Treatment of staphylococcus in a child. Staphylococcus aureus in children. Staphylococcal bacteria in the intestines

Bacterial infections are found quite often in children, because microscopic single-celled organisms live and reproduce in close proximity to people. The human body is filled with billions of different bacteria. Some are beneficial, others cause enormous harm to health.

Many parents are horrified to learn that staphylococcus has been detected in their child’s tests. Numerous health problems in children are associated with this type of bacteria. Is proximity to staphylococci dangerous to the health of children?

What is staphylococcus?

Staphylococcus is a non-motile, spherical bacterium that is part of the normal microflora of the intestines, mucous membranes, and skin of adults and children. From the total number of microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus, pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria are distinguished.

Varieties of staphylococcus

In his life, a person most often encounters the following types of Staphylococcus:

• Staphylococcus aureus (golden) is the most aggressive of all microorganisms studied to date, causing persistent forms of diseases of the skin, intestines, circulatory system, brain and spinal cord;
• Staphylococcus epidermidis (epidermal) - is the cause of suppuration of wounds, conjunctivitis, heart disease, genitourinary system;
• Staphylococcus haemolyticus (hemolytic) – is the cause purulent abscesses, affects the skin, can provoke sepsis;
• Staphylococcus saprophyticus (saprophytic) – provokes diseases of the genitourinary system.

Staphylococcus lives on the skin, intestines, and mucous membranes oral cavity in 80% of people in a latent state, can pose a danger only under favorable conditions of reproduction, which entails acute manifestation staphylococcal infection.

Factors in the development of staphylococcal infections on the skin

According to medical statistics, staphylococcal infections on the skin of children appear much more often compared to others. negative consequences proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Rapid damage to areas of the skin and mucous membranes is promoted by:

• weak immunity of the child;
• viral infections (herpes, ARVI, HIV, influenza, mumps, measles);
• non-compliance with rules for caring for small children (lack of sanitary living conditions).

Routes of infection with staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcus is transmitted from person to person, but causes diseases of a specific etiology only if the child:

• suffers from diseases that undermine the body’s immune defense;
• has an innate predisposition to weak immunity;
• is on artificial feeding;
• the child is not taught to observe the rules of personal hygiene.

Staphylococcus cannot be brought from the street; bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus constantly surround people, since they live in the body of almost every person. The manifestation of the negative properties of these bacteria is associated with the satisfactory state of health of both adults and children and the unhealthy lifestyle that they prefer.

Risk group for staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcal skin infection is more of a health problem:

• newborn children – contact with the baby’s skin of staphylococci in the environment maternity ward may cause prolonged treatment;
• children of different age groups with weakened immune systems who are undergoing inpatient treatment in hospitals.

Hospital walls are filled with bacterial microflora that are resistant to antibacterial drugs, so treating “hospital” staphylococci causes difficulties, while “home” ones are more susceptible to drug suppression.

How does staphylococcus appear on the skin?

Cutaneous staphylococcus refers to all strains of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus that can infect the skin of a child’s body. Children of any age group are prone to manifestations of staphylococcal infections on the skin. The problem of frequent skin staphylococcal resistant diseases lies in the imperfection of the processes of formation of the immune reserves of the child’s body during different stages its development.

The spread of staphylococcal infection on the skin can manifest itself in several forms of inflammatory nature (see photo below):

Damage to the sweat glands, accompanied by deep abscesses, is most often observed in infants. The causative agent of this form of the disease is often Staphylococcus aureus. Numerous papules the size of a millet grain, filled with milky purulent contents, form on the child’s skin. Around each papule, the border of skin hyperemia is clearly visible. Papules are localized on the head, back, neck, and chest.

Finger's pseudofurunculosis

A complication of vesiculopustulosis is multiple abscesses on the child’s body in the buttocks, head, and back. In the place of the excretory ducts of the sweat glands, abscesses with a diameter of 1-2 cm are formed, filled with thick purulent contents.

Epidemic pemphigus

It is characterized by the formation of a rash on the skin of infants, turning into fluid-filled blisters. As the disease develops, the filling of the vesicles is supplemented with purulent contents. Extraction of pus occurs through the spontaneous bursting of blisters, which is one of the factors in the rapid spread of infection among a certain group of people. The affected areas of the skin heal without the formation of scars on the skin.

It is a type of pemphigus. On the child’s body, under the influence of the proliferation of staphylococcus, large diameter blisters, after bursting serous fluid flows out of them, large areas of damaged, bare epidermis form in place of the blisters.

