylococcus: what is it?

Staphylococcus is a non-motile, spherical bacterium belonging to the Staphylococcus family (Staphylococcaceae). This is a large group of bacteria, numbering 27 species, 14 of which are found on human skin and mucous membranes. Moreover, only 3 species are capable of causing diseases, and therefore belong to opportunistic microflora. Under favorable conditions, it actively multiplies, causing various purulent processes in the human body.

Considering the fact that staphylococcal infections are extremely resistant to antibiotic therapy applied to them, among purulent-inflammatory diseases staphylococcus, the symptoms of which may indicate an inflammatory process in any organ, takes first place.

Staphylococcus tolerates high temperatures and drying well. These bacteria die at a temperature of 70 - 80ºС for 20 - 30 minutes, and at a temperature of 150ºС - almost instantly.

The most common toxic staphylococcal disease is food poisoning. Almost 50% of all Staphylococcus aureus secrete enterotoxin, a poison that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Staphylococci reproduce well in many foods; they especially love butter creams, vegetable and meat salads, and canned food. During the process of reproduction, a toxin accumulates in food, and it is the toxin, and not the microbe itself, that causes the symptoms of the disease in a careless eater.

All types of this microorganism are classified as opportunistic microflora. This means that they do not threaten a healthy person, but under unfavorable conditions they can cause illness.

There are three types of staphylococcus, which are the most common and harmful to the human body:

  • Saprophytic staphylococcus most often affects women, causing them inflammatory diseases of the bladder (cystitis) and kidneys. Saprophytic staphylococcus bacteria are localized in the layers of the skin of the genitals and the mucous membrane of the urethra. Of all the types of staphylococcus, it causes the least damage;
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis. It is most dangerous in premature, weakened children and in patients with immunodeficiencies and cancer. The habitat of this pest is the mucous membrane and skin.
  • Staphylococcus aureus. This is the most dangerous type of microbe, which is especially common in the environment. Organisms of all age categories are susceptible to infection.

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

Causes of staphylococcal infection

The cause of the development of almost all staphylococcal diseases is a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes, as well as the consumption of contaminated food. The level of harm also depends on the strain of the bacterium, as well as the functioning of the immune system. The stronger the immune system, the less harm staphylococci can cause to human health.

The source of spread of this infection can be either a sick person or a carrier of the infection (asymptomatic), and according to certain data, about more than 40% of completely healthy people are such carriers. They can act as carriers of any strain of staphylococcus.

Thus, we can conclude that in most cases, staphylococcal disease requires a combination of 2 factors:

  • infection getting inside;
  • disruption of the normal functioning of the immune system.

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.

Diseases caused by staphylococci

Staphylococcus aureus is capable of infecting most tissues of the human body. In total, there are more than a hundred diseases that are caused by staphylococcal infection. Staphylococcal infection is characterized by the presence of many different mechanisms, routes and transmission factors.

Staphylococcus in adults can cause the following diseases:

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

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

Who is susceptible to infection

  • Pregnant women who can be immunized with toxoid at 32-36 weeks.
  • Elderly people are also predisposed to infection, especially those with diseases such as rheumatism, diabetes, eczema, and cancer.
  • Any people, both adults and children, whose immunity is reduced.
  • Medical workers, catering workers, by virtue of their profession.

The infection enters the active reproduction phase at the following moments:

  • hypothermia of the body;
  • during acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
  • in case of endocrine system failures;
  • for inflammatory diseases of internal organs and systems.

How is staphylococcus transmitted to humans?

All diseases caused by bacteria can occur as a result of the fact that the infection enters the body due to a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes, because it is a permanent inhabitant of the human microflora. In addition, infection can occur exogenously, that is, through food or through close contact.

The main routes of transmission of the pathogen:

  • Airborne. The transmission mechanism is based on inhalation of air containing microorganisms. This transmission mechanism becomes possible if bacteria are released into the environment along with exhaled air (in case of disease of the respiratory system: bronchitis or pneumonia).
  • Medical instruments . In the absence of aseptic rules, you can become infected in the same district clinic during a routine examination by a therapist.
  • Contact-household: in direct contact with a sick person or contaminated household items.
  • Foodborne – infection is possible by eating contaminated foods.
  • Fecal-oral. Directly related to non-compliance with hygiene standards. Staphylococcus is present in the stool and vomit of an infected person. It is transmitted through dirty hands, poorly washed vegetables, berries and fruits, and poorly washed dishes.

Once in the body, staphylococcus begins to multiply intensively and produce toxins that negatively affect health, leading to certain pathologies.

Infection with staphylococcus is ensured if the immune system is weakened and the person has been in contact with a carrier of this microbe.

Symptoms of staphylococcus

The clinical picture (symptoms) of staphylococcus can be very diverse, which depends on the organ affected, the strain of the bacterium, the age of the person, and the functionality (health) of the immune system of the potential patient.

