Staphylococcus aureus in a child. Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in children, methods of transmission and treatment of infection. Staphylococcus aureus in the nose: symptoms and treatment

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

What kind of bacteria are these?

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

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

Causes and methods of infection

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

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

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

Insects can also be carriers of these microorganisms, so it is recommended to treat bites with a soda solution or brilliant green.

Classification of staphylococci

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

Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria can live both on the skin and on any mucous membranes. This type of microorganism is dangerous because it can enter the blood of a person with a weakened immune system and cause inflammation of the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart).

And if the first two types of staphylococcal bacteria are localized in a specific place in the human body, then Staphylococcus aureus is less picky. It can affect any organ and cause an inflammatory process of any severity. In addition, people of all ages are equally susceptible to infection, but Staphylococcus aureus is more common in children and the elderly. Their bodies are weakened due to various viral infections and chronic diseases.

This strain is characterized by extreme resistance and is able to withstand extremely high temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, hydrogen peroxide, 100% ethyl alcohol and a number of antibiotics. Therefore, if Staphylococcus aureus is sown in a child’s nose, only a doctor should select treatment. Self-medication in most cases causes a large number of dangerous general and systemic infections, such as pneumonia, staphylococcal sepsis, toxic shock, food poisoning, osteomyelitis, as well as abscess formations in the liver, heart, kidneys and brain.

This disease is diagnosed in children quite often, and not all strains are as harmless as loving parents would like. And if we take into account the fact that children are not very responsible about hygiene, the chances of becoming infected with the most dangerous bacteria are very high. Therefore, if the baby’s health is of concern, you need to see a doctor and have a bacteriological culture taken. After all, even a banal staphylococcus in a child’s nose can cause severe infections. The risk is especially high if the baby’s body is depleted by frequent viral diseases or bacterial inflammatory processes. Therefore, every loving parent should have information about this disease and know what measures should be taken when the first symptoms appear.

Diagnosis and general symptoms of staphylococcus in children

Considering that the genus Staphylococcus belongs to pathogenic microorganisms, only bacteriological cultures can determine the true clinical picture of the disease. Laboratory assistants can count the number of bacteria detected, compare the resulting numbers with the established norm and, of course, determine whether they belong to one of the known strains. After such a study, we can talk about treatment. But what in the child’s health should alert parents and become a reason to undergo a culture test?

It is quite difficult to recognize staphylococcus, since these pathogenic microorganisms can infect any of the systems or organs of the baby, disguised as simple diseases known to everyone. The primary symptoms of these particular diseases force most parents to seek professional help from doctors.

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

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

Symptoms of Staphylococcus epidermidis

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

Manifestations of hemolytic staphylococcus

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

Manifestations of a saprophytic strain

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

Staphylococcus aureus

The most insidious and widespread strain is Staphylococcus aureus. It can affect any of the child’s organs, causing inflammatory and purulent processes in it that are difficult to treat with medication. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus in children is considered the most dangerous disease that can cause serious consequences. These bacteria live in many people's nasal passages and armpits. If the immune system is functioning well, there is no danger, but with viral infections or chronic illnesses, the disease is activated. The first symptoms may appear within a couple of hours in the form of skin rashes, irritation of the mucous membranes or stomach upset. If you ignore such signs of staphylococcus in children and do not consult a doctor, the infection may spread to other organs. The consequence of such carelessness can be damage to the membranes of the brain or respiratory system, as well as acute renal failure.

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

Skin manifestations of Staphylococcus aureus

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

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

The body's reaction to staphylococcal infection

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

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

Treatment of staph infection

When considering methods of combating staphylococcal infection, you need to remember that this disease, regardless of its severity, should be treated exclusively by a specialist. And before embarking on this rather complex process, the doctor must know the true state of the infection. To do this, a laboratory study is used to estimate the number of pathogens in the child’s feces. And only based on the results of this analysis, the doctor can prescribe effective therapy.

If Staphylococcus aureus is still sown in the child’s stool, but the number of colony-forming units does not exceed 1 in 10 4, treatment will be limited to taking vitamins and immunomodulators, such as IRS-19, Imudon or Broncho-munal. This degree of severity of the disease does not pose a danger to either an adult or a child. However, it is impossible to hope that microorganisms can be quickly eliminated. Over the next months, you will need to monitor the patient's health status, and then undergo a re-examination.

