Why is staphylococcus dangerous? Pathogenic staphylococci: causes, symptoms, treatment

Skin diseases caused by staphylococcal infection are dangerous to the body and are difficult to cure. The microbe produces a very strong toxin that poisons the epidermis - staphylococcus penetrates all layers of the skin and destroys healthy tissue.

Staphylococcus can penetrate the skin

Causes of staph infection on the skin

Frequent causative agents of unpleasant skin rashes are 2 types of staphylococcus - epidermal (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and golden (Staphylococcus aureus). The first practically does not harm humans, since it belongs to the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes. Its harmful effects begin when the immune system is weakened (pregnancy, previous operations, exhaustion of the body, dysbacteriosis).

Staphylococcus aureus is very dangerous

Unlike epidermal, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common and dangerous microbe for humans.

Contact with the skin can lead to the development of the following diseases:

• furunculosis;
• phlegmon;
• felon;
• erysipelas;
• pyoderma.

Anyone can become infected with a staphylococcal infection, regardless of age and gender. Diseases caused by this bacterium occur differently in each patient, depending on the functioning of the immune system and the degree of manifestation of the rash on the body.

Development factors

Staphylococcus enters the human body through airborne droplets, through household objects or with food. Any violation of the integrity of the skin (microcracks, scratches, abrasions) can become a route for bacteria to penetrate. There is a high probability of becoming infected with a similar microbe through piercing or tattooing. There are frequent cases of staphylococcus infection in the hospital due to insufficiently sterile medical instruments.

Staphylococcus can enter the body through a simple cut

The main factor that predisposes to the development of a dangerous infection is weakened immunity. Also, concomitant infections, including pathogens of dysbacteriosis, create favorable conditions for the spread of bacteria.

Symptoms of staphylococcus on the skin

The symptoms of staphylococcal infection largely depend on the location on the body, the stage of the disease and how the body itself fights bacteria. The microbe is capable of causing many skin pathologies, which have their own characteristic manifestations. What they look like is shown in the photo.

The formation of purulent boils is a common disease that can cause inflammation of the skin on any part of the body. The most dangerous is the appearance of ulcers on the neck and face. It is here that the infection is located close enough to the brain, where it can also cause an inflammatory process.

How it manifests itself:

• the appearance of small redness with white dots in the middle (accumulation of pus);
• swelling of the inflamed area;
• the appearance of painful sensations (twitching or pulsating attacks in the affected area);
• destruction of the protective film and leakage of purulent fluid out, the formation of ulcers.

Furunculosis - the appearance of ulcers on the body

After opening the boil, a rod remains inside, which after a few days is removed on its own along with a small amount of pus and blood. After this, pain and swelling decrease.

The most common areas where ulcers appear on the body are areas of skin prone to oiliness:

• face – nasolabial triangle (rarely on the lips), wings of the nose;
• forearm;
• thighs and buttocks.

If there are a lot of purulent formations, the body temperature may rise, nausea, weakness, severe redness of the injured areas, and their swelling may occur. Similar manifestations occur when boils appear in the ear canal, in the nose area or in facial folds, which causes great discomfort to the patient.

Vesiculopustulosis or staphylococcal periporitis

A small staphylococcal rash most often occurs in infants. Vesiculopustulosis refers to pyoderma (purulent rash). Small pimples with purulent contents appear on the skin of a newborn - on the scalp, hips, buttocks, in folds and on the back. This happens due to violations of the baby’s hygiene rules. In a child, the rash is accompanied by itching, as a result of which the baby breaks the blisters, giving the infection the opportunity to spread further.

Characteristic signs of vesiculopustulosis:

• heat;
• small rash in the form of blisters with watery contents;
• general malaise like a cold.

Staphylococcal periporitis occurs more often in infants

A feature of this disease is that only the upper layers of the skin are affected by staphylococcal infection; the rashes are shallow and are not accompanied by inflammation (swelling). The children's general health remains normal.

Sycosis caused by staphylococcus is a chronic disease prone to frequent relapses. It usually occurs in men on the facial skin in the area of ​​the beard and mustache.

How it manifests itself:

1. Formation of superficial follicles (damage to the hair follicle). Ulcers are located in groups, gradually filling healthy skin.
2. The appearance of redness and swelling, which only intensifies over time. Minor suppurations are accompanied by increased sensitivity of the epidermis and the occurrence of severe pain from touch.
3. The appearance of crusts of a greenish or dirty yellow hue. The injured areas peel off all the time, after which a weeping surface appears. The purulent-inflammatory process progresses, which leads to a worsening of the skin condition.

Staphylococcal sycosis severely injures the skin of the face, which has a detrimental effect on the patient’s quality of life.

Staphylococcal sycosis is a chronic disease

Panaritium is an acute purulent inflammation that occurs on the skin of the hands (less often the legs), in particular on the fingers. The bacterium penetrates the epidermis through abrasions, cracks or abrasions on the phalanges.

Main manifestations:

• suppuration near the nail fold or from the distal part of the phalanx;
• redness and swelling of the injured area;
• formation of a blister with purulent contents;
• spread of inflammation to healthy fingers and nail plates.

In severe cases, panaritium can affect all layers of the skin, injuring fiber, tendon and bone tissue.

Panaritium appears more often on the skin of the hands

Staphylococcus aureus can also cause purulent subcutaneous inflammations, which quickly spread throughout the tissues.

One of these diseases is phlegmon. Characteristic features include:

• severe swelling of the skin;
• redness of the affected area;
• increase in body temperature;
• weakness.

Cellulitis penetrates into the deepest layers of the skin, which can provoke tissue death.

Cellulitis is characterized by severe swelling of the skin

The most serious disease caused by cutaneous staphylococcus. Most often, the infection occurs in adults and affects the skin of the lower extremities.

How it manifests itself:

• redness and swelling, injured areas are hot to the touch;
• temperature rise to 39–40 degrees;
• nausea, vomiting, severe malaise.
• the appearance of small rashes (rare).