All staphylococcal infections have in common the following symptoms:

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

The following symptoms are also typical:

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

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.

Important! After illness, immunity to these microorganisms is unstable. You can become infected with these infections several times during your life. There are no special measures to immunize people against this type of bacteria.

Complications

If a person knows what staphylococcus is, he also knows how dangerous the active phase of this pathogenic microorganism is.

  • Exacerbation of existing chronic diseases of the respiratory system, digestive tract, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Entry into the body of other pathogenic microbes (streptococci, pneumococci, etc.).
  • Development of septicemia (blood poisoning).

Staphylococcal infection not only leads to a number of serious diseases, but can also be complicated by life-threatening conditions. Pathogenic staphylococcus, entering the bloodstream, is able to penetrate the heart, the brain, and in some cases spread to many organs, causing sepsis.

Diagnostics

If there is a suspicion of staphylococcus, what it is will be explained and diagnosed by the attending physician. The diagnosis is made after a cultural examination of samples of the pathogen taken from foci of infection (any areas of suppuration, blisters, dried crusts, etc.).

Diagnostic methods depend on which part is affected by the infection.
  • When it comes to pneumonia caused by staphylococcal infection, it is enough to collect sputum after coughing.
  • If the genitourinary system is infected, you will have to collect a urine test.
  • For superficial lesions - scrapings from the skin and sampling from the mucous membranes.

For diagnosis the following is prescribed:

  • biochemical blood test;
  • examination of stool and urine;
  • saliva swab;
  • skin smear.

During the tests, it is also important to determine how sensitive the bacterium is to the effects of antibiotics, which will make it possible to determine the most effective drug for subsequent treatment.

Treatment of staphylococcus in adults

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.

The modern approach to the treatment of staphylococcal infections includes the following areas of treatment:

  • Use of modern antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics;
  • Surgical methods of treatment;
  • Immunomodulation methods;
  • Normalization of the hormonal status and metabolic process of the body with the help of food additives (chitosan, cordyceps), mineral preparations, vitamins.

Antibiotics

Bacterioscopic seeding determines the presence of pathogenic flora and its type. Only after this are antibiotics prescribed in tablets and injections that can kill harmful flora.

It is impossible to say for sure which antibiotic kills staphylococcus, because each strain of the bacterium is sensitive to a specific drug. The most commonly used drugs include the following groups of antibiotics:

Treatment of staphylococcal infection requires strict adherence to the frequency of administration, time of use of the drug and its dosage. It is important to take the prescribed antibiotic not until the first symptoms disappear, but for at least 5 days. If it is necessary to extend the course, the doctor will inform you about this. In addition, treatment cannot be stopped; therapy must be continuous.

Surgical methods

The purpose of surgery for staphylococcal infection is to open the abscess and ensure good outflow of purulent-inflammatory exudate. Opened abscesses are washed with antibiotic solutions and drained. Proteases are widely used - enzymes that are capable of breaking down peptide bonds in proteins and decay products, thereby accelerating the cleansing of purulent wounds.

Bacteriophages for staphylococcal infection

To combat staphylococcus, bacteriophages can be used - viruses with a selective ability to attack staphylococcus. For external treatment, ointments containing antibacterial components that have an antiseptic and restorative effect are used.

During purulent processes, it is not recommended to use ointments that have a fatty base (for example, the popular Vishnevsky liniment) since fats prevent the outflow of discharge from the wound, thereby worsening the course of the process.

Immunomodulators

To stimulate the immune system in children and adults, the use of herbal preparations is indicated - echinacea (Immunal), ginseng (ginseng tincture, preparations in the form of tablets and capsules) and Schisandra chinensis.

Use of vitamin and mineral preparations

One of the reasons for decreased immunity and frequent recurrence of infections (including Staphylococcus aureus infection) is a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. Therefore, vitamin and mineral preparations are successfully used in the treatment and prevention of these infections.

The most justified use of these drugs is in the presence of other signs of vitamin deficiency or during the off-season.

Before starting to use vitamin preparations or nutritional supplements, we recommend that you consult with your doctor and discuss the advisability of such treatment, as well as the associated risks and consequences.

How to treat with folk remedies

Before using any folk remedies for staphylococcus, we recommend consulting with your doctor.

  1. Apricot. For inflammatory processes on the skin due to staphylococcal infection, apricot pulp has proven itself well, and should be applied to areas of inflammation. To treat an internal infection, you need to eat apricot puree 2 times a day - morning and evening, on an empty stomach.
  2. Skin staph infections are also well treated with garlic. 50 g of garlic is crushed and crushed and mixed with 150 ml of water. After straining the resulting infusion, moisten a bandage and apply it to sore spots on the skin. It is recommended to carry out the procedure twice a day for 10 days.
  3. Dry St. John's wort. Brew 2 tsp with a glass of boiling water. herbs, cover with a cloth and let steep for 30 minutes. Take on an empty stomach before breakfast and dinner.
  4. Chamomile decoction is also recommended for use. 2 tsp Boil chamomile in a glass of water for about five minutes. Then the broth is filtered and cooled. It is used as a means for rinsing, washing and wiping.
  5. A good method of treating staphylococcus is black currant. Black currant contains the largest amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and promotes a speedy recovery. Black currant will also be effective in the treatment of streptococcus.