Phlegmon

The formation of one or several large-diameter purulent foci on the lower back or in the sacral area. The accumulation of pus is explained by staphylococcal damage to the subcutaneous fat layer.

Mastitis

Staphylococcus tends to infect the mammary glands. A swelling forms around the nipple, which subsequently develops into a mastitis-like tumor with the subsequent formation of purulent phlegmon.

Pyoderma

Staphylococcus aureus manifests itself in this form of the disease. Small pink spots appear on the child’s face, after which a blistering rash similar to herpes develops in their place. After the bubbles burst, crusts form on the skin. Scabs are localized on the face in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle.

Barley

Tumor of the upper or lower eyelid. Formed under the influence of Staphylococcus aureus. The cause is inflammation sebaceous glands eyelids or eyelash roots.

Furunculosis

Formation of boils (boils) on the child’s skin. Ulcers are formed when the hair follicles become inflamed. The sizes of boils can vary. In this way, staphylococcus can manifest itself on the arms, buttocks, back, and in the perineal area.

Conjunctivitis

Damage to the conjunctiva of the eye, accompanied by purulent discharge. The cause most often is Staphylococcus aureus.

Folliculitis

Staphylococcus on the head causes inflammation hair follicles with the subsequent formation of numerous abscesses.

Symptoms of staphylococcal infection

The proximity of children to bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus does not manifest itself in any way. If the child’s immune system does not react in any way to bacteria, there is no reason to worry.

The attention of parents should be aimed specifically at the child if skin lesions (boils, blisters, small rash, scabs) is accompanied by symptoms of the development of staphylococcal infection, namely:

• increased body temperature;
• fever;
• the formation of purulent infiltrates;
• lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• stool disorder.

Since staphylococci are capable of secreting toxins and enzymes that poison the body, even with minor bacterial damage to the skin, nausea and vomiting may occur.

The manifestation of the above signs of the disease together signals the exacerbation phase into which staphylococcus has passed in children. Symptoms of an acute infection require additional examination of the child’s body in order to determine the pathogen and the reason that contributes to its reproduction.

Diagnostic measures for staphylococcal infection

In order to make a correct diagnosis, specialists study not only skin rash, staphylococcus is detected in urine, feces, and blood tests.

Often, in order to determine the pathogen, doctors resort to such methods of studying biological material as:

• bacterial culture;
• bacterioscopy;
• enzyme immunoassay blood test;
• polymerase chain reaction;
• latex agglutination reaction.

Drug therapy for Staphylococcus

Treatment of staphylococcal infection on a child’s skin involves:

• detrimental effects of medications on pathogenic microorganisms;
• therapy and prevention of concomitant diseases that can provoke the proliferation of staphylococcus;
• strengthening the immune system.

How can you cure Staphylococcus aureus on a child’s skin? Drug therapy involves the prescription of antibacterial drugs for local and systemic use. Using the results of an analysis of the sensitivity of identified staphylococci to antibiotics, doctors can select for the patient effective means treatment and give positive prognosis for recovery.

Name drug	Current substance	Pharmacological group	Form release
	cephalexin	antibacterial agent for systemic use	suspension for children
"Lexin"
"Ospexin"
"Cefuroxime"	cefuroxime sodium		tablets, powder for solution for injection
"Zennat"
"Auroxetil"
"Baktilem"
"Flemoxin Solutab"	amoxicillin		powder for oral suspension
"Amoxiclav"
"A-Klav-Faromex"
"Ospamox"
"Dalacin C"	clindamycin
"Pulxipron"
"Clindomycin-Mip"
"Bactroban"	mupirocin	antibiotic for topical use	ointment for staphylococcus on the skin
"Bonderm"
"Altargo"	retapamulin
"Gentamicin"	gentamicin
"Immunoglobulin"	immunoglobulin	drugs that stimulate the immune system	solution for local and systemic use
"Staphylococcal bacteriophage"	bacteriophage
"Staphylococcal toxoid"	toxoid		injection
"Chlorophyllipt alcohol"	eucalyptus leaf extract		topical solution

Staphylococcus on the skin of a child should be treated under the supervision of the attending physician. If the drugs used do not give positive results, the doctor makes adjustments to the patient’s prescriptions.

If you start staphylococcus on the skin, treatment of the disease can be protracted. The duration of therapy depends on the extent of the affected skin areas and averages 1-3 months.