Erysipelas is a serious disease that is difficult for patients to tolerate and can cause serious complications.

Erysipelas usually appears on the legs

Diagnostics

The definition of staphylococcal infection is based on external clinical signs of the disease:

the presence of ulcers;

redness and swelling of the skin;

high temperature up to 40 degrees;

weakness and malaise.

Laboratory tests are also carried out under a microscope:

bacteriological culture (in order to identify the pathogen, secreted fluid is taken from wounds and studied in various media);

serological analysis (studying the patient’s blood to find staphylococcal proteins there).

Additionally, a consultation with an infectious disease specialist or surgeon may be scheduled.

To identify staphylococcus, blood is taken for analysis.

Treatment of staphylococcus on the skin

Cutaneous staphylococcus is difficult to treat and requires very long and thorough therapy.

An integrated approach to getting rid of such bacteria includes the use of several groups of drugs:

1. Antibiotics. The most effective treatment is intravenous (intramuscular) medication. Among the antibiotics that stop the growth of staphylococcus are Gentamicin, Ampicillin, Cefazolin, Amoxiclav, Oxacillin, Cloxacillin.
2. Antibiotic ointments – Levomekol, Gentamicin ointment, Methirulacil ointment. External remedies help reduce the external manifestations of the disease.
3. Antifungal ointments. Broad-spectrum drugs include Canesten and Mycozolon.
4. Preparations to strengthen the immune system. The most effective are Taktivin, Levamisole, vitamins B and C.

Gentamicin is an antibiotic that is administered intramuscularly.

How to treat cutaneous staphylococcus is determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease and the degree of its neglect.

Staphylococcus is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause severe skin diseases in humans. The most common and dangerous species is Staphylococcus aureus. The microbe provokes the development of purulent boils on any part of the body. In advanced stages, there is a risk of infection entering the internal organs.

Cutaneous staphylococcus is a very persistent bacterium, so long-term treatment using several groups of drugs is required.

Health hazards lurk at every step not only for children, but also for adults. A large group consists of diseases caused by harmful bacteria.

Staphylococcus aureus belongs to a type of spherical bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus. Microorganisms are gram-positive - they retain pigmentation when washed using the Gram method.

The bacterium has the ability to survive on mucous membranes and outer skin. It doesn't always cause illness. A person may simply be a carrier. There are up to 40% of such people around the globe.

Carriage can be of a different nature - permanent or transient. This circumstance is influenced by the state of the competing microflora, the type of strain and the health of the carrier. The existence of Staphylococcus aureus was discovered by Scottish surgeon Alexander Ogston in 1880.

In 1884, the bacterium was described. The research was conducted by the German physician Ottomar Rosenbach, professor of therapy and pathology. The species is named because of its appearance under a microscope. Most bacteria are colorless when viewed closely, but these microorganisms have a golden hue.

Their color is ensured by the presence of a coloring pigment from the group of carotenoids found in the tissues of organisms. The length of the staphylococcus chromosome is up to 1 micron, and it contains a huge number of genes - more than 2.5 thousand.

Cocci are immobile during their life cycle and attach to the epithelium in pairs or singly. In appearance, their colonies resemble bunches of grapes, which is also reflected in the name of the genus (“staphula” translated from Greek means “bunch of grapes”).

Staphylococcus aureus does not form spores. Bacteria are very picky about environmental conditions. The optimal air temperature for their active development is 30-37 C, the acid-base balance should be neutral.

After the antibiotic penicillin was discovered, it was actively used in the fight against Staphylococcus aureus, and therefore the species mutated, developing resistance to the substance. Resistance is due to the presence in bacteria of an enzyme that breaks down penicillin molecules, called penicillinase.

Currently, Staphylococcus aureus is combated by using another antibiotic, methicillin. The medicine is a chemical modification of penicillin that bacteria are unable to destroy.

However, in the process of ongoing natural selection, some strains have developed resistance to this drug. The existence of even more resistant groups with vancomycin resistance and glycopeptide resistance has been established.

Causes and types of diseases, mechanism of infection

Very often, infection occurs in a hospital setting.

Staphylococcus aureus ranks high on the list of pathogens that enter the body of patients while in a hospital setting.

The range of diseases caused by bacteria is striking in its diversity:

1. Skin infections - carbuncles, boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, bullous impetigo.
2. Respiratory tract infections - pneumonia, sore throat.
3. Infections of the central nervous system - meningitis, brain abscess, thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the brain.
4. Urinary tract infections – cystitis, urethritis.
5. Infections of bones, joints, muscles - osteomyelitis, purulent arthritis, purulent myositis.

The causes of staphylococcal infections include the following factors:

• presence of chronic diseases;
• weakened immune system;
• taking a large number of medications;
• avitaminosis;
• frequent stress;
• infection from a carrier;
• living conditions that do not meet sanitary and epidemiological standards.

Infection with Staphylococcus aureus is particularly dangerous for both children and adults. Microorganisms are highly resistant to most drugs and adverse external factors.

A peculiarity of this species is its ability to produce endotoxins, which cause general intoxication of the body, and with late medical intervention - sepsis and infectious-toxic shock.

Immunity to infectious pathogens is not developed, so there is no guarantee that once you catch an infection and are cured, you will not be able to get sick again.

The mechanism of penetration of Staphylococcus aureus into the human body consists of several stages:

1. Contamination. From the external environment, cocci enter the mucous membranes and skin. With the help of a special acid, they attach to the epithelium and begin to produce toxins.
2. Penetration through the epithelium and attachment to extracellular elements. Bacteria are not able to penetrate through intact skin and mucous membranes. They penetrate inside in cases where a person’s natural protective barriers are damaged and the excretory ducts of the glands are clogged. Staphylococci attach to molecules of fibrinogen, laminin, elastin, collagen and other tissues.
3. Tissue destruction. During its life, Staphylococcus aureus produces a number of enzymes that create a favorable habitat for it, and toxins that destroy the membranes of cells in the human body.
4. Destruction of immune barriers. After staphylococcus penetrates the body, phagocytes, which are active defenders of the immune system, attack pests. Bacteria are able to resist their effects and destroy the phagocytic cells themselves. They can also penetrate into phagocytes and live in them.