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.

Prevention

Understanding how difficult it is to treat staphylococcus, most doctors pay attention to preventing the development of infection. It is simply impossible to completely get rid of different types of this microorganism. Therefore, the key task is not to eliminate the bacteria, but to prevent the development of the infectious process.

It is important to carry out regular disease prevention without waiting for infection to appear. The following methods are used as preventative measures:

  • maintaining hygiene;
  • prevention of vitamin deficiency;
  • treating wounds and cuts with antibacterial agents;
  • injury prevention;
  • prevention of sweating;
  • thorough processing of vegetables and fruits before eating,
  • exclusion from the diet of products with damaged packaging integrity.

Staphylococcal infections are extremely dangerous to human health because they can cause serious complications. Treatment of infections of this type must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

It is impossible to completely get rid of the presence of staphylococci in the body. They are part of the opportunistic human microflora. Small amounts of them do not cause any harm.

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Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) is a spherical, nonmotile and aerobic (capable of existing in the air) Gram-staining bacterium that causes various diseases in children and, less commonly, in adults.

Staphylococcus aureus gets its name from the golden glow it produces when sown on a nutrient medium. Translated from the Greek slaphyle - “bunch” and coccus - “spherical”, staphylococcus under a microscope resembles a bunch of grapes. Staphylococcus aureus is widespread in the environment; it can be sown from household items, from toys, from medical instruments, from breast milk and affected skin and mucous membranes of a sick and healthy person.

Why is Staphylococcus aureus dangerous?

Normally, Staphylococcus aureus lives on the skin and mucous membranes of almost all people. But healthy people with good immunity do not suffer from staphylococcal infection, since normal microflora suppresses the growth of staphylococcus and does not allow its pathogenic essence to manifest itself. But when the body’s defenses are weakened, the microbe “raises its head” and causes various diseases, including blood poisoning or sepsis.

The high pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is associated with three factors.

  • Firstly, the microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics and environmental factors (withstands boiling for 10 minutes, drying, freezing, ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, with the exception of brilliant green).
  • Secondly, Staphylococcus aureus produces the enzymes penicillinase and lidase, which makes it protected from almost all penicillin antibiotics and helps melt the skin, including sweat glands, and penetrate deep into the body.
  • And thirdly, the microbe produces endotoxin, which leads to both food poisoning and a syndrome of general intoxication of the body, up to the development of infectious-toxic shock.

And, of course, it should be noted that there is no immunity to Staphylococcus aureus, and a person who has had a staphylococcal infection can become infected with it again.

Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous for infants in the maternity hospital. It is in hospitals that the concentration of this microbe in the environment is high, which is of no small importance due to violation of the rules of asepsis and sterilization of instruments and carriage of staphylococcus among medical workers. personnel.

Causes

There is no doubt that the cause of staphylococcal infection is, as a rule, Staphylococcus aureus. Infection occurs when immunity decreases, which is facilitated by a number of factors:

  • taking antibiotics and hormonal drugs;
  • stress;
  • poor nutrition;
  • hypo- and vitamin deficiencies;
  • infections;
  • intestinal dysbiosis;
  • failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
  • prematurity;
  • immaturity of the child at birth;
  • artificial feeding;
  • late breastfeeding.

Photo: Staphylococcus aureus under a microscope

Types of staphylococcal infection

There are generalized and local forms of staphylococcal infection.

Generalized forms include sepsis (septicopyemia and septicocemia).

Local forms include diseases of the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, joints, mammary glands and umbilical cord. Also, food poisoning with staphylococcus endotoxin should be highlighted in a separate column.

In addition, staphylococcal infection can be primary and secondary (if there is a primary focus). According to the course, acute, protracted and chronic forms are distinguished, and according to the severity of staphylococcal infection, mild, moderate and severe.

Symptoms depending on the affected organ

Symptoms of staphylococcal infection depend on the location of staphylococcus in the child’s body and the degree to which the body’s defenses are reduced. The main signs of staphylococcal infection include

  • increase in body temperature
  • severe intoxication syndrome (lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, nausea).
Microbial infection of the umbilical wound, which is accompanied by swelling of the umbilical ring, purulent discharge from the wound. When the umbilical vein is involved in the process, a compacted and thickened vein is palpated. There is also hyperemia that spreads upward, towards the sternum.