If staphylococcus is diagnosed in infants, and the CEC indicator is higher than 10 per 10 4, cephalosporin antibacterial agents are used: Cefotaxime, Cefix and others. The main thing in the process of fighting an infection is to prevent bacteria from becoming accustomed to the antibiotic.

The most severe form of the disease is considered to be cases when the CEC exceeds 100 per 10 4. Intensive therapy is carried out in the intensive care unit of a hospital, as there is a risk of sepsis.

Of course, today there is already an alternative option - bacteriophages, which can be used to treat staphylococcus even in infants. But their cost is quite high, so such therapy is not yet available to all our citizens.

When a baby is born, it encounters many microorganisms. They can be beneficial and shape the intestinal microflora, or they can cause serious diseases. The latter includes Staphylococcus aureus. It is difficult to treat, and you can get it anywhere.

This disease affects 70% of the world's population. It mainly affects children in the first year of life. It is easier to prevent a staphylococcal infection than to cure unpleasant consequences, and for this you need to know the specifics of the disease.

What is a staph infection?

Staphylococcal infection is caused by bacteria from the Staphylococcaceae family. These are very common microorganisms, of which there are 27 strains. Most of them are harmless to humans, but there are 4 species that cause serious illness and complications, and sometimes even death.

For a healthy adult, staphylococcal infection does not pose a threat; it develops only in a weakened body. The risk group includes:

• pregnant and lactating women;
• small children;
• HIV-infected;
• people with chronic diseases.

Most often, infection is diagnosed in newborns. For them, it poses a particular danger, because the child’s body cannot yet fight the infection, and the baby’s immune system is imperfect. Staphylococcus is often infected in hospitals and maternity hospitals.

This is a very persistent infection. At room temperature in the room, it lasts for up to six months. Bacteria adapt to antibiotics and stop responding to them, so drugs for the treatment of staphylococcus are constantly being improved.

It’s not for nothing that young children are at risk. Staphylococcus bacteria produce toxins that significantly poison organs and systems. The consequences can be absolutely any inflammatory process - from disruption of the intestines to disorders of the central nervous system and staphylococcal sepsis, blood poisoning. That is why, when a diagnosis of “staphylococcal infection” is made, therapy takes place under the close attention of a specialist, without self-medication.

Types of staphylococci

Saprophytic, epidermal, hemolytic and Staphylococcus aureus are recognized as dangerous to human health. Their symptoms vary significantly:

• Saprophytic staphylococcus. It is found infrequently and is the least dangerous of the four. It mainly affects the excretory organs, provoking an inflammatory process in the bladder and kidneys. In addition, it settles on the skin and mucous membranes. A child with this type of staphylococcal infection is bothered by pain in the lower abdomen and frequent urination. The symptoms can easily be confused with signs of cystitis, although the treatment here will be completely different. Saprophytic staphylococcus in children is diagnosed based on a urine test. It is treated quickly, in a few days.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis. It lives on the skin and mucous membranes of a healthy person, and does not manifest itself in any way with strong immunity. Found in the eyes, nose and internal pharynx. Affects newborns and weakened babies, especially after undergoing surgical interventions. A doctor can identify microorganisms based on an examination of the patient. Treatment of epidermal staphylococcus is prescribed locally. Its danger is that, penetrating through cuts and abrasions, it causes complications in the form of inflammation of joints and blood vessels.

• Hemolytic staphylococcus. Penetrates through mucous membranes, symptoms are similar to acute respiratory infection. To determine it, a bacterial culture is taken in the mouth or nose. This type of staphylococcus reacts poorly to antibiotics.
• Staphylococcus aureus. The most dangerous of all types. It affects any organs, settles in the mouth, on the skin, in the intestines, causing inflammation and severe complications. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are very tenacious - they can easily tolerate boiling and freezing, and are not susceptible to chlorine, alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, and to many antibiotics.

You cannot acquire immunity to Staphylococcus aureus; you can become infected with it again after recovery. Once in the body with a strong immune system, staphylococcus goes into a latent (hidden) state in order to become more active during the period of illness.

It poses the greatest danger to small children. It is detected in stool tests, on the skin, and in the oral cavity. If an older child does not have symptoms of inflammation, then treatment will most likely not be prescribed, because the immune system independently copes with the infectious agent. Newborn babies should be treated for Staphylococcus aureus in a hospital setting, as the consequences can be unpredictable.

How can a child become infected with staphylococcus?

Staphylococcal infection is present in the body of almost any person and comes on alert when sick or weakened immunity. She lives absolutely everywhere, so maternity hospitals are closed for planned prevention.