Symptoms of infection

Staphylococcus aureus: culture

Penetrating inside the body, Staphylococcus aureus causes the following symptoms in adults:

• fast fatiguability;
• general weakness;
• lack of appetite;
• aches in bones and joints;
• and gagging;
• increase in body temperature.

These are common signs of infection by harmful bacteria. Depending on the strength of the immune system and the resistance of the body’s systems, this list may be supplemented by other symptoms that more specifically indicate the type of disease.

Skin infections are characterized by rashes on the skin, the appearance of blisters with purulent contents, crusts, redness, and induration.

Respiratory tract infections include nasal discharge, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath. Urinary tract infections are accompanied by painful urination and pain in the lumbar region.

Infections of bones, joints, and muscles are accompanied by aching pain, hyperemia of the skin in the damaged area, the appearance of swelling, and the release of pus through the skin.

Treatment methods

Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous coccus

In order to prescribe effective therapeutic procedures, it is necessary to first make an accurate diagnosis of the patient.

To determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus colonies in the body, the composition of purulent discharge from affected organs and tissues or biological fluids is analyzed.

Biological material from a purulent abscess is stained using the Gram method. As a result of research, a large number of cocci and neutrophils (leukocytes) are always detected.

Colonies whose samples are positive for the presence of coagulase, catalase, and thermonuclease enzymes can most likely be classified as Staphylococcus aureus.

When diagnosing staphylococcal intoxication, the effectiveness of laboratory tests is reduced to zero; they rather have an auxiliary function. Clinical data play an important role in this case.

Conservative treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus is used only in exceptional cases. Most therapeutic techniques come down to the following steps:

• drainage of purulent formations;
• removal of foreign bodies;
• antimicrobial treatment;
• removal of necrotic tissue.

The choice of antibiotics is determined by the type of strain and the degree of its resistance to certain drugs. In practice the following are used:

1. benzylpenicillin;
2. cephalosporins (preferably first generation);
3. nafcillin;
4. oxacillin;
5. vancomycin;
6. cephalexin.

For mild infections, oral medications are prescribed; in severe cases, antibiotics are administered intravenously.

The duration of treatment depends on how the patient feels, how effective the drugs used are and the severity of the infection. Severe illnesses require a four-week course of medication.

A special role is played by the implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risk of infection with Staphylococcus aureus in hospital rooms.

Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous type of bacteria that causes many infections when the patient’s immune system is weakened. If you notice the first general symptoms (lethargy, nausea, lack of appetite), you should immediately consult a doctor. The main treatment program for staphylococcal infections is to take.

And some more educational information about Staphylococcus aureus - in the video:

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Bacteria play an important role in the development and functioning of the human body. This domain of living organisms was one of the first to appear on Earth, and played a key role in the evolutionary development of all creatures. Most prokaryotic microorganisms are protectors of people, participating in the development of immunity and digestion processes, but there are also dangerous species that pose a threat to life. Staphylococci belong to both groups simultaneously.

General concept of staphylococcus

The number of bacterial cells in the human body significantly exceeds the number of cells in the body itself. Colonies of single-celled microbes inhabit the gastric tract, skin, mucous membranes and are necessary for many processes (digestion, formation of the immune system, etc.). In total, several thousand species of bacteria live in the human body, some of them play an important role in biological processes, others cause a large number of diseases.

Staphylococcus (Staphylococcus) is a member of the genus of bacteria Micrococcaceae, family Staphylococcaceae. These immobile microorganisms have a spherical (spherical) structure and are located on nutrient media in groups in the form of grape bunches. Staphylococci, like all microorganisms, are divided into opportunistic, pathogenic and saprophytic. The pathogenic properties of representatives of this genus are manifested in toxin formation (the ability of bacteria to produce exo-endotoxins and aggressive enzymes).

Being representatives of normal human microflora, staphylococci in relation to the human body are opportunistic in nature and under certain conditions become dangerous to health. Characteristic microbiological features of this genus are:

• facultative anaerobic type of respiration (can develop both in the presence and absence of oxygen);
• antigenic structure;
• absence of flagella, protective capsules;
• gram-positive (preservation of color when washed using the Gram method);
• good tolerance to various temperature conditions, high stability in the external environment, rapid adaptability to antibiotics (the optimal temperature for growth is 37 degrees, but in frozen conditions bacteria can live for several years, they do not tolerate direct sunlight, heating above 70 degrees and the action of chemicals);
• ability to produce endotoxins.

Pathogenicity factors

For the development of an infectious disease, it is necessary to penetrate into the body an infectious agent that is pathogenic (all pathogens have their own range of organisms susceptible to their action). The virulence of staphylococci (the degree of pathogenicity characterizes the ability of the pathogen to have a destructive effect on the cells of a living organism) is associated with two groups of factors - invasiveness and toxigenicity.

Invasiveness characterizes the ability of microorganisms to overcome protective immunological barriers, penetrate organs and tissues, multiply there and resist the immunity of macroorganisms. This ability is ensured by the production of enzymes (hyaluronidase, fibrinolysin, collagenase, etc.), the presence of a capsule and mucous substance (protecting bacterial cells from phagocytosis), and flagella that promote attachment to cells.

