Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted by airborne droplets. Prevention measures

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

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

Staphylococcus aureus causes the following diseases:

Furunculosis,
pyoderma,
Abscesses
angina,
Osteomyelitis,
Enterocolitis.

Etiology

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

There are only three types of staphylococci that cause pathology in humans:

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

These are conditionally pathogenic bacteria that are permanent inhabitants of the human body, while not causing any ailments.

Under the influence of unfavorable external or internal factors, the number of microbes rises sharply, they begin to produce pathogenicity factors that lead to the development of staphylococcal infection.

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

Bacteria properties:

Staphylococci are facultative anaerobes that can live and multiply both in the presence of oxygen and without it. They obtain energy through oxidative and fermentation pathways.
Bacteria are resistant to freezing, heat, sunlight and some chemicals. Staphylococcal enterotoxin is destroyed by prolonged boiling or exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
The resistance of microbes to antibacterial drugs is a problem of modern medicine. In medical institutions, new multidrug-resistant strains are constantly being formed. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are very important in epidemiological terms.

Pathogenic factors:

Enzymes - hyaluronidase, fibrinolysin, lecitovitellase;
Toxins - hemolysins, leukocidin, enterotoxins, exfoliatins.

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

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

Epidemiology

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

The main ways of transmission of the pathogen:

airborne,
Air and dust,
Contact household,
Alimentary.

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

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

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

Factors contributing to the development of infection:

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

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

Pathogenesis

Microbes enter the human body through the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth, respiratory organs, digestion, eyes. Purulent-necrotic inflammation develops at the site of introduction of staphylococcus. Further development of the process can occur in two scenarios:

Intense specific immunity prevents the development of the disease and contributes to the rapid elimination of the focus.
A weakened immune system cannot fight infection. The causative agent and toxins enter the bloodstream, bacteremia and intoxication develop. With the generalization of the process, staphylococcus affects the internal organs with the development of septicemia and septicopyemia.

Nonspecific changes resulting from disturbed metabolic processes in the body and the accumulation of microbial decay products contribute to the development of infectious toxic shock.

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

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

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

Pathological changes

Symptoms

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

With the defeat of the skin by staphylococcus, pyoderma develops. Pathology is manifested by inflammation of the skin at the hair roots or folliculitis - an abscess with hair in the central part. Purulent-necrotic skin diseases of staphylococcal etiology include furuncle and carbuncle, which are acute inflammation of the hair follicle, sebaceous gland, surrounding skin and subcutaneous fat. Of particular danger to human health is the location of purulent-inflammatory foci on the face and head. With an unfavorable course of the pathology, the formation of abscesses in the brain or the development of purulent meningitis is possible.
Purulent fusion of deeply located tissues is called. In an abscess, inflammation is limited to a capsule that prevents the process from spreading to surrounding tissues. Phlegmon - diffuse purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous fat.

Subcutaneous phlegmon

Pneumonia of staphylococcal etiology is a severe but rather rare pathology. Manifestations of pneumonia - intoxication and pain syndromes, respiratory failure with severe shortness of breath. Complications of the pathology are lung abscesses and pleural empyema.
Purulent inflammation of the meninges of staphylococcal origin develops by the penetration of microbes with blood flow from the foci of infection on the face, in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Patients develop severe neurological symptoms, signs of meningism, epilepsy, impaired consciousness.
Osteomyelitis is a purulent infectious and inflammatory disease that affects bone tissue, periosteum and bone marrow. Purulent foci located in the bone often break out. Signs of pathology - pain, swelling of tissues, the formation of purulent fistulas.
Staphylococci often affect large joints with the development of purulent arthritis, which is manifested by pain, stiffness and limited movement, joint deformity, and the development of intoxication.
Staphylococcal endocarditis is an infectious inflammation of the connective tissue of the heart that lines its internal cavities and valves. Symptoms of the disease are fever, pain in the muscles and joints, chills, sweating, pale skin, the appearance of a small rash and dark red nodules on the palms and feet. Auscultation reveals a heart murmur. Endocarditis is a severe pathology leading to the development of heart failure and characterized by high mortality.
Infectious-toxic shock is an emergency condition caused by exposure to bacteria and their toxins on the human body. It is manifested by severe intoxication, dyspepsia, confusion, signs of cardiovascular and renal failure, and collapse.
Food toxicosis develops as a result of eating food containing staphylococcus toxins, and often proceeds as acute gastritis. Incubation is fast - 1-2 hours, after which severe intoxication and dyspepsia appear. Vomiting often results in dehydration.