What are the ways of infecting a child with staphylococcus:

1. Airborne transmission of infection - when talking, sneezing, coughing.
2. For newborn children, infection can occur from the mother. For example, through cracks in the nipples during breastfeeding or childbirth. Staphylococcus can live on food. Once in the mother's breast milk, it infects the baby.
3. If the child received a birth injury - through non-sterile medical supplies.
4. By household means due to poor hygiene. A curious baby tastes everything, and from dirty hands the infection can easily enter the child’s body. Infection occurs through shared toys, dishes, and household items.
5. Contact with the patient's skin. Communication with a sick child in kindergarten, school, clinic.

Symptoms and diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus

• loose stools;
• vomit;
• lack of appetite;
• lethargy, weakness;
• pustules and boils on the epidermis;
• pain in the nasopharynx;
• swelling.

When a staphylococcal infection actively develops in the body, severe intoxication occurs, causing more serious symptoms:

• increase in body temperature up to 40°C;
• stomach ache;
• fainting;
• convulsions.

If the infection occurred with food, then similar symptoms will appear within a few hours after eating. Staphylococcus aureus is diagnosed in children by blood tests, urine, feces, scrapings (bacterial culture) and symptoms affecting the baby.

Treatment of staphylococcus in children

Curing a staph infection is not easy. It is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis in a timely manner and prescribe adequate therapy, which includes:

• topical medications;
• antibiotics;
• gargling;
• immunomodulators;
• vitamins.

If the infection with Staphylococcus aureus is critical and can lead to blood poisoning, the patient is given a blood transfusion. In the most severe cases, surgery is indicated.

If a child is diagnosed with a staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to treat and disinfect household items, clothing, bedding, and dishes with which the baby has been in contact. The patient is isolated to prevent new infections from entering his body. The mother and baby will be admitted to the hospital. It is important for infants not to stop breastfeeding, because it helps fight the disease.

Medicines

Drug therapy includes drugs:

1. Antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Clarithromycin). Should only be prescribed by a doctor. Staphylococci can adapt to any medicine, so the list of anti-staphylococcal antibiotics is constantly updated. It is important to use new generation products.
2. Immunomodulators (Imudon, IRS 19). They are needed to restore the child’s strength and improve immunity. This is a fundamental point in treatment - only a healthy body is able to resist staphylococcal infection.

When prescribing antibiotics, it is necessary to make an antibiogram to determine the sensitivity of staphylococcus to certain drugs of the drug group. Without this, it will not be possible to cure the disease, because staphylococci are very resistant to many medications.

In mild forms of disease, the use of an antibiotic may be contraindicated, so the decision to prescribe the drug is made only by a doctor. In difficult cases, Immunoglobulin is used to increase immunity (for very weakened children).

External means

Local preparations are used in combination with antibiotics when treating ulcers and postoperative wounds. They are usually not used separately. Staphylococcus aureus is very sensitive to ordinary brilliant green. Another effective drug is staphylococcal bacteriophage. It is used to treat infected wounds and boils.

The throat and nose are washed with antiseptic solutions, for example, Furacilin. A special agent is applied to ulcers and boils. As a rule, Vishnevsky ointment, 70% alcohol solution, brilliant green, and hydrogen peroxide are used. For rinsing and lubricating mucous membranes (for example, the throat), Miramistin, Hydrogen Peroxide, silver solution, Iodinol are used.

Traditional methods

Traditional methods should be used only in combination with traditional treatment prescribed by a specialist. Before using them, it is better to consult a doctor. Usually these are ointments, decoctions, compresses. Many herbs have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Natural antibiotics include: currants, apricots, lingonberries, cranberries, viburnum. They are given to older children in the form of purees, decoctions or fresh. It is useful to use rosehip decoction.

There are several traditional medicine recipes that have proven themselves in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus:
(we recommend reading:)

1. Decoction from a collection of herbs: 4 spoons of bird cherry fruit, 3 spoons of currant leaf, 3 spoons of raspberry leaf, 2 spoons of oregano, 2 spoons of thyme herb, 2 spoons of plantain, 2 spoons of coltsfoot, 3 spoons of licorice root.
2. Freshly squeezed juice of celery root and parsley in a ratio of 1:2.
3. Baths from a series.
4. Garlic compresses. Pour 1:3 water over the garlic and leave for 1 hour. The lotion is applied to inflamed wounds.

What are the risks of staphylococcal infection?

Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of more than 120 diseases. It causes many serious and dangerous complications:

• lesions of the epidermis - phlegmon, furunculosis, abscess, folliculitis, pyoderma;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes – conjunctivitis, barley;
• sepsis, blood poisoning;
• inflammation of the bone marrow;
• inflammation of various organs and systems - pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, brain abscess, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, meningitis, enteritis;
• With very severe intoxication, toxic shock and even death can occur.

Disease prevention

It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it later. The same applies to staphylococcus. Prevention of infection is very important, including measures to increase the baby’s immunity:

• you need to maintain hygiene and teach your child this;
• promptly treat wounds and cuts with an antiseptic;
• there is a vaccination against staphylococcus, which promotes the emergence of special antimicrobial anti-staphylococcal immunity;
• eat healthy and healthy, take vitamins (Multi-Tabs, Alphabet), do not eat questionable foods;
• breastfeed your child for at least a year, because mother’s milk gives the baby the necessary immunity;
• lead an active lifestyle, play sports;
• If there are animals at home, make sure that the pet does not have ulcers and treat them in a timely manner.

Staphylococcus is a gram-positive bacterium, one of the four most common in the world. It got its name because when artificially grown on a Petri dish, staphylococcus colonies have a golden color. This bacterium has long been resistant to penicillin antibiotics, since it has long possessed a special enzyme that protects it from the drug - penicillinase. Staphylococcus aureus in children can manifest itself in any form - from skin lesions in newborns, boils, suppuration of wounds, and ending with serious general diseases - pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis - general blood poisoning.
The high pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is due to the fact that, firstly, it has a special enzyme for melting the top layer of skin, which facilitates its penetration into it, secondly, it produces a strong endotoxin - a substance that poisons the child’s body, and thirdly, immunity to him completely absent. That is, having recovered from any disease caused by this microbe, you can get sick again - the same or another. Staphylococcus aureus in children is very common as a cause of various pathologies. This is due to the peculiarities of its transmission - by contact. But children put toys in their mouths, and they don’t always wash their hands, and a child’s general immunity, which allows them not to get sick if they get into the body or on the skin, is lower. Especially for those who often suffer from viral or other diseases. In such children, complications of ARVI caused by staphylococcus are quite common.
Any newborn child encounters staphylococcus while still in the maternity hospital, and since this microbe lives in the external environment, without causing diseases, and accumulates only in hospital wards, the possibility of hospital infections frightens mothers, sometimes provoking them into dangerous home births. In fact, we can talk about infection with staphylococcus only in cases when it is sown directly from the body, from the skin, from a wound, from rash blisters, and not from shelves, cabinets or toys. It happens that Staphylococcus aureus in children is caused by another microbe, and staphylococcus is found in washings simply because there is a lot of it everywhere. For example, staphylococcus is cultured from a child’s loose stool, but the disease is caused by lactase deficiency, while staphylococcus in this case is a simple inhabitant of the intestines. The incidence associated with Staphylococcus aureus is often overestimated, but it exists. Contamination of newborns with a microbe in an amount that causes disease is always a defect in care, poor sterilization of items for it, and lies on the conscience of the staff. Therefore, the occurrence of a “staphylococcus” quarantine is an indicator of the overall level of medical care provided by the institution. Although even the most exemplary people have accidents!
All of the above suggests that Staphylococcus aureus, found in children, for example, on the skin, is not always the cause of the disease, it will now always be adjacent to them, but whether children get sick or not depends primarily on the strength of the immune system. And therefore, preventing infection by Staphylococcus aureus is, first of all, hygiene: clean hands, washed things that the baby comes into contact with and everything that makes the child’s immunity stronger. Healthy eating, walks, exercise, a rational lifestyle - and microbes are not scary, including such an ominous one as our object today - Staphylococcus aureus in children.

Which are harmless microbes that inhabit the skin and mucous membranes of everyone

person. These representatives of microflora can be present in breast milk during lactation without causing any harm to either mother or baby. A terrible microbe that makes parents tremble is considered to be. The child has his own defenses against it. A healthy mother during breastfeeding also has an immune system that copes well with this type of bacteria. Staphylococcus is divided into several strains, some of which are absolutely harmless. But there is also a rather dangerous hemolyzing type of bacterium. Staphylococcus aureus can appear in a child due to contact with dust particles or any surface (clothing, furniture, toys). This is not dangerous - the baby's antibodies prevent the bacteria from establishing themselves in the body. Staphylococcus aureus may be present in it in minute quantities without creating any health discomfort.