Skin damage

  • With pseudofurunculosis (damage to the sweat glands, not the sebaceous glands), dense, red nodules appear in the skin folds (accumulation of sweat glands), which then fester.
  • Vesiculopustulosis is characterized by the formation of bubbles with liquid contents, which spontaneously open and a crust forms in their place.
  • Exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease), or “scalded skin syndrome,” is characterized by the formation of large blisters that look like burns, then the skin peels off and unprotected wounds form.
  • An abscess is a lesion of the deep layers of the skin with visible redness and thickening. A cavity containing pus is formed.
  • Panaritium is a lesion of the extreme phalanx of the finger.
  • Phlegmon - in addition to the skin, the process involves subcutaneous tissue, which suppurates.

When the mucous membrane of the eyes is damaged, conjunctivitis develops (photophobia, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, purulent discharge from the eyes).

Respiratory tract damage

Rhinitis – redness of the mucous membrane with copious purulent discharge from the nose. When infection penetrates below, a sore throat develops, characterized by a sore throat, pharyngitis, tracheitis with a dry and painful cough.

Infection of the bronchi and lungs leads to bronchitis and pneumonia. As a rule, bronchitis and pneumonia occur in combination with pharyngitis, rhinitis, and tracheitis.

There is a significant increase in temperature (up to 39-40°C), dry cough, shortness of breath.

Airway stenosis may develop.

Damage to the central nervous system

Penetration of Staphylococcus aureus into the brain leads to the development of meningitis and brain abscess. Diseases in children are severe, with high fever and symptoms of intoxication.

Characterized by “cerebral” vomiting, headaches, positive meningeal symptoms, episyndrome and skin rash. During a spinal puncture, fluid flows out under pressure and has a greenish tint mixed with pus.

Urinary tract lesions

Urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis develop. Characteristic symptoms: frequent and painful urination, pain in the lumbar region, high temperature. Urine tests determine protein, a large number of leukocytes, and inoculate Staphylococcus aureus.

Damage to bones and joints

When bones and joints become infected, arthritis and osteomyelitis develop.

It develops when eating contaminated or spoiled food and occurs with symptoms of acute enterocolitis. Characterized by fever, nausea, vomiting up to 10 or more times a day, loose stools mixed with greens.

Blood poisoning, or sepsis, occurs with severe immunodeficiency. The course of the disease is severe, with a very high temperature, severe symptoms of intoxication, and impaired consciousness (from excitement to lethargy).

With the development of infectious-toxic shock, blood pressure drops sharply, the patient loses consciousness and may fall into a coma.

Septicopyemia is the circulation of Staphylococcus aureus in the blood with the formation of purulent foci, both on the child’s skin and in the internal organs.

Septicemia is characterized by the development of infectious toxicosis. Septicemia can be complicated by the addition of pneumonia, the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, etc.

Diagnostics

Differential diagnosis of staphylococcal infection should be carried out with streptococcal infection. In the diagnosis of diseases of staphylococcal etiology, the following serological methods are used, which are characterized by speed and high accuracy:

  • A standard coagulase test in a test tube, which lasts 4 hours, but if the result is negative, it is extended for a day.
  • Latex agglutination, which uses commercial kits of latex particles associated with antibodies to staphylococcus (A-protein, clumping factor and a number of surface antigens), which makes it also useful for species and strain identification of the pathogen
  • General blood and urine tests (leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased ESR are detected in the blood, and protein, leukocytes, staphylococci in the urine).
  • Sowing biological material on nutrient media.

Sowing on nutrient media is carried out to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine its sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics.

Stool culture should be done no later than 3 hours after defecation; swabs from the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasopharynx should be taken on an empty stomach, before brushing your teeth and before taking medications.

A smear for staphylococcal conjunctivitis is taken from the lower eyelid with a sterile swab soaked in distilled water before washing.

For skin diseases, smears are taken after pre-treating the skin around the wound with an antiseptic solution and removing necrotic areas (crusts) from the wound.

Allows you to determine the dynamics of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. It is carried out 2 or more times with breaks of 7-10 days. An increase in antibody titer in the blood of more than 1:100 indicates the progression of the infection.

  • Phagotyping of isolated staphylococci

Allows you to determine the sensitivity of a microbe to phage viruses in order to prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment

For mild forms of staphylococcal infection, antibiotics are not required.

For moderate and severe forms, semisynthetic penicillins (amoxiclav), which are effective if the microorganism is resistant to penicillins, and cephalosporins (kefzol, ceftriaxone) are prescribed.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and infection of the skin or internal organs (from 7 days to several months).

For purulent-inflammatory skin diseases (furunculosis, carbuncle, impetigo), local treatment is prescribed - mupirocin or pleuromutilin derivatives. In their absence, wounds can be treated with antiseptic solutions: brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate and antibacterial ointments (synthomycin, oleandomycin ointments, Bactroban).

For conjunctivitis, wash the eyes daily with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and instill a 30% solution of albucid 4-5 times a day.

For purulent skin lesions (abscesses, cellulitis), surgical opening of the abscesses is performed to drain the pus.

In addition, the administration of antistaphylococcal bacteriophage, antistaphylococcal plasma and immunoglobulin is indicated (for sepsis and severe diseases).