Features of staphylococcal infection in children

Staphylococcal infection in children occurs in the form of epidemics, sporadic, group, family diseases. Epidemic outbreaks are usually registered in maternity hospitals or departments for newborns. Epidemics can cover schools, kindergartens, camps and other organized children's groups. This is due to the consumption of food contaminated with bacteria by children. Usually food poisoning occurs in the warm season.

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

Preschoolers and schoolchildren become infected when eating poor-quality food. Staphylococcus, multiplying in a living organism, releases an enterotoxin that causes gastroenterocolitis.

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

Factors causing high susceptibility of newborns and infants to staphylococcus aureus:

Insufficiently strong local immunity of the respiratory and digestive organs,
The absence of immunoglobulin A, which is responsible for the local defense of the body,
Vulnerability of the mucous membrane and skin,
Weak bactericidal action of saliva,
Concomitant pathologies - diathesis, malnutrition,
Long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Symptoms in children

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

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

Skin diseases of staphylococcal etiology in children occur in the form of folliculitis, pyoderma, furunculosis, hydradenitis, phlegmon. They are accompanied by regional lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. Epidemic pemphigus is a pathology of newborns, manifested by symptoms resembling or erysipelas: a rash or focal reddening of the skin with clear contours. With pemphigus, the skin exfoliates in whole layers, under which large blisters form.
Staphylococcus in the throat can cause acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis in children, often against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection. Staphylococcal tonsillitis is manifested by sore throat, intoxication, fever and the appearance of a continuous plaque on the tonsils, arches and tongue. The plaque is usually yellow or white, loose, purulent, easily removed. When examining a child, the doctor discovers diffuse hyperemia of the throat mucosa without clear boundaries.

Inflammation of the larynx of staphylococcal origin usually occurs in children 2-3 years old. Pathology develops rapidly and has no specific symptoms. Often associated with inflammation of the bronchi or lungs.
Staphylococcal pneumonia is a severe pathology, especially in young children, often complicated by the formation of abscesses. Catarrhal and intoxication signs in children appear simultaneously, while the general condition deteriorates sharply, signs of respiratory failure appear. The child is lethargic, pale, sleepy, refuses to eat, often burps and even vomits. Pneumonia does not always end in recovery, a fatal outcome is possible. This is due to the formation of bullae in the lungs, at the site of which abscesses can form, leading to the development of purulent or.
Scarlatiniform syndrome in children accompanies infection of wounds, burns, development of lymphadenitis, phlegmon, osteomyelitis. The manifestation of the disease is a scarlet-like rash that occurs on the hyperemic skin of the trunk. After the disappearance of the rash, lamellar peeling remains.
Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in case of damage to the digestive tract depend on the localization of the pathology and the state of the macroorganism. Gastroenteritis begins acutely with symptoms of intoxication and dyspepsia. Children experience vomiting, usually repeated and indomitable, abdominal pain, fever, weakness, dizziness. With inflammation of the small intestine, diarrhea begins up to 5 times a day.
Staphylococcal sepsis usually develops in newborns, often premature babies. Infection occurs through the umbilical wound, damaged skin, respiratory organs and even ears. The disease develops rapidly and proceeds with severe intoxication, the appearance of rashes on the skin, and the formation of abscesses in the internal organs.

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

Video: about staphylococcus - Dr. Komarovsky

Staphylococcus during pregnancy

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

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

Preventive measures during pregnancy:

Personal hygiene,
Regular outdoor walks
Balanced diet,
ventilation of the room,
Gymnastics for pregnant women.

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

Diagnosis

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

Laboratory diagnostics

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

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

Significant differential signs of staphylococcus:

Pigment,
Lecitovitellase,
Plasmocoagulase,
catalase activity,
DNAase,
The ability to ferment mannitol under anaerobic conditions.

A bacterial count of less than 103 indicates asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Higher rates indicate the etiological significance of the isolated microbe in the development of the disease.

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

Serodiagnostics consists in the detection of antibodies to staphylococcus antigens in the blood serum. To do this, use the reaction of inhibition of hemolysis, the reaction of passive hemagglutination, ELISA.

Staphylococcal infection should be differentiated from streptococcal. Staphylococcus is manifested by inflammation, tending to suppuration, the formation of thick greenish pus and fibrinous layers. Staphylococcal infection is characterized by inconstancy of temperature reaction, temperature returns, subfebrile condition. The blood counts are more constant - neutrophilic leukocytosis and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

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

The hallmarks of a streptococcal infection are:

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

Staphylococcal infection is characterized by:

Hyperemia of the mucosa with a cyanotic tinge,
Inflammation of the nasopharynx is always accompanied by regional lymphadenitis,
Weaker effect from large doses of penicillin.