Is this bacteria dangerous? Any flora of a pathogenic nature (not only Staphylococcus aureus) can become active and cause a painful condition if the immune system is weakened. The following factors can lead to this situation:

Infections, some antibiotics and hormonal drugs, poor nutrition, stressful situations during pregnancy;

Immaturity, prematurity of the fetus, late latching of the baby to the breast, artificial feeding.

In such cases, Staphylococcus aureus in a child can invade various systems and organs. The bacterium can cause an inflammatory process, an allergic reaction and disturbances in the intestines.

How to cure Staphylococcus aureus? This genus of bacteria is treatable with antibiotics. The course of treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after examining cultures from wounds and fluids released from the body biologically. Staphylococcus aureus can also be detected in the stool.

After identifying the pathogenic microorganism, a course of therapy begins. The difficulty lies in the fact that Staphylococcus aureus in a child tends to ignore drugs that have an antibacterial effect. Treatment in this case becomes difficult, especially if the bacterium has infected the baby’s body. For this reason, after an accurately established diagnosis in both children and adults, a mandatory test is carried out to determine the sensitivity of the microorganism to antibiotics. After this, a course of therapy is prescribed, which must be completed in full. Otherwise, Staphylococcus aureus will not completely die in any organ, and it will become addicted to the medicine used. Quite interesting is the fact that this type of bacterium, with such rejection of many medications, is susceptible to some

Not only people live on our planet. We are surrounded by a large number of different microorganisms that can cause various diseases. One of these troubles is staphylococcal infections in children.

What is it?

Coccal flora are various groups of microbes that have a spherical shape. The sizes of these microorganisms can be very different, but they can only be detected in the laboratory - using various microscopes. Perhaps the most common and frequently encountered microbe of coccal flora is staphylococcus. It is talked about every day on TV screens in health programs and various feature articles are written.

This popularity is not accidental. These microorganisms can cause numerous pathologies in a child, which significantly affect his general condition. Researchers discovered staphylococci many years ago - at the end of the 19th century. Since then, scientists' interest in studying these microbes has not waned. This is largely due to the prevalence of various diseases that are caused by these microbes.

It is no coincidence that these microorganisms received their name. When examined under a microscope, microbes resemble peculiar clusters, which in Greek are called “staphylos”. Not only local pediatricians and doctors of other specialties are familiar with staphylococcal diseases, but also many fathers and mothers. The prevalence of infection caused by these microbes is quite high - all over the world.

The staphylococcus family is very extensive. These are several different types of microbes that differ from each other in some physiological and antigenic properties. Currently, scientists have discovered 27 variants of microbes. More than ten of them were found in the subjects on their mucous membranes.

Many types of microorganisms do not have pathogenic properties. These are peaceful “neighbors” who live next to people.

Only three species from the entire family lead to the development of infectious pathology. The pathogenic abilities of these microbes are determined according to specific criteria, which are called pathogenicity factors. They talk about the extent to which microorganisms can lead to the development of disease in a particular child. In pathogenic species of staphylococci, these factors of pathogenicity (pathogenicity) are maximally expressed.

On the outside, microbes are covered with a dense protective shell, which protects them from exposure to adverse environmental factors. This feature of the morphological structure helps microorganisms survive for a long time outside the human body, without losing their pathogenic properties. Their cell wall contains components that cause a pronounced response from the human immune system and lead to the development of severe inflammation.

Microbes contain special biologically active substances - hemolysins. These molecules can have a detrimental effect on human red blood cells, they can even damage white blood cells. During their life, microbes release a large amount of toxic products that have a strong inflammatory effect on the affected children's body.

All the pathogenic properties of the microbe determine the variety of various unfavorable symptoms that it can cause in sick children. Such a variety of different pathogenic properties makes staphylococcus one of the most dangerous microbes found in the external environment.

Three species are considered the most dangerous pathogenic representatives of this family. The first is Staphylococcus aureus. Doctors also call this subspecies staphylococcus aureus. Various abbreviations and acronyms are used in the medical community.

Doctors use S to designate staphylococcal flora. Usually this marking is applied to all laboratory tests that are carried out to establish the bacterial flora for various diseases.

This microbe did not get its name by chance. When examined under a microscope, you will notice that it has a light yellow color. This microbe does not give any concessions to both adults and children. The combination of various aggressive properties leads to the fact that it causes a wide variety of clinical variants of the disease and is characterized by a multiplicity of lesions. Under unfavorable environmental conditions, these microbes can persist for a very long time.