For staphylococcal foodborne toxic infection, antibiotics are not prescribed; antistaphylococcal toxoid is used. Gastric lavage is carried out and the volume of circulating blood is replenished with intravenous infusions of saline solutions (saline solution, glucose solution, rehydron and others).

To prevent intestinal dysbiosis, it is recommended to use antifungal drugs (Diflucan, nystatin) in parallel with antibiotics.

At the same time, immunocorrective therapy is prescribed (vitamins B, C, levamisole, Tactivin and others).

A pediatric infectious disease specialist treats staphylococcal infections in children.

Treatment methods are selected depending on the damage to certain organs. The child is hospitalized in a separate ward-box, where bed and underwear are changed daily and the patient showers daily.

Complications and prognosis

Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous for infants. Possible complications:

The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

With mild lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, the prognosis is favorable. Massive infection with Staphylococcus aureus, especially with the development of sepsis, is fatal in 50%.

Diagnosis by symptoms

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

Source: http://www.diagnos.ru/diseases/infec/stafilokokk-gold

Staphylococcus

I never cease to be amazed at how many people

in different parts of the world do not have the slightest

ideas about the animals living side by side with them.

Guys let's be friends!

Cocci are oval or spherical bacteria (the Greek word kokkos translates as “seed”). Hundreds of a wide variety of cocci surround a person throughout his life, but there is, perhaps, no microbe more famous than staphylococcus.

The microbiological term staphylococcus was introduced into medical practice back in 1881. Under a microscope, it can be seen that the cocci gather in groups similar to a bunch of grapes, hence the name, because staphylos in Greek means “bunch”.

This word - “staphylococcus” - is now known to almost everyone and few people evoke positive emotions. Dozens of diseases of people and animals owe their occurrence to staphylococcus; when treating these diseases, doctors experience serious difficulties; there is not a person on the globe who has not experienced health problems associated specifically with staphylococcus at least once in his life.

Staphylococci are a whole genus of microorganisms; 27 species are already known today, with 14 species found on human skin and mucous membranes. Most staphylococci are absolutely harmless: of the 14 species mentioned, only 3 are capable of causing disease, but these three are more than enough.

The danger and pathogenicity of any bacteria, and staphylococcus in this aspect is no exception, is determined by the presence of so-called “pathogenicity factors” - that is, it is not the microbe itself that is dangerous, but very specific substances (either included in the microbe or produced by the microbe in the process life activity). Figuratively speaking, it is not the soldier who should be feared, but the knife in his hand. The uniqueness of staphylococcus lies precisely in the fact that it is a soldier, hung with a wide variety of weapons from head to toe. Microbial special forces, in short.

A small, inconspicuous and immobile grain - and this is what staphylococcus looks like under a microscope - turns out to be a formidable adversary: ​​every particle, every element of its structure, every biochemical process is a source of danger.

The microcapsule surrounding the staphylococcus reflects the attacks of phagocytes (cells that eat microbes) and promotes the penetration of bacteria into the tissues of the body. The cell wall causes inflammatory and allergic reactions, neutralizes immunoglobulins, and immobilizes phagocytes. Numerous enzymes destroy cell structures and neutralize antibiotics. And so-called hemolysins are also formed - substances that damage red blood cells, leukocytes and many other cells. There are four types of hemolysins, one more disgusting than the other. The already considerable arsenal of staphylococcus is supplemented by toxins - powerful poisons, each with its own effect, and there are at least a dozen of them in total.

A detailed listing of staphylococcal “harmfulness” may seem to the reader another and very malicious medical horror story. But it is impossible to do without these descriptions, because the true essence of staphylococcal infections lies precisely in a huge number of damaging factors - amazing and unparalleled in the microbial world.

On the one hand, the diversity of staphylococcal diseases becomes clear. This is not some diphtheria bacillus with one single toxin and one single disease. From a staphylococcus armed to the teeth, you can expect anything - an abscess on the skin, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and an intestinal infection.

On the other hand, the true danger of a particular staphylococcus is determined precisely by the presence of the above-mentioned pathogenicity factors. For it is not at all necessary that a given microbe has all these horrors. Most staphylococci are peaceful guys, we have already said that out of 14 species that live on humans, only 3 are capable of causing diseases - precisely because only they have weapons (the same pathogenicity factors). It is about this trinity that it is worth talking in more detail.

So, there are three types of pathogenic staphylococci: Staphylococcus aureus (in Latin - staphylococcus aureus; in analyzes and other medical documents the name of the genus Staphylococcus is never written in full, but is limited to the capital letter “S” - i.e. S. aureus), epidermal staphylococcus (S. epidermidis) and saprophytic staphylococcus (S. saprophyticus).