Prevention of staphylococcal skin lesions

Staphylococcal infection is dangerous for children with weak immune reserves of the body, therefore for preventive purposes Parents must first of all provide the child with living conditions that help strengthen the immune system, namely:

• healthy eating;
• adherence to daily routine;
• walks in the open air;
• hardening;
• reduction of psychological stress;
• compliance with personal hygiene rules.

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. Staphylococcal infection is easier to prevent than to cure unpleasant consequences, and for this you need to know the specifics of the disease.

Staphylococcus aureus - dangerous disease which is very difficult to treat

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 types 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 indoor air it lasts for up to six months. Bacteria adapt to antibiotics and stop responding to them, so medications for the treatment of staphylococcus are being improved all the time.

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. 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

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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, 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. Lives on the skin and mucous membranes of a healthy person, does not manifest itself in any way when 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.

This is what the symptoms of staphylococcus on the skin look like

• 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.

To determine the type of bacteria, the child needs to undergo a bacterial culture test.

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 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. Need to be delivered in a timely manner accurate diagnosis 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 shown.

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 breast-feeding, because it helps fight the disease.

Medications

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 healthy body able to resist staphylococcal infections.

When prescribing antibiotics, it is necessary to do an antibiogram to determine the sensitivity of staphylococcus to certain drugs 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- staphylococcal bacteriophage. They are being processed infected wounds and boils.

The throat and nose are washed with antiseptic solutions, for example, Furacilin. Apply to ulcers and boils special remedy. As a rule, Vishnevsky ointment is used, 70% alcohol solution, brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide. 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 by an appointed 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.

Rosehip decoction has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties

There are several recipes traditional medicine, which 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.

Ekaterina Morozova

Reading time: 8 minutes

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Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that, unlike many prokaryotes, has a golden color, which is the causative agent of purulent-pathological processes in the human body.

Children are most susceptible to infection with Staphylococcus aureus, so today we will talk about the causes of diseases resulting from infection, symptoms and consequences of Staphylococcus aureus for children.

Causes of the disease, how is it transmitted?

• Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted as by airborne droplets , so through food(contaminated meat, eggs, dairy products, cakes, cream pies) or household items.
• Staphylococcus aureus can also enter the child’s body through microtrauma of the skin or mucous membranes respiratory tract.

In most cases, infection with Staphylococcus aureus occurs in medical institutions.

Imbalance of intestinal microflora, weakened immune system, autoinfections – the main causes of infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Those at greatest risk of infection are premature babies and immunocompromised children .

During childbirth , through wounds or scratches, as well as through breast milk the mother can infect the child. If bacteria enter the mother's body through cracks in the nipples, this can lead to purulent mastitis in her.

Video:

Staphylococcus aureus in children, if not treated in time, can cause diseases such as osteomyelitis, meningitis, pneumonia, infectious-toxic shock, sepsis, endocarditis and etc.

Degrees in children - what is carriage of Staphylococcus aureus?

There are two stages of infection with Staphylococcus aureus in children.

• At an early stage When several hours have passed since infection, the disease is characterized by lethargy, diarrhea, high fever, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
• Late form The disease does not appear immediately, but after 3-5 days. In this case, the symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in children are skin lesions (boils, purulent wounds), infection of internal organs and blood.

Often the visible manifestations of the disease are interpreted into various forms. They may appear as pinpoint rash or ulcers, single pustules or evenly cover the skin. Therefore, such symptoms are often confused with diaper dermatitis and are not attributed to infection.

Sometimes the disease is asymptomatic , and it can only be identified through laboratory tests. In this case, the causative agent of infectious diseases remains in the child’s body and is periodically released into environment. This manifestation of the disease is called carriage of Staphylococcus aureus , and this carriage is not treated with any antibiotics.

If not visible symptoms Staphylococcus aureus, and the child does not show concern, then medical treatment is postponed, and the parents are closely involved strengthening the child's immunity.

The situation is much more serious with the active manifestation of the disease. At the slightest suspicion of illness, you should immediately go to the hospital. The mother and child are hospitalized, which is accompanied by drug treatment.

Only with strict compliance with all doctor’s instructions You can get rid of the infection and avoid relapse of the disease!

Signs and symptoms. How is the analysis performed?