Treatment

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

The treatment of Staphylococcus aureus is complex, including antibiotic therapy, the use of immunopreparations and the sanitation of purulent foci.

Antibacterial treatment

Antibiotics are prescribed to the patient after receiving the results of a microbiological study of a detachable pharynx or nose. Patients are prescribed:

Semi-synthetic penicillins - "Ampioks", "Oxacillin";
Combined penicillins - "Amoxiclav";
Aminoglycosides - "Gentamicin";
Cephalosporins - "Cefepim".

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

Antibiotics should only be used as directed by a doctor. Antibacterial therapy should be reasonable and thoughtful.

Irrational use of drugs:

Destroys the healthy microflora of the body,
Adversely affects the functioning of internal organs,
Harmful to health
Provokes the development of dysbacteriosis,
Complicates the course of staphylococcal infection.

bacteriophages

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

To destroy Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteriophage is used topically or orally for 10-20 days, depending on the location of the pathology. For the treatment of purulent skin lesions, lotions or irrigations are made with a liquid bacteriophage. It is injected into the articular or pleural cavity, vagina, uterus, taken orally, instilled into the nose and ears, and enemas are given with it.

Immunostimulation

Autohemotransfusion - intramuscular injection of the patient's own venous blood. This procedure is widely used to treat furunculosis. After intramuscular injection, the blood is destroyed, and the decay products stimulate the immune system.
Subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of anti-staphylococcal anti-toxic serum or intravenous administration of anti-staphylococcal plasma.
Herbal immunostimulants - Lemongrass, Echinacea, Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Chitosan. These drugs normalize the energy and basal metabolism, have an adaptogenic effect - help to cope with loads and stress.
Patients with severe signs of immune dysfunction are shown synthetic immunomodulators - "Polyoxidonium", "Ismigen", "Timogen", "Amiksin".
Vitamin therapy.

Surgery

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

Surgical intervention consists in opening abscesses and boils, excising necrotic tissues, removing purulent contents and foreign bodies, draining foci to create an unhindered outflow of pus, and local administration of antibiotics. Often, surgeons remove the very source of the infection - a catheter, an artificial valve, or an implant.

ethnoscience

Folk remedies complement main medical treatment of pathology.

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

Thermal procedures can only be used during the recovery period.

Prevention

Preventive measures aimed at preventing staphylococcal infection:

by Notes of the Wild Mistress

More than 40% of the world's population are carriers of this infection. The conditionally pathogenic microorganism causes many terrible diseases - meningitis, pneumonia, encephalitis and even sepsis. The high degree of endurance of the microbe allows it to survive at high temperatures, it does not die from antibiotics and multiplies freely in various parts of the human body.

What is Staphylococcus aureus, how the infection is transmitted, preventive measures to reduce the risk of morbidity - this article will tell about this.

Staphylococcus aureus: what is its danger

Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) is a representative of the normal microflora of the body, which, under favorable conditions (weakened immunity, open wounds), can cause a severe inflammatory process in absolutely all tissues and organs. It is widespread, variable, has a high survival rate, antibiotic resistance and quickly adapts to different environmental conditions. Staphylococcus aureus is dangerous for the development of opportunistic infections. Both exotoxin and bacterial cells themselves play an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by staphylococci.

How the infection is transmitted

Staphylococcus is introduced into the body through the mucous membranes and skin, spreads by airborne droplets and airborne dust. Entry into the blood (septicemia) occurs due to the pathogen overcoming the protective lymphatic barriers.

Risk factors:

- metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus);
- immunodeficiency states;
- extensive trauma (after surgery);
- children and old age;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period.

Anyone can become infected with staphylococcus aureus. However, not everyone shows the pathogenetic ability of the infection. Most of the population are passive carriers of Staphylococcus aureus.

Ways of infection with Staphylococcus aureus (how the infection is transmitted):

- contact - through contact;
- aerogenic - airborne;
- alimentary - through food.

Contact route of infection with staphylococcus aureus

Once in an open wound, staphylococcus causes purulent inflammation of damaged tissues.

Often, infection occurs during surgical operations and various traumatic procedures using intravenous catheters, devices that come into contact with the internal environment of the human body. These are hemodialysis, intravenous nutrition of premature babies, artificial lung ventilation. When conducting instrumental diagnostic methods with non-sterile medical instruments, infection occurs extremely often (artificial path).