The second (no less aggressive) microbe is called epidermal or S. epidermidis. It is the main cause of various infectious skin pathologies. Children get these infections quite often. It should be noted that both boys and girls are susceptible to infection.

This type of microorganism is quite peaceful. It can be present on the skin of absolutely healthy babies without causing any adverse symptoms. The development of clinical signs is caused by a severe weakening of the immune system and exhaustion of the body after viral or other bacterial infections.

Quite often, microorganisms are transmitted through contaminated hands, medical instruments and during dental treatment of diseased teeth.

The third type of microbes that can lead to the development of disease is called saprophytic or staphylococcus saprophyticus. It's important to note that it extremely rarely leads to infection in children. Most often, this pathogen is responsible for the development of pathologies in adults. Women get sick much more often. The infection manifests itself in them by the development of severe inflammation in the urinary tract. Staphylococcal infection is extremely contagious, and you can become infected in a variety of ways. The course of the disease depends on many factors.

A child of any age can get sick with these three types of bacterial infections. Cases of this infection are quite common both in newborns and in adolescence.

How is it transmitted?

The high prevalence of microbes in the external environment should lead to daily massive outbreaks of infection - or even lead to a pandemic. However, this does not happen. This is explained by the fact that normally the immune system functions in the body every second. Immunity helps you not get sick from all infections, of which there are many.

Doctors say that the disease begins in children who, for some reason, have significantly reduced the functioning of their immune system. The high-risk group includes children who often suffer from colds or have immunodeficiency conditions of varying severity.

A variety of reasons can lead to a decrease in immunity. Quite often, the provoking factor for the development of staphylococcal infection in children is severe hypothermia or overheating, as well as severe psycho-emotional stress.

Infection can enter a weakened child’s body in a variety of ways. Staphylococci are such universal microorganisms that can live and multiply in any internal organs of a person. The most common method of infection is airborne. In this case, microbes enter the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and lead to the development of adverse symptoms.

The contact and household method of infection also quite often leads to infection. staphylococcal flora. It manifests itself especially clearly in crowded groups. Children who lead an active lifestyle and attend various educational institutions and sports clubs are quite often susceptible to infection with various types of microbes.

Doctors note that germs can even enter through the conjunctiva of the eyes or the umbilical wound.

Many parents are interested in the likelihood of their babies becoming infected during the prenatal period. This option is also possible. Pathologies of pregnancy that occur with a violation of the integrity of the placenta or various disturbances of the placental blood flow only increase the risk of intrauterine infection of the unborn baby in the womb. If a pregnant woman gets a staphylococcal infection, she contributes to the transmission of pathogenic microbes to her baby.

The severity of symptoms depends on the initial state of the child’s immune system. If a baby suffered a staph infection several years ago, and his immune system is functioning well, then the risk of a new infection in the child is noticeably reduced. Children with low immunity may get sick several times throughout their lives. Premature babies get sick quite often.

The severe course of the disease is accompanied by the active spread of microorganisms. This happens through the systemic bloodstream. Pathogenic microbes quickly enter various internal organs, causing a strong inflammatory process there. This course of the disease is usually accompanied by the appearance in the infected child of many of the most unfavorable symptoms.

The nature of disorders due to staphylococcal infection can be very different. The presence of various hemolysins in the structure of the microbe leads to the fact that they have a pronounced damaging effect on various cells. This usually manifests itself as the development of ulcerative or necrotic areas. Such “dead” zones are characterized by complete or partial death of epithelial cells that form the mucous membranes of internal organs.

The most severe course of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of purulent infiltrates. Localized forms of such pathologies are called abscesses in medicine. The most dangerous localizations of these clinical variants are the brain, kidneys, liver and other vital internal organs.

Symptoms

Staphylococcal infection manifests itself in different ways. The variety of clinical signs largely depends on the type of microbes that entered the child’s body and led to the appearance of adverse symptoms. The course can be either mild or quite severe. Without appropriate treatment, very dangerous complications or long-term consequences of the disease may appear.

Staphylococci can cause both local and very widespread forms of the disease. Massive lesions are also called generalized variants of the disease. They usually develop in a sick child with a severe course of the disease.

It is important to note that local forms can also become generalized - with the progression of the disease and without the appointment of properly selected therapy.