There are many signs of Staphylococcus aureus in newborns and children preschool age. These are:

• Ritter's disease (scalded skin syndrome). In this case, a rash or area of ​​inflamed skin with clear boundaries appears on the skin.
• Staphylococcal pneumonia. Pneumonia caused by staphylococcal infection is much more severe than in other cases. There is severe shortness of breath, pronounced intoxication, and chest pain.
• Cellulitis and abscesses. Deep lesions subcutaneous tissue followed by purulent melting. With an abscess, the inflammation has the shape of a capsule, which prevents the process from spreading further. Cellulitis is a more serious form, because the purulent inflammatory process further expands throughout the tissues.
• Pyoderma– damage to the skin in the area where hair emerges from the surface of the skin. The appearance of an abscess in the area of ​​hair growth, when an abscess forms around the hair (folliculitis), indicates a superficial lesion. With more serious skin lesions, not only inflammation of the hair follicle develops, but also the surrounding tissues (furuncle), as well as inflammation of an entire group of hair follicles (carbuncle).
• Brain abscess or purulent meningitis may develop due to the appearance of carbuncles and boils on the face, because the blood circulation on the face is specific and staphylococcus can get into the brain.
• Osteomyelitis. In 95% of cases, purulent inflammation bone marrow occurs due to staphylococcal infection.
• Sepsis– when a huge number of staphylococcal bacteria are spread by blood throughout the body, where secondary foci of infection subsequently occur, manifesting themselves in internal organs.
• Endocarditis– heart disease, which ends in death in 60% of cases. Occurs as a result of damage by staphylococcus to the inner lining and valves of the heart.
• Toxic shock. A large number of aggressive toxins entering the blood cause fever, an immediate drop in blood pressure, headache, vomiting, pain in abdominal cavity, disturbance of consciousness. With food toxicosis, the disease manifests itself 2-6 hours after eating.

To identify the causative agent of the disease, you need to donate blood test and/or biological fluid from wounds for Staphylococcus aureus. After conducting research in laboratories and testing for susceptibility to antibiotics, the doctor prescribes antibiotics that can kill staphylococci.

What are the consequences and why is it dangerous?

Staphylococcal infection can affect any organ. The consequences of Staphylococcus aureus are unpredictable, because. It is this type of staphylococcus that can cause diseases that in the future, if not treated in time, can become chronic.

According to statistics, already on the third day, 99% of newborn babies have staphylococcus bacteria, both inside the baby’s body and on the surface of the skin. With strong immunity, this bacterium coexists peacefully with other bacteria in the body.

• Most often staphylococcus affects the nasopharynx, brain, skin, intestines, lungs.
• Staphylococcus aureus is dangerous because untimely treatment advanced disease can be fatal.
• At food poisoning and superficial manifestations on the skin, you need to sound the alarm and contact qualified specialists, and not wait until the staphylococcal infection affects the internal organs and will acquire septic form , i.e. - blood poisoning.

To protect your newborn as much as possible from infection with Staphylococcus aureus:

• Support your child's immunity;
• Observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• Keep bottles, pacifiers, spoons, other feeding utensils, toys and household items clean.

The website warns: self-medication can harm your baby’s health! The diagnosis should only be made by a doctor after an examination. Therefore, if you notice symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus in a child, be sure to consult a specialist!

Despite the fact that today many children in the most at different ages a staphylococcal infection is detected, parents are very frightened by this diagnosis. This is due to the low level of awareness of the population about this disease and the spread of myths about it of various contents. In fact, the danger of staphylococcus for children is determined by its type and the child’s level of immunity. Everything is not at all as scary as it might seem at first glance.

There may be several causes of staphylococcus infection.

• 1. Weakened immunity

The cause of staphylococcal infection in children is most often a weakened immune system. If the child is strong, healthy, seasoned, rarely gives in colds, it is unlikely that pathogenic microorganisms can break it. Moreover, tests sometimes show the presence of bacteria in the body, but there are no manifestations: a strong immune system itself will successfully fight them. But a weakened child may end up in the hospital. However, even here timely treatment and with the modern level of medicine, dangerous consequences can be avoided.

• 2. Violation of hygiene rules

The second common cause of staphylococcus in children is non-compliance with hygiene rules. Bacteria live where there is dirt, and it is always difficult to get a child to wash their hands before eating and not put everything in their mouth. Weakened immunity, coupled with a lack of sterility, allows the disease to take over.

• 3. Infection from outside

Staphylococci can enter a child’s body after contact with an infected person, and this can happen through broken, damaged skin and mucous membranes.