Staphylococcus aureus can be contracted through ear piercings, piercings, and tattoos. Injection drug users can infect the injection wound.

In medical institutions, Staphylococcus aureus can get to the wound surface from medical staff (potential carriers of infection) with poor-quality hand treatment and in the absence of a mask.

In a person with strong immunity at the site of penetration of staphylococcus, the inflammatory process inhibits the spread of infection beyond the focus, where pathogenic microorganisms undergo phagocytosis (destruction).

Small children often become infected with staphylococcus aureus when playing with dirty toys in the sandbox.

Aerogenous way of infection with staphylococcus aureus

Inhabiting the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and nasal passages, staphylococcus easily leaves its host along with the exhaled air. With close contact of the carrier of the infection with an unhealthy person, Staphylococcus aureus freely penetrates into the patient's body. A weak immune system, the presence of small cracks in the skin, small foci of inflammation increase the risk of getting sick.

In some cases (with AIDS and after chemotherapy for cancer patients), when staphylococcus enters the respiratory organs, staphylococcal pneumonia can develop with a fatal outcome.

Infection with staphylococcus aureus

The source of staphylococcus is often food: dairy products; meat products in the form of semi-finished products and sausages, fish (slightly salted, canned), flour sweets.

Once in food, staphylococcus multiplies and releases enterotoxins. After eating contaminated food, a person can become infected with staphylococcus aureus when food comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the digestive tract (most often in the mouth) and, in addition, become poisoned (enterotoxins cause severe intestinal poisoning).

Newborns can become infected with staphylococcus aureus from the mother while passing through the birth canal. The infection often penetrates through cracks in the nipples of a lactating woman, causes purulent mastitis and passes into breast milk.

Measures to prevent infection with Staphylococcus aureus

The microorganism in the dried state is viable for more than 6 months and up to 100 days in dust. Repeated freezing, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight does not kill staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci are able to withstand heating up to 70C for more than one hour. At 80C - they die after 10-60 minutes, at 100C - instantly (boiling point); A 5% phenol solution neutralizes bacteria in 15-30 minutes. Staphylococci are sensitive to Zelenka (brilliant green).

In order to prevent infection with staphylococcus, you need to:

Observe the norms of proper nutrition (to avoid weakening the body's immune properties) and eliminate (if present) vitamin deficiency. In a healthy body, the infection does not show pathogenicity.

Prevent injury (especially in children). This will minimize the possibility of penetration of staphylococcus through damaged areas of the skin and open wounds. If, nevertheless, an injury occurs, you must immediately take measures (treat with brilliant green or other antiseptic) in order to disinfect the wound surface.

Adhere to sanitary and hygienic standards. This will help everyone to prevent pathogenic flora from entering the body. On clean, intact skin, Staphylococcus aureus dies in 5-6 minutes. It is necessary to keep the body clean, wash hands with soap and water before eating (the procedure is repeated especially often for children), wash children's toys and systematically clean the house.

Fulfillment of sanitary and hygienic requirements in maternity hospitals, surgical departments, in kindergartens, at work will further protect the population from infection with staphylococcus aureus.

Type of: Firmicutes (firmicutes)
Class: bacilli
Order: Bacillales
Family: Staphylococcaceae (Staphylococcal)
Genus: Staphylococcus aureus
International scientific name: Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus aureus(lat. Staphylococcus) is a motionless spherical bacterium belonging to the Staphylococcal family (Staphylococcaceae).

Staphylococcus belongs to the group of positive, immobile, anaerobic, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms for the human body. The type of metabolism is oxidative and enzymatic. Spores and capsules do not form. Staphylococcus cell diameter is 0.6-1.2 microns, depending on the strain (species). The most common colors are purple, gold, yellow, white. Some staphylococci are able to synthesize characteristic pigments.

Most species of staphylococcus bacteria are purple in color and spread in clusters similar to grapes, which is why they got their name, which in ancient Greek means "σταφυλή" (grapes) and "κόκκος" (grain).

Staphylococci in a certain amount are almost always found on the surface of the human body (in the nasopharynx and oropharynx, on the skin), but when this infection gets inside, it weakens the body, and some types of staphylococcus can even cause the development of various diseases, and almost all organs and systems, especially if the immune system is weakened. The fact is that staphylococcus, getting inside, produces a large amount of endo- and exotoxins (poisons), which poison the cells of the body, disrupting their normal functioning. The most common pathologies that cause staphylococci are pneumonia, toxic shock, sepsis, purulent skin lesions, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous, digestive and other systems, and general poisoning of the body. Not a rare case is the addition of a staphylococcal infection, as a secondary disease, as a complication in others.