Staphylococcal infection in children can occur with the appearance of adverse symptoms or be completely asymptomatic. In the latter case, the disease can only be detected through special diagnostic tests. They are carried out in laboratory conditions. In some situations, there may be a gradual course, in which the adverse symptoms of the disease appear slightly.

The incubation period for infection with staphylococci may vary. Usually it ranges from 3-4 hours to a couple of days.

In some children who have severe immune disorders, unfavorable symptoms of the disease can occur quite quickly.

Doctors note that the shortest incubation period is for staphylococcal damage to the gastrointestinal tract. This infection often spreads through the skin. Subcutaneous tissue is often involved in the inflammatory process. Specific signs appear on the skin, which parents discover when examining their baby.

The affected areas have a high tendency to suppurate. Weakened immunity or exacerbation of chronic pathologies can contribute to the spread of the process. In some cases, the disease becomes generalized.

Quite often, the pathology is manifested by various folliculitis, furunculosis, pyoderma, phlegmon, hidradenitis, and the appearance of watery pimples. In this case, the structural elements of the skin - the sweat and sebaceous glands - are also affected.

Skin lesions

Dermatitis is also not a very rare manifestation of staphylococcal infection. The affected skin becomes bright red in color and becomes hot to the touch. At the peak of the disease, various blisters filled with pus appear on the skin, which looks like a bright yellow liquid.

In severe cases of the disease, various ulcers appear on the skin. They look like severely inflamed areas. In the central part of such skin formations, the accumulation of a large amount of pus is visible.

The edges of the wound are usually loosened and bleed easily when touched. The wound surface can be very large: from a couple of millimeters to several centimeters. In some cases, the inflamed areas merge with each other, forming bizarre shapes.

In babies, in the first months of life, dangerous, most severe forms of the disease are quite common. These include Ritter's exfoliative dermatitis, staphylococcal pemphigus, bacterial pustulosis. They are characterized by generalized lesions with the development of severe necrosis (death) of epithelial cells. These forms of diseases occur mainly in premature babies or children who had multiple anatomical defects in the structure of internal organs at birth.

In some cases, when infected with these microbes, the sick child develops symptoms of scarlet fever-like syndrome. As a rule, it manifests itself in the baby with the appearance of multiple skin rashes on the skin.

The rash may spread throughout the body. Its predominant localization is the lateral surfaces. Skin elements are usually quite small.

Skin rashes can usually appear 2-4 days after the onset of the first adverse symptoms of the disease. After they disappear, multiple dry patches with severe peeling remain on the skin. The appearance of a rash significantly worsens the well-being of the sick child. The severity of intoxication in this case is very intense.

Damage to mucous membranes

The skin is not the only “favorite” localization for the life of staphylococci. They also actively settle on various mucous membranes. Once in the upper respiratory tract, microbes cause bacterial forms of pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis. Staphylococci that multiply in the nose lead to the development of persistent rhinitis. A runny nose with this option is usually debilitating, the discharge from the nasal passages is yellow or has a greenish tint.

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract leads to symptoms that are typical of intestinal dysbiosis. Babies have irregular stools. In some cases, this is manifested by the appearance of persistent constipation or severe diarrhea in the child.

They alternate much less often. A bacterial infection is accompanied by the appearance of nonspecific abdominal pain, which can be localized in different areas.

Eye damage

Staphylococcal conjunctivitis is a disease that develops when microbes get on the delicate conjunctiva of babies or under the folds of the eyelids. In this case, the baby develops severe lacrimation. The discharged secretion often contains pus. It is difficult for the baby to open his eyes; sunlight on the irritated conjunctiva only leads to increased pain.

Angina

This is a fairly common form of this bacterial infection. It is characterized by the formation of plaque on the affected tonsils. In color it can be yellow or with a gray tint. Quite often, a sick child develops a follicular type of acute tonsillitis. The course of such a sore throat in a child is quite severe, it is accompanied by a strong increase in temperature and the appearance of a pronounced intoxication syndrome.

It's important to note that Staphylococcal infection is quite often associated with viral pathologies. The high-risk group includes children who often suffer from colds throughout the year or have severe disorders in the functioning of internal organs. Such complications appear in children suffering from diabetes or complicated cardiovascular diseases.

Spread to the respiratory system

Bacterial tracheitis, caused by pathogenic staphylococci, is very severe and tends to spread to nearby organs. After a few days, the inflammatory process involves first the small bronchioles, and then the large bronchi. If the course of the disease is unfavorable, staphylococcal infection can lead to the development of bacterial pneumonia. Treatment of inflammation of the lung tissue is usually carried out in a hospital setting.