Carriers of pathogenic microorganisms can be food service workers (in which case infection is possible through food) or medical staff if the child, for example, spent time in a hospital where he was given injections and procedures performed. Insects can also be carriers of the disease, which is why it is so important to treat with brilliant green or soda solution places of their bites.

Once infection occurs, it is advisable to promptly recognize hostile microorganisms. Is this possible without tests?

Only bacterial culture can give the most accurate picture of the disease: the number of detected staphylococci is counted and compared with a certain norm. Only after this is appropriate treatment prescribed. But when does it become necessary to take these tests?

The fact is that different types staphylococci infect various systems and organs, masquerading as quite ordinary, even familiar to many diseases. Their signs will be the primary symptoms that force you to seek help at the hospital. The following manifestations are typical for any type of infection:

• lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• diarrhea;
• vomit;
• elevated temperature - not always.

• epidermal most often causes skin lesions: various types of dermatitis, blepharitis, boils, folliculitis, eczema, acne, (in this case, staphylococcus spreads to the skin, face and even in the eyes);
• hemolytic is based on the child’s mucous membranes, so the signs of such an infection will resemble a cold - cough, runny nose, sore throat and sore throat (a bacterial culture test involves scraping with a special instrument in the child’s nose and mouth);
• saprophytic it is not detected so often in children, but still it should not be overlooked: it affects the genitourinary system, so children often complain of pain in the lower abdomen, painful and frequent urination, as in (laboratory tests suggest the detection of infection in the urine);
• Staphylococcus aureus the most dangerous in this chain, since it is capable of penetrating into any organ and triggering an inflammatory, purulent reaction there, which is difficult to treat and poses a serious danger to health;
• very often children experience indigestion, which leads to enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis, etc. (tests should reveal the presence of staphylococci in the feces, which will indicate the penetration of infection into the intestines).

Parents in in this case They can only catch themselves in time and see a doctor without self-medicating and without hoping that it’s a common cold. Behind the usual runny nose there may be a staphylococcal infection, which can only be detected through laboratory tests, based on the results of which the doctor prescribes treatment.

Treatment of childhood staphylococcal infection

The complexity of the disease is that staphylococci do not respond to most antibiotics. Modern medicine still uses similar drugs powerful action, but here again there is a trap: antibiotic drugs are undesirable for a child’s body. Therefore, with a small focus of infection, in the absence of serious illnesses fraught with consequences, sometimes doctors manage to treat staphylococcus in children without antibiotics. What is he afraid of?

1. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure the sterility of everything that surrounds the small patient, eliminating dirt, which can serve as a dangerous carrier and beneficial environment for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. It is necessary to explain to children the importance of maintaining good hygiene.
2. Secondly, the goal of anti-staphylococcal treatment is to increase the patient’s immunity so that he can cope with the infection himself. Therefore, various immunostimulating drugs are prescribed. For example, vaccination is carried out. The staphylococcus vaccination is not included in the mandatory childhood vaccination schedule, but if there is a risk of infection, doctors sometimes advise doing it in advance, when the microorganisms have not yet been activated.
3. Thirdly, those medications are prescribed that are effective in combating diseases caused by staphylococcus.
4. Fourthly, doctors advise children to adhere to a certain diet if they have staphylococcus, as this infection. As a result, organ functions change, energy, water-salt and protein metabolism are disrupted, and the level of vitamins decreases. Therefore, the diet of a sick child should include easily digestible dishes (rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins), ensure that he eats food frequently, but in small portions and sufficient quantity drinks (tea with milk or lemon, table mineral water, fruit drinks, rosehip decoction, juices, jelly, compotes, low-fat fermented milk drinks).

Depending on each individual situation, the treatment of staphylococcus may be different. Concerning folk remedies against these bacteria, the doctor must know about their use. Some types of microorganisms can be controlled by medicinal herbs as a concomitant herbal medicine to the main course of treatment. But it will be very difficult for them to cope with Staphylococcus aureus.

Why is staphylococcus dangerous?

The main consequence of staphylococcus is the most various diseases, which you can only imagine, and are difficult to treat, unlike ordinary diseases, since these bacteria are not afraid of antibiotics. And while a runny nose, sore throat, dysbacteriosis and even dermatitis can be dealt with, diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, pustular skin diseases and even sepsis can cause a lot of suffering to a child and will require long-term and thorough treatment.

Advice to parents whose children have been found to have staphylococci in their bodies is not to panic, do not invent non-existent dangers, consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his instructions. This is the only way to cope with the infection and avoid possible consequences.