The conditional pathogenicity of this type of infection suggests that staphylococci act negatively on human or animal health only under certain conditions.

There are a fairly large number of staphylococcus species - 50 (as of 2016). The most common are Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic, saprophytic and epidermal staphylococci. Each of the strains of these bacteria has its own severity and pathogenicity. They are resistant to many antibacterial drugs, as well as various harsh climatic conditions, but are sensitive to aqueous solutions of silver salts and its electrolytic solutions.
Staphylococcal infection is widespread in soil and air. It is by air that the infection (infection) of a person most often occurs. It is also worth noting that this type of infection can affect not only people, but also animals.

It has been noticed that children are most susceptible to staphylococcus infection, which is associated with an immature immune system and non-observance of personal hygiene rules, as well as elderly people.

Causes of staphylococcus aureus

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 use of contaminated food. The level of harm also depends on the strain of bacteria as well as the functioning of the immune system. The stronger the immune system, the less harm staphylococci can cause to human health. Thus, we can conclude that in most cases, a combination of 2 factors is necessary for staphylococcus disease - infection inside and disruption of the normal functioning of the immune system.

How is staphylococcus transmitted? Consider the most popular ways of contracting a staphylococcal infection.

How can staphylococcus enter the body?

Airborne route. During the season of respiratory diseases, frequent stay in crowded places also increases the risk of infection, not only staphylococcal, but also many other types of infection, incl. viral, fungal. Sneezing, coughing - these symptoms serve as a kind of beacons, from which healthy people, if possible, need to stay away.

Air-dust path. Household and street dust contains a large number of various microscopic particles - plant pollen, desquamated skin particles, the hair of various animals, dust mites, particles of various materials (cloth, paper), and all this is usually seasoned with various infections - fungi. Staphylococcus and other types of infection are very often found in dust, and when we breathe such air, it does not affect our health in the best way.

Contact-household way. Usually, infection occurs when sharing personal hygiene items, bed linen, especially if one of the family members is sick. The risk of infection increases with injury to the skin, mucous membranes.

Fecal-oral (alimentary) route. Infection occurs when eating food with dirty hands, i.e. - in case of non-compliance. It is also worth noting here that infection by the alimentary route is also a common cause of diseases such as -, and other complex ones.

medical path. Infection with staphylococcus occurs through contact with insufficiently clean medical instruments, both during surgical interventions and in certain types of diagnostics, which imply a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes. This is usually due to the treatment of instruments with an agent to which staphylococcus has developed resistance.

How can staph seriously harm a person's health, or what weakens the immune system?

The presence of chronic diseases. Most illnesses are indicative of a weakened immune system. If pathological processes are already taking place in the body, it is more difficult for it to defend itself against other diseases. Therefore, any disease increases the risk of attaching a secondary infection to it, and staphylococcal is one of them.

The most common diseases and pathological conditions in which staphylococcus often attacks the patient are: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, diseases and other systems, as well as other chronic diseases.

In addition, the risk of infection with staphylococcus increases:

Bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs;
, lack of healthy sleep;
Sedentary lifestyle;
Use ;
(deficiency of vitamins);
Abuse of certain drugs - vasoconstrictors (violate the integrity of the nasal mucosa), antibiotics;
Violations of the integrity of the skin, mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and mouth.
Insufficient ventilation of rooms in which a person often stays (work, home);
Work at enterprises with high air pollution, especially without protective equipment (masks).

Staphylococcus symptoms

The clinical picture (symptoms) of staphylococcus can be very diverse, depending on the affected organ, the strain of bacteria, the age of the person, the functionality (health) of the potential patient's immunity.

Common symptoms of staphylococcus can be:

Elevated and high body temperature (often local) - up to,;
(rush of blood to the site of inflammatory processes);
General malaise, soreness;
puffiness;
Pyoderma (develops when staphylococcus gets under the skin), folliculitis, carbunculosis,;
Decreased appetite, abdominal pain,;
- , and ;
Respiratory tract diseases:, and;
Purulent discharge from the nasopharynx and oropharynx of a yellow-green color;
Violation of the sense of smell;
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, sneezing;
Changing the timbre of the voice;
Toxic shock syndrome;
drop in blood pressure;
"Scalded Baby Syndrome";
Violations of the functioning of some organs and tissues, which have become the focus of infection;

Complications of staphylococcus:

lung abscess;
Pleural empyema;
loss of voice;
Fever;
convulsions;

Scientists have identified most types of staphylococcus in 11 groups:

1. Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus)- S. aureus, S. Simiae.