Stomatitis

Quite common in very young patients stomatitis caused by this bacterial flora. It is manifested by severe redness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the development of severe inflammation near the tooth sockets.

Quite often the tongue is also involved in the inflammatory process. It becomes bright red, covered with a gray or yellowish coating, which is difficult to remove with a spatula. Severe stomatitis causes pain when swallowing food.

The severity of intoxication syndrome with different staphylococcal infections may be different. Typically, all forms of this disease are quite severe in children. They are accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature. The child becomes capricious and drowsy and refuses to eat. The baby may develop a headache, which gets worse during staphylococcal meningitis.

Diagnostics

A clinical examination performed by a pediatrician during an appointment allows one to establish the presence of purulent foci on the child’s body or identify characteristic signs of damage to the mucous membranes. To clarify the diagnosis, a whole range of additional diagnostic tests is required. These tests make it possible to exclude other diseases that occur with similar symptoms - for example, those caused by hemolytic streptococcus.

The most common test to identify pathogens in the blood is considered microbiological test. The essence of this test is a specific immune reaction between a laboratory staphylococcal species obtained in laboratory conditions and biological material. An increased concentration in the blood of specific protein immune molecules-antibodies indicates the presence of this pathogen in the child’s body.

Microbes can be found in a wide variety of biological materials. There are diagnostic methods that can detect microorganisms in feces and urine. During an illness, several studies may be carried out that allow doctors to determine the dynamics of the disease.

Treatment

Therapy for staphylococcal infection is carried out for children who have unfavorable symptoms of the disease. There is no point in “treating” tests! Many types of staphylococcal flora live on completely healthy mucous membranes. If the child’s well-being worsens and clinical signs appear, specific treatment should be started.

The treatment of staphylococcal pathologies is carried out by doctors of several specialties, since a variety of internal organs are affected. There are some peculiarities in prescribing treatment. For each specific case, our own therapeutic regimen is selected, which is built taking into account the characteristics of each sick child.

The basis of treatment for this disease is taking antibacterial drugs. Parents should remember that a sick child needs to be given antibiotics for as many days as prescribed by the doctor. There should be no independent withdrawal from these medications.

Staphylococcal flora over time (against the background of frequent prescription of various antibacterial drugs) becomes insensitive to their effects. This leads to the emergence of resistant forms of microorganisms, on which powerful drugs simply cease to act.

During antibiotic therapy, very It is important to follow the prescribed dosages and frequency of use of medications. Typically, clavulanic acid-protected penicillins and the latest generation of cephalosporin drugs are used to treat these bacterial infections. The use of the latest generations of antibiotics and macrolides is extremely rare, as it can lead to the development of resistance of microorganisms to these drugs.

To eliminate the accompanying symptoms of the disease, various symptomatic treatments are used. It includes the prescription of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antitussive and restorative drugs.

Specific treatment for severe forms of the disease includes appointment antistaphylococcal drugs. These include plasma, bacteriophages, toxoids or immunoglobulins. All these drugs have a narrowly targeted destructive effect on staphylococcal flora. Such drugs are prescribed only for strict medical indications, as determined by the attending physician.

Treatment of emerging bacterial pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract is carried out using complex medicines containing viable lacto- and bifidobacteria. These drugs are usually prescribed for long-term use. It may take an average of 4-6 months to normalize the beneficial intestinal microflora lost during the illness. "Bifidumbacterin", "Bifikol", "Acipol", "Linex" and other drugs provide a positive effect and help restore normal digestion in children.

In some situations, even after drug treatment, the baby develops complications of the disease. As a rule, in such cases, intensive complex therapy is required, which is carried out only in a hospital setting. Local purulent processes caused by staphylococcal flora can be treated with surgical operations. The need for such treatment is determined by a pediatric surgeon.

Prevention

The goal of all preventive measures for staphylococcal infections is to reduce the risk of possible infection with highly pathogenic species of these microorganisms. To do this, doctors recommend that all children attending educational institutions must follow the anti-epidemic regime.

After visiting public places The child should wash their hands thoroughly with soap. Parents must supervise children. To date, specific prevention of infection, including vaccinations, unfortunately, has not been developed.

How to deal with staphylococcal infection if you find it in your baby? Doctor E.O Komarovsky will tell you about the causes and prevention of this disease.