For children, especially at the age of 2-3 years, the diagnosis of “staphylococcal infection” is one of the most common, but this does not reduce the concerns of parents. It can manifest itself in different ways, since it affects both the skin and internal organs, but not all strains of this pathogenic microorganism are equally dangerous. In what situation does an infection require immediate serious treatment, and when can you do without antibiotics?

What is staphylococcus in children

Among the gram-positive bacteria that cause infectious diseases, staphylococci are among the most common, especially when it comes to diseases affecting young children. They belong to the genus Staphylococcaceae, and received their name due to their round shape and division in several planes, due to which the bacteria resemble a bunch of grapes (the Greek “kokkos” means “grain”, and “staphylo” means “grapes”). Main characteristics of staphylococcus:

• The diameter of a bacterial cell ranges from 0.6-1.2 microns.
• The danger of staphylococci lies in the production of endotoxins and exotoxins, which negatively affect the functioning of cells in the human body.

Most pathogenic microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcaceae, if the child has a strong immune system, do not provoke severe consequences, if staphylococcus was not detected in the child’s blood, which increases the risk of damage to the brain, nervous system, toxic shock. The high incidence of staphylococcal infections in infants is explained primarily by the absence of immunoglobulin IgA (not synthesized in the first years of life).

How is it transmitted?

Infection predominantly occurs due to a weakening of the body's defenses, which leads to increased morbidity in children with a low immune response. Doctors add non-compliance with hygiene rules to risk factors that can weaken the body’s defenses, viral diseases(ARVI, flu), unhealthy diet. The infectious agent is spread not only by sick people, but also by healthy carriers of pathogenic strains. Especially often, staphylococcal infection is transmitted from persons with pneumonia, open foci of purulent inflammation. Main routes of transmission:

• Airborne - in any public place and even at home, when the wearer talks, sneezes, coughs, and healthy man inhales contaminated air.
• Contact-household - through touching skin to skin (especially dangerous if there are purulent foci of infection on the skin) during handshakes, kisses, hugs, or through common objects: toys, dishes, etc.
• Nutritional (for staphylococcal infection - food) - when consuming contaminated products that have been infected by a sick person or animal through dirty hands.
• Intrauterine - if a woman became infected with a staphylococcal infection during pregnancy, or already had pathogenic bacteria in her blood in quantities higher than normal, the fetus can become infected during the placenta accreta, during the mother’s delivery.

Kinds

IN modern medicine There are 27 known strains of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcaceae, but serious danger for children and adults they represent only 4. When a staphylococcal infection is diagnosed in children, doctors first check whether the pathogen belongs to one of these types:

• Saprophytic (Staphylococcus saprophyticus) is not the most common childhood staphylococcus, also affecting the mucous membranes, but only of the genitourinary system. It is the causative agent of urethritis and cystitis. It does not pose a great danger to children: with proper and timely treatment, the disease can be eliminated in a few days.
• Epidermal (Staphylococcus epidermidis) – affects the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, organs respiratory system. With strong immunity, it is not dangerous for the child: it becomes pathogenic for premature babies or those who have undergone surgery. The activity of this strain leads to the development of conjunctivitis, endocarditis, sepsis, complications postoperative period.
• Hemolytic (Staphylococcus haemolyticus) - named for its ability to hemolysis (destruction), is one of the conditionally pathogenic bacteria. Is different increased resistance to antibiotics, provokes purulent inflammatory processes, affecting internal organs (especially the genitourinary system) and the endocardium ( inner layer membranes of the heart wall). If left untreated, it causes sepsis (systemic inflammation that occurs throughout the body due to blood poisoning).
• Golden (Staphylococcus aureus) - the most pathogenic strain, popularly called “golden death”, the name was given due to the ability to form a pigment of the same shade. Affects most organs and tissues, provoking the onset of purulent inflammatory processes in them. An important biochemical feature of this strain is the production of coagulase: an enzyme that stimulates blood plasma clotting.

The greatest danger for infants due to reduced local immunity represents Staphylococcus aureus, which has increased virulence (pathogenicity), resistance (resistance) to antiseptics, high temperatures, and UV radiation. Treatment becomes especially difficult if a methicillin-resistant strain is identified that is resistant to a wide group of antibacterial drugs (beta-lactams: cephalosporin and penicillin series).