Saprophytic staphylococcus is the most “peaceful” and very rarely affects children. A big lover of the female sex, it most often causes inflammation of the bladder (less often of the kidneys) in women, since its main habitat is the skin in the genital area and the mucous membrane of the urethra.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is less picky and can live anywhere - on any mucous membrane, on any part of the skin - this is reflected in the name of the microbe (epidermis - the surface layer of the skin). The ability of S. epidermidis to cause disease is low - the body of a healthy person of any age (even a newborn) can easily cope with it. Paradox: Staphylococcus epidermidis lives on the skin, but almost never causes any skin pustules. The vast majority of infections occur in weakened people who have undergone surgery and are in intensive care units. The microbe enters the body from the surface of the skin through wounds, drainages, vascular and urinary catheters. Blood poisoning and endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart) may occur. It is epidermal staphylococcus that is a real punishment for surgeons involved in internal prosthetics: if any artificial valves, vessels, joints become infected, it is almost always with this staphylococcus.

And finally, the most famous, sadly, well-known staphylococcus is Staphylococcus aureus. Against its background, all other representatives of the staphylococcal tribe seem to be peaceful domestic animals. Almost all medical problems associated with staphylococcus imply the presence of Staphylococcus aureus.

Under a microscope, colonies of Staphylococcus aureus appear orange or yellow, hence the name. The microbe is surprisingly stable in the external environment. Many other bacteria have this resistance, but when exposed to unfavorable factors they form spores - the microbes die, but the spores remain. After external conditions improve, the spores turn into bacteria, which then attack the human body. Staphylococcus does not form spores. And yet it is stable. And always ready.

Staphylococcus aureus does not lose activity when dried. Lives 12 hours under direct sunlight. Withstands temperatures of 150 C for 10 minutes! Does not die in pure ethyl alcohol. It is not afraid of hydrogen peroxide; moreover, it produces a special enzyme, catalase, which destroys hydrogen peroxide, and the microbe itself absorbs the resulting oxygen.

A unique feature of staphylococcus is its ability to survive in solutions of sodium chloride - i.e. table salt. 3 teaspoons of salt per glass of water will hold up easily. Why is this so important? Yes, because only staphylococcus can survive in the sweat gland - it has nothing to do with salty human sweat! The microbe also produces the enzyme lipase, which destroys fats in general and the sebaceous plug at the mouth of the hair follicle in particular. An obvious and sad consequence: almost 100% of skin ulcers (boils, styes, boils, carbuncles, etc.) are Staphylococcus aureus and only Staphylococcus aureus. The very knowledge of this fact will easily convince the reader that there is no person on the globe who has never had staphylococcal disease: it is almost impossible to live a life and never discover some kind of pimple on yourself.

But staphylococcus also has its own Achilles heel - a completely strange, incomprehensible, but very high sensitivity to aniline dyes - first of all, to a solution of brilliant green - that same ordinary green dye that is in every home.

The skin problems mentioned are an example of local infections typical of Staphylococcus aureus. Truly these are flowers, in comparison with berries - general or systemic infections. The microbe produces a special enzyme - coagulase (in principle, only Staphylococcus aureus has this enzyme). When staphylococcus enters the vascular bed from the surface of the skin, blood clotting begins under the influence of coagulase and the bacteria end up inside microthrombi - reliably hidden from the protective factors of the immune system. On the one hand, this can cause staphylococcal sepsis (i.e., blood poisoning caused by staphylococcus), on the other hand, staphylococcus can enter any organ and, accordingly, cause a purulent inflammatory process in any organ.

Most often, staphylococcal pneumonia occurs, damage to the heart valves; ulcers can be found anywhere - in the liver, in the brain, and in the kidneys. One of the most common problems is osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone tissue). Paradoxically, with open bone fractures, osteomyelitis is not always staphylococcal, but when it occurs “out of the blue,” the culprit of the “triumph” is almost always Staphylococcus aureus.

From the surface of the skin, staphylococcus can penetrate into the mammary gland (it is the main cause of purulent mastitis), and from the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract - into the ear cavity, paranasal sinuses, and down into the lungs (another option for the development of staphylococcal pneumonia).

And that is not all!! Staphylococci produce strong poisons (toxins), which themselves can cause very serious diseases.

One such toxin (exfoliatin) affects newborns. The poison acts on the skin, causing the formation of blisters, like burns. This disease has even been called “scalded baby syndrome.” Toxic shock syndrome, described in 1980 at the dawn of the use of absorbent tampons by women during menstruation, is also associated with staphylococcal toxins.

The most common toxic staphylococcal disease is food poisoning. Almost 50% of all Staphylococcus aureus secrete enterotoxin, a poison that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Staphylococci reproduce well in many foods; they especially love butter creams, vegetable and meat salads, and canned food. During the process of reproduction, a toxin accumulates in food, and it is the toxin, and not the microbe itself, that causes the symptoms of the disease in a careless eater. A significant role is played by the resistance of both microbes and toxins to preservative salt concentrations, as well as the ability to withstand boiling.