Staphylococci aureus are the most pathogenic for the human body. Once inside, they can cause inflammation and damage to almost all human organs and tissues, as well as form a golden pigment. Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to produce the enzyme coagulase, which is why it is sometimes called coagulase-positive staphylococcus aureus.

2. Ear staphylococci (Staphylococcus auricularis)- S. auricularis.

3. Staphylococcus carnosus- S. carnosus, S. condimenti, S. massiliensis, S. piscifermentans, S. simulans.

4. Epidermal staphylococci (Staphylococcus epidermidis)- S. capitis, S. caprae, S. epidermidis, S. saccharolyticus.

Epidermal staphylococcus is most often found on the skin and mucous membranes of a person. It is a common cause of diseases such as -, endocarditis, sepsis, purulent lesions of skin and urinary tract wounds. With the normal functioning of the immune system, the body does not allow epidermal staphylococci to multiply inside the body and infect it.

5. Hemolytic staphylococci (Staphylococcus haemolyticus)- S. devriesei, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis.

Hemolytic staphylococcus is most often the cause of diseases such as endocarditis, sepsis, inflammatory processes with suppuration on the skin, and urethritis.

6. Staphylococcus hyicus-intermedius- S. agnetis, S. chromogenes, S. felis, S. delphini, S. hyicus, S. intermedius, S. lutrae, S. microti, S. muscae, S. pseudintermedius, S. rostri, S. schleiferi.

7. Staphylococcus lugdunensis— S. lugdunensis.

8. Saprophytic staphylococci (Staphylococcus saprophyticus)– S. arlettae, S. cohnii, S. equorum, S. gallinarum, S. kloosii, S. leei, S. nepalensis, S. saprophyticus, S. succinus, S. xylosus.

Saprophytic staphylococcus is often the cause of urinary tract diseases such as cystitis and urethritis. This is due to the fact that saprophytic staphylococcus aureus is located mainly on the skin of the genitals, as well as the mucous membranes of the urinary tract.

9 Staphylococcus sciuri– S. fleurettii, S. lentus, S. sciuri, S. stepanovicii, S. vitulinus.

10 Staphylococcus simulans– S. simulans.

11. Staphylococcus warneri– S. pasteuri, S. warneri.

Degrees of staphylococcus

To determine the exact treatment regimen, doctors divided the course of staphylococcal disease into 4 conditional degrees. This is due to the fact that different types of infection, as well as their pathological activity at different times and under different conditions, differ. In addition, this approach to diagnosis distinguishes between a staphylococcal infection, to which group it belongs - a completely pathogenic effect on the body, conditionally pathogenic and saprophytes, which practically do no harm to a person.

Degrees of staphylococcus

Staphylococcus 1 degree. Localization of infection for sampling for diagnosis - nasopharynx and oropharynx, skin, genitourinary system. Clinical manifestations are absent or minimal. With a healthy immune system, drug therapy is not required.

Staphylococcus 2 degree. Clinical manifestations (symptoms) are minimal or absent. If there are complaints, a thorough diagnosis is carried out for the presence of other types of infection. If it is established that another type of bacteria is also present in the body, antibiotic therapy is privately prescribed.

Staphylococcus 3 degree. The patient has complaints. In most cases, antibiotic therapy is necessary, except in a situation in which the attending physician considers that the use of antibiotics is unreasonable. Treatment of grade 3 staphylococcus is usually aimed primarily at strengthening the immune system. If within 2 months, recovery by the forces of the body does not occur, an individual treatment regimen for the infection is developed, incl. with the use of antibacterial agents.

Staphylococcus 4 degree. Therapy is aimed at strengthening immunity, eliminating,. Before using antibiotic therapy, a thorough diagnosis is carried out for the reaction of a particular type of staphylococcus to the drug.

Diagnosis of staphylococcus

Testing for staphylococcus aureus is done from swabs, usually taken from the surface of the skin, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, or urinary tract.

Additional methods of examination can be:

How to treat staphylococcus aureus? Treatment of staphylococcus usually consists of 2 points - strengthening the immune system and antibiotic therapy. In the presence of other diseases, their treatment is also carried out.

It is very important to use antibiotics based on diagnosis, since it is almost impossible to determine the type of staphylococcus aureus from the clinical picture, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can cause a large number of side effects.

However, the following most popular antibiotics are used to treat staphylococcus aureus.

Antibiotics for staphylococcus aureus

Important! Before using antibiotics, be sure to consult your doctor.