The toxigenicity of staphylococci determines their ability to produce toxic substances that have a detrimental effect on the macroorganism by changing its metabolism and inhibiting the activity of immune cells. Toxic substances secreted by pathogenic strains of microorganisms include:

• leukocidins are membrane-damaging toxins that have a detrimental effect on human leukocytes;
• enterotoxins – cause food poisoning, allergic reactions, are resistant to digestive enzymes and formaldehyde;
• plasmacoagulase – provoke clotting of blood plasma;
• hyaluronidase – breaks down the main element of connective tissue (hyaluronic acid);
• fibrinolysin - dissolves fibrin protein;
• phosphatase - cleave salts of phosphoric acids from nucleotides, proteins and alkaloids.

Types of staphylococcus

During bacteriological studies, about 27 species of microorganisms belonging to the genus Micrococcaceae were discovered. Most of them do not have a genetic factor of pathogenicity, and they do not pose a danger to human health, but there are 3 types of pathogenic staphylococci that cause the development of dangerous staphylococcal infections.

To determine whether bacteria belong to a specific species, specific determinants are used, of which the Bergi classifier has been generally accepted since 1974. According to this determinant, microorganisms belonging to the staphylococcal family are differentiated into 3 types depending on their pathogenic properties:

Pathogenicity factors	Staphylococcus aureus	Staphylococcus epidermidis	Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Plasma coagulation
Deoxyribonuclease production
Production of lecithovitellase
Phosphatase release
Capacity for anaerobic fermentation of glucose

Due to the presence of all pathogenicity factors, Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) poses the greatest danger to the body of people of all age categories. The high virulence of the microorganism and its wide distribution in the environment determine the fact that this pathogen causes the development of more than 100 diseases. Staphylococcus aureus has several varieties that cause certain diseases. To determine the bacterial culture, phage typing is used, which helps to identify the infectious source.

The other two species do not possess all the significant pathogenicity factors, therefore they are less likely to cause infection and primarily affect certain groups of people and areas of the body. Thus, epidermal staphylococcus (staphylococcus epidermidis) poses an increased danger to premature or weakened newborns, patients with an immunodeficiency state or cancer. This type of bacteria is localized on the skin and mucous membranes, rarely spreading to internal organs.

Saprophytic staphylococcus (staphylococcus saprophyticus) lives in the leathery layers of the external genitalia, the urethra (in the mucous membranes) and is less virulent compared to other members of the family. Women are at risk of infection with this type of microorganism (manifestation - acute cystitis, inflammation of the kidneys); in men, diseases caused by saprophytes are rarely diagnosed (mainly acute urethritis).

In modern microbiology, another new type of pathogenic microbes of the genus Micrococcaceae is identified - hemolytic (haemolyticus). This type of bacteria has a high ability for hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). By their nature, hemolytic microorganisms are opportunistic, but when favorable conditions are created, they acquire a pathogenic character and can lead to the development of inflammatory processes with the formation of abscesses on internal organs, skin and mucous membranes.

Routes of transmission of staphylococcus

Bacteria are an integral part of the human microflora, constantly present in the body and on the surface of the skin. Mucous membranes and skin perform protective functions, preventing the penetration of potentially dangerous agents into the internal microenvironment. When the integrity of the protective shells is violated, microbes enter the body and (in the presence of favorable conditions for development) exhibit their pathogenic properties.

Staphylococcal infection is transmitted to humans in several ways, both exogenous and endogenous. The main methods of transmission of an infectious agent are:

• airborne - the transmission mechanism is realized through the air, where bacteria located on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract enter during sneezing or coughing; introduction into the body occurs when contaminated air is inhaled;
• airborne dust – the source of infection is dried microbes (due to the ability of staphylococci to remain viable for a long time when drying), which, together with dust particles, enter the body during inhalation;
• contact-household - infection occurs through direct contact with a carrier (direct route) or with household items contaminated with infectious pathogens (indirect route);
• nutritional (fecal-oral) - while in the intestines of an infected person, bacteria are excreted through feces, after which they enter the water and spread by water, infection occurs when ingesting contaminated water, eating raw vegetables or fruits washed under contaminated water, after which the microbe is localized in the digestive tract of the new macroorganism;
• blood-contact – pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted during medical procedures, injections (including narcotic substances).

Factors that increase the risk of infection

The penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body does not mean that this will cause the development of an infectious disease. The immune system of a healthy person is highly resistant to the action of staphylococci, even those with high virulence. In the protective mechanism, the main role is played by the barrier properties of the epidermis, phagocytosis (the process of capturing and digesting pathogenic agents), and the presence of specific antibodies.

When exposed to certain factors, the defenses weaken, immunity decreases, and it becomes easier for pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate and gain a foothold in the body. Due to a weakened immune system, staphylococcus very often develops in a child (due to an unformed immune system) and in an elderly person (due to natural processes of suppression of immune cells).

After suffering a staphylococcal infection, specific immunity is acquired, caused by a humoral factor - the production of anti-staphylococcal antibodies. The acquired protective mechanism is not stable and durable, so diseases caused by this type of pathogen often recur. Factors that contribute to weakening of the immune system and facilitating the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body are:

• pathological processes occurring in a chronic or acute form - against their background, the risk of secondary diseases increases, the most dangerous are conditions such as influenza, sore throat, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, tuberculosis;
• autoimmune disorders, pathologies of the endocrine system, malignant neoplasms - with disorders caused by diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, human immunodeficiency virus, irreversible changes occur in immune cells;
• adherence to bad habits (smoking tobacco, drugs, alcohol abuse, psychotropic substances, taking drugs) - the use of harmful substances has a detrimental effect on the body, inhibiting its resistance to infectious agents;
• physical inactivity – a sedentary lifestyle negatively affects the functioning of all body systems, leading to a decrease in the production of necessary hormones and enzymes;
• hypovitaminosis – deficiency of vitamins leads to disruption of the functioning of internal organs, incl. glands responsible for the production of lymphocytes;
• unbalanced diet - the absence of all necessary nutrients in the daily menu contributes to the development of hypovitaminosis;
• prolonged emotional stress, disruption of sleep and wakefulness - a high level of stress disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, provoking the development of psychosomatic diseases;
• uncontrolled use of medications - antibacterial drugs have a systemic effect on the body, inhibiting the activity of the immune response; vasoconstrictor medications can disrupt the integrity of the mucous membranes, which will reduce their protective properties;
• damage to the skin and mucous membranes - in most cases, the cause of staphylococcal infection is a violation of the integrity of the epidermis or mucous membrane;
• high concentration of carbon dioxide in places of frequent stay - the result of rare ventilation of premises is the accumulation of exhaled carbon dioxide, which has a toxic effect on the body;
• being in conditions of increased air pollution without the use of special protective equipment;
• eating foods without proper processing.