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease depends on several factors, including the age of the child, affected area, condition immune system, route of infection, microorganism strain. Staphylococcus aureus in children provokes severe course more often than other varieties of this bacterium. Based on the nature of the manifestations, doctors divide the symptoms into:

• Local: rashes on the skin and mucous membranes (in the nose) - boils, abscesses; the appearance of purulent mucus from the nasal passages or in the throat, stomatitis.
• General: symptoms of intoxication, which include nausea and vomiting, headaches, fever (low-grade and high), pallor of the skin or hyperemia, general weakness. Manifestations of infection from the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, gas formation) cannot be excluded. allergic reactions to toxins produced by bacteria.

It is also important to take into account the stages of development of the disease: early is the development of clinical symptoms just a few hours after infection. At late stage signs of staphylococcus in children will appear only 2-5 days after the infectious agent enters the body. It is difficult to recognize a specific strain of a pathogenic microbe, although distinctive features they have:

• Epidermal - the main blow will be on the skin, so boils, eczema, pyoderma, dermatitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis will appear.
• Hemolytic – general symptoms resembles manifestations of a sore throat: cough, sore throat, swelling of the tonsils.
• Saprophytic – pain in the lower abdomen, urination problems (clinical picture of cystitis).
• Golden – severe course of the disease with purulent inflammation in any internal organ. Among the most common conditions caused by this strain in children are catarrhal tonsillitis, furunculosis, and severe intoxication.

In the nose

Sinusitis is the most common condition caused by staphylococcal infection in the nasal passages. Against the background of inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane, the child experiences difficulty breathing (both unilateral and bilateral), which can cause constant attempts to breathe exclusively through the mouth (in a mild form it is characterized by severe snoring). Additionally there may be following symptoms:

• purulent mucous discharge from the nasal passages;
• impaired sense of smell;
• nasality;
• manifestations of general intoxication and malaise - nausea, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite;
• increased temperature (acute stage or the beginning of the development of complications).

In the intestines

The active activity of pathogenic bacteria on the walls or in the intestinal cavity leads to a reaction digestive tract in the form of symptoms of acute colitis, which then turns into enterocolitis. Against the background of a general deterioration in health, the following will appear:

• loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• bloody or purulent inclusions in the stool;
• false urges to bowel movement;
• bursting pain in the abdomen of a wandering nature;
• gas formation, bloating;
• feeling of heaviness in the epigastric zone.

In the mouth

More than half of cases of staphylococcal infection in children (48-78%) are characterized by damage to the respiratory tract and here with high frequency are developing ulcerative stomatitis, catarrhal tonsillitis ( acute form), tonsillitis. The child develops classic signs of intoxication, the temperature may rise and the following will be observed:

• redness of the throat;
• sore throat;
• redness and swelling of the tonsils;
• whitish sores in the mouth;
• discomfort when swallowing.

In the kidneys

Damage to the genitourinary system by staphylococcal infection in children is rarely observed; local symptoms are predominantly similar to those of cystitis (inflammation Bladder) or pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). The child will complain of pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, and frequent urge to urinate. Parents may observe an increased body temperature in the baby, and bloody streaks and particles of pus in the urine.

Staphylococcus in children under one year of age

Newborns and infants often receive infection from their mother in utero, or during birth (less often through underwear, the hands of doctors, or care items). Due to the lack of immunoglobulins capable of resisting the pathogenic microorganism, children under one year of age are especially vulnerable to staphylococcus and their disease is severe. It may appear in the form of:

• vesiculopustulosis;
• exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease);
• multiple abscesses;
• epidemic pemphigus (a highly contagious disease).

In most cases, the infectious agent affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the disease develops quickly, areas of suppuration appear, which are gradually replaced by multiple abscesses. The main impact falls on the scalp, neck, back and chest, after which they may be affected inner surface thighs, buttocks. Symptoms can be based only on local rashes or accompanied by manifestations of intoxication (with Ritter's disease), high fever. Possible infection by staphylococcus:

• mucous membranes of the mouth;
• lungs (mainly pneumonia due to viral infection);
• Gastrointestinal tract (foodborne toxic infection, secondary enterocolitis and enteritis).