"Amoxicillin". It has the property of suppressing infection, stops its reproduction and negative effects on the body. Blocks the production of peptidoglycan.

"Baneocin". Ointment for the treatment of staphylococcus with skin lesions. It is based on a combination of two antibiotics - bacitracin and neomycin.

"Vancomycin". Contributes to the death of bacteria, due to the blocking of a component that is part of its cell membrane. It is applied intravenously.

"Claritomycin", "Clindamycin" and « » . They block the production of their proteins by bacteria, without which they die.

"Cloxacillin". It blocks the multiplication of staphylococcus by blocking their membranes present at the stage of their cell division. Usually prescribed at a dose of 500 mg / 6 hours.

"Mupirocin"- antibacterial ointment for staphylococcal skin lesions. Used for external use. The ointment is based on three antibiotics - baktroban, bonderm and supirocin.

"Oxacillin". Blocks the division of bacterial cells, thereby destroying them. Method of application - oral, intravenous and intramuscular.

- In hot weather, avoid eating confectionery, meat, dairy and other products that are not stored in proper conditions;

- In case of injury to the skin, be sure to treat the wound with antiseptic agents, then cover it with a band-aid;

- Try not to visit beauty salons, tattoo parlors, solariums or dental clinics of a dubious nature, where they may not adhere to sanitary standards for the processing of medical instruments.

Which doctor should I contact with a staphylococcal infection?

About 40% of the total population of the Russian Federation are permanent carriers of this conditionally pathogenic bacterium. Therefore, it is very important to know how Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted.

Staphylococcus aureus(Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of spherical Gram-positive bacteria that is one of the four most common infectious agents in hospitals. This bacterium belongs to the genus Staphylococcus from the class of bacilli, got its name because of the golden hue of its colonies.

MECHANISM OF INFECTION

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most resistant of its kind to the influence of external factors. It is because of the significant resistance to the influence of high temperatures that most antibiotics and many disinfectants become infected with Staphylococcus aureus quite easily.

Infection occurs through bacteria on the mucous membranes and skin person. Getting into the human body under the influence of various factors contributing to active reproduction, the bacterium can cause a fairly wide range of diseases, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

ROUTES OF INFECTION

From person to person, Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets (when sneezing or coughing hard). With this route of transmission, the bacterium enters the nasal or oral mucosa of a healthy person through contact with a sick person or a healthcare worker who has been in contact with an infected person.

Along with the above method of infection, there are several more ways for these pathogenic bacteria to enter the human body.

Ways of infection with Staphylococcus aureus:

Contact. Due to the high resistance of bacteria to a wide range of temperatures, ultraviolet radiation and most disinfectants, the infection can be contracted by contact of affected skin with surfaces and household items that were used by an infected person.
Artifical. Quite often, Staphylococcus aureus is infected in hospitals due to improper or incomplete sterilization of medical equipment. This is due to the negligence of medical personnel, as well as due to the high resistance of the bacterium to most special antiseptics.
Alimentary. The route of infection is through human food. In this case, the danger is not the microorganism itself, but its waste product - enterotoxin, which, when it enters the stomach, causes severe food intoxication of the body. Staphylococcus aureus itself dies under the influence of gastric juice on it.
Air and dust. In this case, the bacterium enters the body with particles of inhaled dust.

In children, Staphylococcus aureus can be transmitted by sharing soft toys, eating utensils, or pacifiers.

Staphylococcus aureus poses the greatest danger if bacteria enter the human bloodstream. Most often this is due to reduced immunity, as a result of which the microorganism overcomes the protective lymphatic barriers and quickly spreads throughout the body, infecting it.

FACTORS AND RISK GROUP

A number of factors “help” to transfer Staphylococcus aureus from a patient to a relatively healthy person. The main one is a weak level of protective properties of the body due to colds or a long course of taking antibiotic drugs.

Other factors include significant hypothermia of the body, a long process of acclimatization and the use of improperly selected antimicrobial drugs.

Based on how Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted, in the process of making a diagnosis at the first symptoms of the disease, they take into account the fact that at risk are mainly medical workers who are constantly in contact with infected people, small children, and elderly people with weakened immune systems.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Since the main ways of transmission of Staphylococcus aureus are airborne and artificial ways, when developing preventive measures, a bias was made precisely on these mechanisms of the spread of infection.

The main preventive measures include the following.

Strict compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards employees of medical institutions.
Observance of precautionary measures when in contact with infected people (use of gauze bandages, thorough hand washing with special antiseptic agents).
Eating food that stored under appropriate conditions, whose expiration date is far from expiration.