At-risk groups

The establishment of bacteria and the beginning of their active reproduction becomes possible when favorable conditions are created, which include a general suppression of the activity of immune cells and an increase in body temperature to the optimum for development (37 degrees). The high-risk zone includes people whose professional activities involve being in public places (medics, service workers, etc.). Factors contributing to the onset of the pathological process appear at certain stages of a person’s life, such as:

• pregnancy - 6-8 and 20-28 weeks are considered particularly dangerous periods for the development of diseases, during this time the embryo is actively developing and takes a lot of strength from a pregnant woman, which leads to the development of hypovitaminosis and decreased immunity;
• old age - the natural processes of aging of the body contribute to a decrease in the activity of the production of hormones, enzymes, and the production of antibodies; the risk of diseases is especially high in persons with diseases such as diabetes, rheumatism, and oncological pathologies;
• the first year of life - the immune system of newborns is not yet fully formed, which makes them vulnerable to viruses and infectious agents.

What diseases does staphylococcus cause?

Infection with bacteria leads to the development of more than 100 diseases - from acne and boils to diseases with a high degree of mortality (sepsis, peritonitis, endocarditis), most of which are provoked by Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogenic staphylococcus has many mechanisms of spread and development, ranking second after Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the frequency of cases of the disease. The most frequently reported diseases caused by streptococcal infection are:

• rhinitis is one of the most common diseases, inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
• sinusitis - inflammation of the maxillary and frontal sinuses;
• meningitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the spinal cord or brain;
• septic arthritis (in children) – inflammation of the joints with a high risk of irreversible loss of function;
• pharyngitis is an inflammatory process localized in the pharyngeal mucosa;
• pneumonia (pneumonia) – damage to the lung tissue;
• bronchitis – infection of the larynx, trachea, bronchi;
• laryngitis – pathology of the larynx in combination with inflammation of the trachea;
• osteomyelitis – bacterial infection of the bones and bone marrow of a purulent-necrotic nature;
• food poisoning – characterized by rapid onset (may occur 30 minutes after consuming contaminated foods);
• scalded skin syndrome - acute epidermolysis, characterized by the appearance of blisters and eroded ulcers on the skin;
• pyoderma is a skin disease caused by the introduction of purulent cocci into the epidermis.

Symptoms of staphylococcus

In clinical medicine, the term “streptococcal infection” means all ailments that develop as a result of infection of the body by bacteria of the Staphylococcaceae family. Symptoms of infectious diseases are especially pronounced in newborns. Signs of staphylococcus have many manifestations, which depend on the type of microbe, its location and the general state of the patient’s immunity. Common characteristic symptoms of the disease include:

• increased body temperature;
• the appearance on the body of areas of increased sensitivity to touch, characterized by swelling and hypermia;
• the appearance of a rash containing pus (on the face, body, ears, mouth);
• symptoms of general intoxication are observed (nausea, lethargy, loss of strength, decreased psycho-emotional background, lack of appetite);
• impaired sense of smell;
• frequent inflammation of the hair follicles of the eyelashes (styre).

Signs of skin lesions

The severity of symptoms of skin infection depends on the degree of bacterial prevalence. Staphylococcus on the skin with a limited spread of the inflammatory process manifests itself in local symptoms (can be observed on the skin, glands, follicles of hair or ciliary follicles or subcutaneous fat), in case of extensive - in systemic (general):

Local signs	Characteristic	General signs	Characteristic
Swelling	Blood elements responsible for relieving inflammation leave the bloodstream and are directed to the lesion, which causes tissue swelling	Temperature increase	A protective mechanism that prevents the proliferation of microorganisms by improving cellular metabolism and removing microbes and their toxins from the body
Hyperemia of certain areas of the skin	At the site of inflammation, modifications in the blood supply occur (outflow of venous blood and inflow of arterial blood), which leads to redness	Feeling worse	The inflammatory process leads to changes at the cellular level, which manifests itself in the loss of some functions of cells and malfunctions of all systems
Soreness	Swelling provokes compression of the nerve endings leading to the vessels adjacent to the site of inflammation - this causes pain	Dyspeptic disorders	Caused by the entry of toxic waste products of microorganisms into the bloodstream and intestines
Purulent discharge	Cells of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets that die in the process of performing their functions are excreted from the body in the form of pus

For diseases of the upper respiratory tract

A sign that distinguishes staphylococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract from other types of diseases is the presence of serous-purulent discharge. Recognition of bacterial colonization of the nasal cavity, upper nasopharynx or oropharynx is based on the following specific symptoms:

• change in voice - manifested in distortion of timbre, strength, pitch, increased fatigue during a conversation, complete loss of voice may occur;
• the appearance of pain in the throat when swallowing, difficulty breathing through the nose;
• sleep disturbance;
• the appearance of signs of sinusitis - frequent headaches, discharge of copious purulent discharge from the nasal sinuses, low-grade fever;
• decreased sense of smell, changes in taste;
• difficulty swallowing food associated with sore throat;
• the appearance of cough, sore throat;
• increase in the size of lymph nodes.