What a harmful creature staphylococcus is! The most interesting thing is that, despite numerous enzymes and dangerous toxins, despite the amazing stability in the external environment, the microbe cannot do anything about the immune defense of a healthy person: there is an antidote for every poison, the systems of general and local immunity are able to neutralize the factors pathogenicity, inhibit the proliferation of staphylococci, prevent the occurrence of diseases!

Thus, staphylococcus often turns out to be an absolutely normal and natural representative of, again, an absolutely normal and natural human microflora. But since the potential harmfulness of such a neighborhood is obvious, it is not surprising that staphylococcus is classified as opportunistic bacteria - that is, microbes that can cause disease, but only under certain circumstances.

But, and this is very (!) important, always distinguish between concepts such as staphylococcus and staphylococcal infection. Detection of staphylococcus in the absence of real symptoms of the disease is not at all a reason for immediate rescue and swallowing medications.

We repeat, given the importance of the issue: people are treated, not tests (in general); They treat a staph infection, not staph (in particular).

The main reason for this phenomenon is not only the staphylococcus itself, but also the unjustifiably widespread use of antibiotics in situations where it is quite possible to do without it. It’s a paradox, but even some staphylococcal diseases do not need treatment with antibiotics - for example, food poisoning, which, as we have already said, is not associated with the microbe itself, but with its toxins.

Staphylococcus is different from staphylococcus. The most dangerous and resistant to many drugs live in hospitals. Life there is not easy (and for bacteria as well), but staphylococci that survive in conditions of constant use of disinfectants and massive use of antibiotics are a serious risk factor, the basis of the so-called hospital infection.

Let us repeat: the treatment of staphylococcal diseases is a complex task, the path to its solution is long and expensive, but quite realistic. A specific staphylococcus resistant to all antibacterial agents is a very rare phenomenon. Bacteriological methods make it possible not only to detect the culprit of the disease, but also to determine its sensitivity to drugs, and then carry out a course of effective therapy. Purulent foci in the relevant organs are eliminated by surgical interventions; anti-staphylococcal plasma and immunoglobulins are also used, through which ready-made antibodies are introduced into the body. Of great importance is the elimination of the provoking factors we mentioned - those that reduce the immune defense and determine the fundamental possibility of the occurrence of the disease.

It’s sad, but a staphylococcal infection does not leave behind long-term immunity. The number of possible pathogenicity factors is too large. Antibodies have appeared in the blood to the toxins of one staphylococcus, but the outcome of an encounter with another microbe is not predictable, because it may have other toxins that are not yet familiar to the body.

Humanity is doomed to live next to staphylococcus. The neighborhood is not the most pleasant, but tolerable. All we can do in this situation is to avoid conflicts. Maintain in order, strengthen and patch the fence in a timely manner (i.e. the immune system) and strictly observe the non-aggression pact - do not throw stones (antibiotics) at your neighbor as long as he does not touch us.

published 01/17/:27

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Comments 153

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lenchakropp Russia, St. Petersburg

Tatiana

We brought staphylococcus from the maternity hospital, probably the same aggressive one that survived after disinfection, which is mentioned in the article. Conjunctivitis was cured fairly quickly with cheap drops called Albucid, but there were problems with the intestines for up to 6 months. The baby's stool was green, slimy, his stomach hurt, and he often cried. Pediatricians asked questions about whether the child was restless. Strange questions, considering that there is nothing to compare with, he was just born. Various anti-colic remedies helped poorly, stool analysis showed staphylococcus, we drank various prebiotics and probiotics with zero effect, visited several pediatricians, after about 2 months we first noticed blood in the stool, paid for a visit to a pediatric gastroenterologist in the regional center. The gastroenterologist looked into the diaper and said that the baby had lactase deficiency and recommended drinking lactazar. We drank lactazar, to no avail, the child lies on his stomach for no more than a minute, then he starts screaming, we carry him in our arms one by one, massage, warm diapers, we tried everything. I often heard advice from friends and relatives to wean her, give her formula, but she didn’t listen, for which I still praise myself to this day. During this time, I had my breast milk tested twice, no pathogenic or opportunistic microbes were found, I lost my appetite and sleep, I became slimmer than before pregnancy, my grandmothers were in tears, all the conversations in the family were not about how the baby was developing, but about the contents of the diapers. Nightmare! None of the doctors wanted to deal with our problems, we agreed on tests at the health station myself, began to photograph the contents of the diapers, took the photographs back to the pediatrician - he said that the baby had bacterial colitis, wrote out a prescription for amikacin, this is an antibiotic in ampoules, take orally, one at a time ampoule per day, divided into three doses. Three days later, terrible diarrhea began, up to ten times a day, blood in every diaper, butt red from irritation. I don’t even want to remember this horror. I stopped giving the antibiotic and gave her smecta. I started calling friends and relatives, looking for a competent doctor. Eureka! They advised me to see a specific doctor and went to Minsk for an appointment. For the first time ever, we were prescribed tests: complete blood count, hemostasiogram, stool tests for dysbacteriosis and coprogram. They said that there is no diagnosis of bacterial colitis in infants, they prescribed a hearing test, because amikacin can cause hearing loss if the person taking it has a hearing loss gene and it was first necessary to do a test to make sure that this gene is absent. They did an ultrasound of the abdominal organs. The result of the analysis for dysbacteriosis showed staphylococcus and clostridia to some extent, it doesn’t matter, because: the diagnosis is enteropathy associated with intolerance to cow’s milk proteins. Treatment according to a specific regimen with the drugs dicynon, enterol, methyluracil suppositories, sextafag, baby bak-set, and the mother on a dairy-free diet. We were treated for a month and a half, the child was replaced, he began to lie on his stomach and was interested in toys, sleep peacefully, stool once a day was yellow, six months of torment came to an end, due to intestinal problems, they later started complementary feeding, from seven months, it did not work before , a reaction appeared, either crusts on the head, or stools became more frequent. Now my baby is 9.5 months old, eats solids three times a day + breast milk, I am still on a dairy-free diet. We no longer discuss the contents of diapers, although we still consider it out of habit; he stools 1-2 times a day, rarely 3-4, and does not complain about his stomach. I don’t know if we defeated staphylococcus; we didn’t take any more tests because nothing bothered us. We got vaccinated at the clinic at six months, and we don’t go there anymore.