Even people with the strongest immune systems should not have to wonder if Staphylococcus aureus is contagious. A 100% guarantee against infection is given only by strict adherence to the above preventive measures.

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Many are interested in this issue. Is staphylococcus contagious? Read all about infection with staphylococcus aureus in this article. The staphylococcus bacterium is transmitted by airborne droplets or due to poor hygiene. Staphylococcus infection is possible through open wounds, burns, the bacterium can enter through the eyes, skin or blood.

Is staphylococcus contagious?

Transmission of staphylococcal infections is possible through the use of medical instruments, catheters, dressings, various care items, and transmission through food is also very common.

Is staphylococcus re-infectious? There is an opinion that with a single infection with staphylococcus there will be a recurrence of the disease. This is due to the fact that it is not always possible to destroy all microbes during treatment. Those that remain may exist stationary for a long period, until a certain pathogen appears. Given the ability of bacteria to harden to the influence of antibiotics, subsequent infections with staphylococcus will take place in a complicated form.

By itself, the body also adapts to the presence of harmful staphylococcus bacteria, so the likelihood that you will get sick again and again is very high.

The impact of a once very effective remedy - penicillin, has now been reduced to zero results. Staphylococcus bacteria can withstand temperatures up to 150ºС for 10 minutes, survive in extreme cold conditions. Bacteria do not die even in pure ethyl alcohol. Its molecules are capable of destroying hydrogen peroxide, resistant to sunlight and NaCl salts.

Important information about staph infection

Dangerous for him is only a brilliant green solution, or in a simple way - brilliant green and chlorophyllipt. Such bacteria are capable of forming purulent and inflammatory processes in the body.

It is worth being wary of the waste products of staphylococcal bacteria. The coagulase enzyme they produce promotes strong blood clotting. Microbes can get inside blood clots and protect them from the body's immune defenses. As a result of their interaction, these bacteria can cause sepsis or blood poisoning, the treatment of which is impossible, it is only necessary to do a transfusion.

Another waste product is the enzyme enterotoxin, which, being produced in the intestines, leads to severe poisoning. The presence of staphylococcus aureus in the lungs can be the causative agent of pneumonia. Bacteria can infect any human organ, cause purulent processes in them.

Many people in the tests may detect staphylococcus infection, but this does not mean that it is dangerous for everyone. If there are no symptoms of the manifestation of the disease, then treatment of this problem is not required.

It usually occurs through airborne droplets or through food. You can also become infected with staphylococcus aureus in the household way, with dirty hands or through non-sterile medical devices. That is why, very often, a person acquires the staphylococcus bacterium while in the hospital.

Causes of staphylococcus infection

Favorable conditions for the development of staphylococcus bacteria are a weakened body, the presence of different types of bacteria, and dysbacteriosis. The likelihood of infection increases if a patient who is in a medical institution is treated only with an intravenous catheter, uses an internal feeding device, artificial lung ventilation or hemodialysis.

Infection with staphylococcus very often occurs during the procedure of piercing or tattooing, in which sanitary and hygienic conditions are not observed.

There are many symptoms of staph infection. They manifest themselves depending on the types of bacteria and on the disease itself, which is provoked by their negative impact.

Skin diseases associated with staphylococcus are furuncle, carbuncle, boils, phlegmon, sycosis, abscess of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. This bacterium manifests itself in the form of burns.

A strong effect of bacteria on bones and joints has been noticed. Patients with staphylococcus infection suffer from osteomyelitis and arthritis. Almost all organs are exposed to dangerous effects. Infection of the heart with staphylococcus is accompanied by staphylococcal endocarditis, pneumonia and pleurisy occur on the lungs, tonsillitis forms on the throat, the presence of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract leads to enteritis and enterocolitis.

When staphylococcus bacteria enters the brain, staphylococcal meningitis and brain abscess can begin to develop. Dangerous for the body is enterotoxin, which is released from staphylococcus bacteria. It can lead to poisoning.

What to do with staphylococcus aureus?

Treating staphylococcus aureus is a difficult task; if antibiotics are used incorrectly, the bacteria become accustomed to their effects, and then it becomes more difficult to destroy them.

Comprehensive treatment for infection with staphylococcus consists of surgical intervention, if necessary, normalization of the body's metabolic processes, stimulation of immunity, the use of vitamins, biological additives and a variety of mineral preparations.

Surgical intervention for infection with staphylococcus involves the removal of purulent formations. To improve immunity, it is good to use drugs that include eleutherococcus, ginseng, cordyceps, Chinese magnolia vine and echinacea.