For lower respiratory tract infection

When a virus or infection enters the epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the lower respiratory tract, they are destroyed, which contributes to the rapid colonization of tissues by cocci bacteria. By joining the viral infection, pathogenic staphylococci interfere with regenerative processes, and the disease becomes chronic. The presence of coccal pathogens in the bronchial tree and lung tissues is indicated by the following signs:

• cough with discharge of purulent substances;
• discharge of sputum mixed with blood (hemoptysis);
• severe pain (difficult to breathe deeply);
• increase in body temperature to subfebrile;
• a sharp deterioration in health.

For food intoxication

The basis for the changes that occur during food intoxication caused by cocci is the effect of enterotoxins on the intestines of an infected person. Excessive production of interleukin-2 (a protein involved in inflammatory reactions) leads to increased stimulation of smooth tissue muscle cells, which manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• stomach ache;
• watery diarrhea;
• nausea;
• retching, vomiting;
• change in stool;
• insignificant increase in temperature.

Signs of food poisoning of an infectious nature are difficult to identify due to their low specificity. A characteristic feature can only be called the speed of their manifestation after eating contaminated food (usually confectionery products with creamy filling, canned foods, store-bought meat salads). The manifestation of intoxication is observed after 30-60 minutes. and is protracted.

Diagnosis of staphylococcus

Determination of the type of pathogen of infectious diseases and its phage typing is carried out using microscopic and cultural studies. Due to the ability of a pathogenic microorganism to affect many organs and tissues, the material for diagnosis is samples of blood, purulent discharge, sputum, nasal swabs, vomit, feces, urine, smears of genitourinary system secretions.

Staphylococcus in the blood is detected by examining a coagulase test and examining Gram-stained material. To establish the pathogenicity of the detected bacteria, they are isolated by plating on a nutrient medium (meat peptor agar, blood agar, saline broth). After identifying signs of pathogenicity, the test material is placed in test tubes with mannitol to determine the degree of fermentation.

If cultures during diagnosis showed the ability to coagulate plasma and ferment mannitol in the absence of oxygen, they are classified as pathogenic. Further research is aimed at determining the sensitivity of the detected bacteria to antibacterial agents, for which a biochemical blood test is used in the laboratory.

Treatment of staphylococcus

To prevent complications (many of which are life-threatening) that can develop against the background of an infectious coccus infection, it is necessary to take therapeutic measures as soon as possible after the first signs appear. The basis of treatment is drug therapy using antibiotics and antimicrobials. If indicated, immunomodulatory and hormonal medications may be prescribed along with antibacterial agents.

Treatment of diseases caused by staphylococcal infection is carried out at home; the need for hospitalization occurs in case of systemic damage to the body (sepsis, toxic shock, meningitis, endocarditis). Surgical intervention is indicated for purulent-necrotic lesions of the skin, the formation of boils and carbuncles.

Antibiotic therapy

Conservative treatment of staphylococcus is based on the use of antibacterial agents active against a specific type of pathogen. The choice of drugs is based on the sensitivity of the detected bacterial culture to the active substances of the drugs, determined using an antibiogram. Antibiotics of the β-lactam series (penicillins, cephalosporins, etc.) are of greatest importance for therapy; macrolides (Erythromycin, Clarithromycin) and lincosamides (Clindamycin) are less commonly prescribed.

The most commonly prescribed drugs for diseases caused by cocci are beta-lactam antibiotics, such as:

A drug	Mechanism of action	Method of administration (with a minimum course of treatment of 5 days)
Cloxacillin	Disruption of cell membrane synthesis processes of dividing microbes	Orally, 4 times a day, 500 mg with an interval of 6 hours.
Amoxicillin	Suppressing the development of bacteria and provoking their destruction by blocking the production of peptidoglycans (one of the main elements of the bacterial cell wall)	Orally, 1 tablet containing 0.5 g of active substance, three times a day before or after meals
Vancomycin	By blocking the production of one of the elements of the cellular structure of microbes, the permeability of the cell walls is changed, which leads to its destruction	Intravenously (drip infusions for at least 1 hour), dosage is 0.5 g 2 or 4 times a day (with a break of 6 or 12 hours)
Oxacillin	Leads to the death of microorganisms due to the destruction of their cell walls (by desynthesis of peptidoglycan at the very last stages of cell division)	Orally - daily dosage is 3 g, single dose - 1 g (take one hour before meals or 3 hours after), intramuscular - from 2 to 4 g per day
Cefazolin	A drug with a wide spectrum of activity, promotes cell destruction, disrupting the production of components of its wall	Intramuscularly, 1-4 g per day (the dose is divided into 3 or 4 times)
Cephalexin	By disrupting the production of wall elements of pathogenic microorganisms, it leads to their death	Orally, 4 times a day, 250-500 mg one hour before meals
Cefotaxime	Disturbs the processes of growth and reproduction of cocci, leading to destruction of the cell wall	Intramuscularly, intravenously, the dosage is determined individually, but should not exceed 12 g per day
Cephalothin	Prevents the division of microbes, has a destructive effect on cells	Intravenous, single dose no more than 2 g, administration interval – 5-6 hours.

Other treatments

Along with mandatory antibiotic therapy, a number of therapeutic measures are carried out aimed at eliminating pathological processes caused by the activity of pathogenic bacteria and restoring the body's defenses. Additional methods of treating staphylococcus include:

• surgical intervention - carried out to remove purulent exudate from places of accumulation, carried out by draining and washing the opened ulcers with solutions containing antibiotics;
• the use of bacteriophages (viruses that have selective activity against bacterial cells) - for treatment, external agents based on antibacterial components are used, penetrating into the cocci cells, the phages cause their dissolution (lysis);
• therapy using immunomodulators - taking drugs containing natural or synthetic substances that have an immunostimulating effect (thymus preparations, interleukins, interferons) by stimulating the activity of immunocompetent cells;
• taking vitamin-mineral complexes - if the cause of a decrease in general immunity is a deficiency of vitamins, this method of treatment shows high effectiveness; in other cases, additional intake of vitamins serves as a catalyst for restoration processes in the body;
• traditional medicine - homeopathic methods can only be used as auxiliaries; the most popular remedies include rinsing the mouth with a chlorophyllipt solution, apple cider vinegar compresses, eating fresh currants and apricots, treating skin lesions with copper sulfate, taking decoctions of burdock and comfrey.