Diagnostics

Self-determination a specific causative agent of staphylococcal infection is not possible: all checks are carried out using laboratory research. Diagnostics can be prescribed not only to the child, but also to the mother, if there is an assumption that the infection came from her. The following methods are mainly used:

• Bacteriological culture is the most effective method identifying the pathogen strain involves examining the mucous membrane of the nasal passages (eyes - with conjunctivitis), pus, feces, skin (wounds on their surface). The material is collected when the disease is at an acute stage, since the activity of pathogenic microorganisms at this moment is increased. Additionally, bacteriological culture helps determine which antibiotics can be used to treat a specific type of staphylococcus.
• A serological blood test is a traditional study aimed at identifying antibodies (Ig, immunoglobulins) to a specific pathogen, the presence of which indicates an infectious disease.
• PCR method(polymerase chain reaction) – prescribed to identify DNA molecules of pathogenic bacteria, is additional diagnostic method.
• Survey breast milk mothers - if the child is breastfed and pathogenic microorganisms are found in excess quantities in the stool, expressed breast milk is examined to determine the source of infection. At positive result The baby is transferred to artificial formula.
• Endoscopy, laryngoscopy - if complications occur, when ulcerative colitis develops or pathology covers the larynx. These diagnostic measures are additional.

Treatment of staphylococcus in children

High resistance to chemical exposure And medicines requires taking antibiotics as the basis for the therapeutic regimen, especially if the doctor diagnosed Staphylococcus aureus in the child not only in the feces. Thanks to bacteriological culture, it is possible to determine which specific drugs will effectively act on the causative agent of the disease. Antibiotics are used both orally and by injection. In addition, the treatment regimen for staphylococcal infections includes:

• Local effect on rashes, wounds, pustules (if any), including those located on the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes (not only on the skin). Among aniline dyes, brilliant green (zelenka) is recognized as the most effective. Additionally, alcohol (70%), hydrogen peroxide, and Vishnevsky liniment are used.
• Rinsing the nasal passages, mouth and throat antiseptic solutions are prescribed as an element of additional therapy and prevention of new infections. Here, silver preparations, chlorhexidine, furatsilin, or bacterial lysates (IRS-19, Imudon) are used.
• Taking immunoglobulins, which strengthen the child’s body’s defenses and prevent the infection from becoming chronic.
• A course of vitamins and minerals is also for the purpose of generally strengthening the immune system, as support of the main therapeutic course.

In an acute situation, it is necessary to select a bacteriophage that affects a specific strain of bacteria: the doctor comes to this decision if there is no effect from antibiotic therapy. Severe stages staphylococcal infection may also involve surgical intervention, in which sanitation (cleansing) of the focus of purulent inflammation is performed, and blood transfusion (blood and plasma transfusion) in case of generalized infection. After recovery, it is important to pay attention preventive measures.

Antibiotics

Self-medication is not recommended at any stage of the disease, especially with regard to the selection of antibacterial therapy, which is necessary when the entire body is affected by an infection or a severe local course. The doctor should prescribe specific tablets (injection antibiotics are used mainly in hospitals) after carrying out bacteriological culture. Medicines are mainly used in children penicillin series, and for some strains drugs from the groups of macrolides, cephalosporins, and lincosamides are indicated. Most prescribed antibiotics:

• Clarithromycin is a macrolide based on the substance of the same name, prescribed for staphylococcal infections respiratory system, skin, has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. Not recommended for heart disease, kidney disease, or sensitivity to macrolides. The dose is selected individually, for children under 12 years of age - no more than 15 mg/kg per day (divided by 2 times). The disadvantage of the drug is large quantities adverse reactions (from rash to anaphylactic shock).
• Fuzidin is a reserve antibiotic based on fusidic acid. It is bacteriostatic, affects penicillin-resistant strains, and is prescribed for sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections. Children are given in the form of a suspension, the dose is calculated individually by weight. The drug is not used for hyperprothombinemia, liver failure. May provoke adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.

Folk remedies

If the infectious disease is at an initial stage of development and the manifestations are weak, traditional medicine recipes can be introduced into the therapeutic course. These are mainly means local use(for rinsing and washing), or general restoratives, which only complement the main treatment regimen and do not replace it. Some simple recipes:

• Boil 1 tsp in a water bath. aspen bark in a glass of water (10 minutes), let it brew for half an hour. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3 r/day for 2 weeks.
• Combine 200 g cranberries and 100 g honey, mix well. Let it brew overnight in the refrigerator, give the child 50 g in the morning and evening. Duration of treatment – ​​2 weeks.
• At skin lesion boil 500 g of string grass in 2 liters of water, leave for 2-3 hours. Bath the baby in the broth (dilute warm water to get a bath) before bed for 10-15 minutes. Treatment is carried out until complete recovery.

Photo of staphylococcus in a baby

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