1. Staylococcus is not as terrible as it is made out to be.

2. Dr. Komarovsky is right, there is no need to treat the tests.

3. Parents need to educate themselves to prevent illiterate doctors from harming their child.

4. Look for a good qualified doctor who can help your baby.

I hope that our experience will be useful to someone. Be healthy!

mazdasource

el4ik Ukraine, Dnepropetrovsk

Ursula Grosu

After a week of using the ointment, the result is clearly visible, the face looks much better, but there is still a lesion: the skin is rough, a different shade, and occasional redness. I suspect that I will stop smearing and everything will return.

Now the question is: are we doing the treatment correctly? Maybe the antibiotic is unnecessary, or it would have been better to use Staf. bacteriophages? If yes, then how, according to what scheme?

Olyona Russia, St. Petersburg

Olyona Russia, St. Petersburg

Ekaterina

Anyuta

natali Ukraine, Melitopol

Guest

Please tell me, I don’t know what to do.

The pediatrician says that Staphylococcus is not a disease and does not need to be treated.

However, I myself suffered with lactostasis and the child also suffered.

My daughter is 4 months old. After giving birth/at home, we ended up in an infectious diseases hospital with a diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus. At the same time, felon of the middle fingers on both hands, a bleeding navel, which had already fallen off but was not healing, purulent conjunctivitis. The child was treated with antibiotics and the wounds were treated with liquid potassium permanganate. I was not treated or examined in any way.

I was discharged a week later.

at 3 months my daughter became capricious, began to eat poorly, and green mushy stool appeared. They tested the stool for Staphylococcus aureus and it was detected with a result of 10^5, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with a result of 10^6

They prescribed Bifiform first, took it on drink - no results.

Then they prescribed Bacteriophage (made by Microgen) - again, no results.

Then the pediatrician prescribed Primodophilus.

Now I’m eating better, but the green stool remains, and not every day, but once a day. Despite the fact that I give Nutrilon fermented milk mixture once a day. We re-cultured for Staphylococcus aureus. I'm waiting for the results.

1-How to normalize the color and amount of stool per day?

2-How to maintain immunity so that staphylococcus does not cause diseases in a child, which are described in the article?

Nataly Russia, St. Petersburg

Dmitry311 Ukraine, Krivoy Rog

Tigra Lvovna Russia, Belgorod

Kotya Russia, St. Petersburg

Zulfiya Ravilyevna Russia, Kazan

| Russia, Yekaterinburg

antei421 Ukraine, Kiev

RIKOSS Ukraine, Sumy

Lilya Ukraine, Ternopil

Dmitry Ukraine, Berezan

The first boil appeared on my arm in 2010, the process was very painful, there was no way to see a doctor, a medical friend helped with advice, treated with antibiotics (cyprinol, bioparox), the scar is still on my arm. For a long time everything was calm, but after six months (I was nervous a lot, often drank alcohol) it appeared in the nose and in 2011 there were about 5 of them and a couple on the head too (I treated it with the same antibiotics, I understand that I made a mistake). But 2012 is simply countless. I cleansed my body, stopped eating sweets and alcohol, and stopped loading up on food. Now there have been no boils for a month, but there is not a day when there is not a temperature of 37, every day I drink chlorophyllipt, rinse with chlorophyllipt and drip it into my nose, I also did 5 enemas with chlorophyllipt.

I can’t work and live fully. Doctor, what do you recommend? Should I swim completely in greenery? Ready to do almost anything.

I don’t want to take antibiotics!

Thanks in advance for your answer.

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