Prevention of staphylococcus

Due to the widespread prevalence of bacteria of the Staphylococcaceae family, their resistance to environmental influences and the increased susceptibility of people with reduced immunity to them, a set of preventive measures should be carried out in several directions. Basic measures to prevent staphylococcal infection include the following steps:

1. Impact on the source - isolation of carriers of pathogenic strains from healthy individuals, sanitization of infectious patients and personnel of medical institutions.
2. Reducing the routes of infection - compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards, rules of asepsis and antisepsis when in contact with infected persons, careful processing of products before consumption, timely antibacterial treatment of wounds and cuts.
3. Strengthening the body's immune defense - maintaining a balanced diet, taking general strengthening herbal remedies, specific medications (immunomodulators), vitamin-mineral complexes.

Video

Diseases that are caused by pathogens belong to a special category. This is due to the conditionally pathogenic nature of staphylococcus. Bacteria of this type are always present in the human body and are activated during periods of deterioration of immunity.

That is why it is important to promptly recognize the symptoms of staphylococcus in order to carry out comprehensive treatment and prevent irreparable health consequences.

Features of the disease

Before determining what the symptoms of staphylococcus may be (photos of people who have encountered this disease are presented in the article), you need to know exactly what kind of disease it is and how it is characterized. An infection develops in the body due to the penetration of pathogenic strains of microorganisms or their entry into those organs where their presence is simply unacceptable.

It is worth remembering that these bacteria are very resistant to external factors and retain their ability to live for several months even in frozen or dry form. During their existence, these bacteria secrete various toxins that can affect the skin, digestive organs and white blood cells.

Another product of the vital activity of these microbes are special substances that suppress human immunity. As a result of this, bacteria begin to actively multiply. Symptoms of staphylococcus cannot always be recognized in a timely manner, however, it is worth noting that this infection can provoke the occurrence of pathologies in almost all organs and systems.

Causes

Infection with staphylococcus is not so simple, since it is always present in the human body and does not always provoke unpleasant consequences. In order for the bacteria to become active, it is necessary to ensure a combination of factors in the body such as:

• deterioration of the immune system;
• presence of a focus of infection;
• a certain concentration of bacteria.

Symptoms of staphylococcus are observed almost immediately after infection, therefore, it is important to promptly recognize the presence of the disease and carry out comprehensive treatment that will help normalize well-being.

Types of staphylococcus

Before determining what the symptoms of staphylococcus are in adults, you need to know exactly the main types of this disease and how each of them is characterized. There are several different types of this bacterium, however only 2 of them pose a health risk and 2 are considered opportunistic. In particular, it is worth highlighting the following types:

• epidermal;
• golden;
• hemolytic;
• saprophytic.

The epidermal type is considered the most common and is always present on human mucous membranes and skin. The development of the disease is possible only with a decrease in immunity and transplantation of internal organs. The symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus are quite severe, and this type of bacteria is considered the most dangerous. It provokes the development of infectious diseases of the skin, nasopharynx and internal organs.

The hemolytic type refers to bacteria that are present in the blood of a healthy person and are activated only when the immune system deteriorates. Saprophytic staphylococcus is a low-hazard species. In some cases, it can lead to the development of cystitis in women and urolithiasis.

It is worth noting that after treatment for staphylococcus, immunity to these bacteria is unstable and therefore, you can become infected even several times.

Main symptoms

Penetrating into the body, bacteria begin to multiply, and almost immediately pronounced symptoms of staphylococcus appear, as the microbes produce toxins, leading to the formation of various pathologies.

Signs of infection can be very different, it all depends on the bacteria introduced, the state of the immune system, and many other factors. Often, the symptoms of staphylococcus in adults resemble signs of poisoning from low-quality products, as abdominal pain and diarrhea are observed. In addition, headache and vomiting may occur.

For example, among the main symptoms of staphylococcus in infants are signs of dysbacteriosis, which are accompanied by very severe diarrhea, as well as skin rashes. All this should be very alarming and become a reason to seek medical help.

In addition, manifestations of the infectious process may be observed, such as:

• skin diseases;
• frequent cystitis;
• conjunctivitis;
• pneumonia;
• angina;
• mastopathy;
• enterocolitis;
• blood poisoning.

Often, all these symptoms are provoked by Staphylococcus aureus, which is one of the most dangerous infections.

Skin damage

Symptoms and treatment of staphylococcus largely depend on the area of ​​localization of pathogenic microorganisms, their subtype and level of aggressiveness. In adults, this disease can affect almost all tissues and systems of the body, provoking the occurrence of diseases of a general or local nature.

Very often there is damage to the skin, resulting in the formation of ulcers. With a slight infection, there may be folliculitis, and if bacteria penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, boils can occur. If the subcutaneous tissue is affected, carbuncles may form. The localization of inflammation is mainly in the buttocks, neck, face and thighs.

Symptoms of staphylococcus in children under one year of age can manifest themselves in the form of Ritter's disease. As a result of infection entering the body, redness occurs on the skin, and individual layers begin to peel off.

Due to exposure to toxic substances, large blisters filled with sulfuric liquid may form on the skin. In the deeper layers of the dermis, purulent inflammation develops. An abscess is expressed in the formation of a capsule filled with purulent substance. In the presence of phlegmon, pus spreads between the tissues.

Damage to internal organs

If staphylococcus occurs in the throat, symptoms in adults are expressed in purulent lesions of the tonsils. As a result, a sore throat may occur, which is accompanied by pain in the throat, as well as the presence of white plaque on the tonsils.

Quite often, staphylococcus can be observed in the nose. Symptoms in this case manifest themselves in the form of nasal congestion and runny nose. This is typical for rhinitis. Symptoms of staphylococcus in the throat can also result in pharyngitis. This disease provokes painful sensations when swallowing, constant soreness, redness of the pharynx and a dry cough.

When the infection enters the lungs, pneumonia develops. It is quite severe and causes damage to the lung tissue. Among the main signs are intoxication of the body, as well as the presence of pain in the chest area. Multiple purulent lesions form in the lung tissue itself, gradually developing into abscesses. This type of microorganism is resistant to antibacterial therapy and often leads to the death of the patient.

If bacteria penetrate the brain, they provoke the development of purulent meningitis and abscesses. These are quite severe and critical complications that are difficult to get rid of. They do not go away completely and leave behind lifelong consequences, which often lead to disability. Symptoms of the infection are expressed in the form of headaches, vomiting, fever, nausea and neurological signs.

When affecting the heart, the infection causes endocarditis. Inflammation in the lining of the heart muscle is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, the occurrence of a heart murmur and weight loss.

Symptoms of staphylococcus in the intestines manifest themselves in the form of gastroenteritis. This disease is an inflammation in the small intestine or stomach. In addition, there may be enterocolitis - inflammation in the intestines. As a result of this, the patient feels bloating and pain in the abdomen. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are also observed.

When exposed to organs of the genitourinary system, inflammation of the kidneys or bladder is observed. The patient is very often bothered by the urge to go to the toilet, and during urination there is pain and pain in the back. With particularly aggressive exposure to bacteria, sepsis can develop, which simultaneously affects all organs and systems of the patient.

Carrying out diagnostics

Diagnosis of staphylococcus is based on determining the type of bacterium, as well as its specific strain, so that the most effective treatment method can be selected.

Infection can be detected in blood and urine cultures, as well as when performing a stool test for dysbacteriosis. In addition, a preliminary diagnosis can be made based on the existing symptoms of the disease.

Features of treatment

Staphylococcus is very common in adults. Symptoms and treatment for infections caused by these pathogens can vary. In order to quickly and effectively get rid of existing disorders, it is imperative to adhere to complex therapy aimed at suppressing the infection and treating the underlying disease. In particular, methods such as:

• antibiotic therapy;
• surgical intervention;
• drug therapy.

In the presence of purulent formations on the skin, surgical intervention is indicated. The use of medications aimed at destroying pathogenic microorganisms is mandatory. Antibiotics will help eliminate staphylococci, however, only the attending physician can prescribe them, taking into account the existing indications, as well as the characteristics of the patient’s body. Self-administration of medications can only aggravate the patient’s condition and lead to even greater problems. Treatment may be based on the use of such groups of antibiotics as:

• penicillins;
• cephalosporins;
• lincosamides;
• macrolides.

The most common penicillin antibiotics are: Cloxacillin, Amoxicillin, Ampiox, Oxacillin. I prescribe cephalosporins for the treatment of purulent disease and in the presence of inflammation. The most popular drugs in this group are Cefazolin, Cefotaxime, and Cephalexin. Macrolides can very quickly penetrate the site of infection and eliminate staphylococcus well. Among the most popular drugs in this group, Erythromycin or Clarithromycin should be highlighted.

Antibiotics can be prescribed for internal use, as well as intravenous and intramuscular injections. To carry out this type of treatment, it is necessary to first determine the sensitivity of bacteria to a specific type of antibiotic. It is important to remember that you can kill staphylococcus only by strictly adhering to the dosage and course of treatment with the prescribed drug.

To restore the skin, lubricate the affected areas with topical products. To eliminate an infection in the nasopharynx, rinsing with a chlorophyllipt solution is recommended. In addition, it is necessary to increase immunity and normalize the body’s hormonal levels, as well as restore metabolic processes.

Application of traditional medicine

In addition to medications, you can also use traditional medicine, which, in combination with traditional treatment, guarantee a very good result. For therapy, you can use infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs for rinsing. Plants that cope well with pathogens include:

• plantain;
• black currant;
• rose hip;
• liquorice root;
• plantain;
• eucalyptus.

You can make decoctions based on one or several herbs at once. To do this you need to pour 2 tbsp. l. herbal mixture 1 liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. In the fight against Staphylococcus aureus, the water catcher or golden thorn has proven itself very well.

In addition, you can treat with juices, taking them several times a day. A good effect is provided by juices from black currants, celery root and parsley, apricot juice or puree from this fruit.

If there is an infection on the skin, special medicinal baths are indicated. To carry out this procedure, you need to use a decoction of the string.

During the treatment process, it is imperative to follow a special diet aimed at increasing immunity, and also consume a lot of warm liquid to more quickly remove toxins from the body.

Possible complications

Staphylococcal infection poses a very great danger to health. If it is not detected in a timely manner and high-quality complex therapy is not carried out, then quite dangerous complications may develop, in particular such as:

• relapse of respiratory diseases;
• exacerbation of diabetes, arthritis;
• blood poisoning.

In addition, it promotes the penetration of other bacteria into the body, for example, pneumococcus or streptococcus. The occurrence of meningitis can lead to irreversible consequences, as nerve fibers are affected. There may also be inflammation of the heart muscle tissue.

These are very dangerous conditions, therefore, it is necessary to prevent the development of streptococcal infections, as well as timely treatment of existing diseases.

Carrying out prevention

Preventive measures are aimed at strengthening the body, as well as observing basic sanitary and hygienic standards. In addition, you need to monitor the quality and freshness of the food consumed. Among the main methods of prevention, vaccination should be noted, which will help provide comprehensive and reliable protection against infection.

Staphylococcus is very dangerous for humans, as it can cause serious complications. Treatment of this type of infection must be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to completely get rid of staphylococci and in small quantities they do not cause any harm.