Saprophytic staphylococcus in a child. Staphylococcus aureus in children and newborns: symptoms, methods of infection and treatment

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 it is?

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. In the process of their vital activity, 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 your baby suffered a staphylococcal infection several years ago, and his immune system is functioning well, then the risk of a new infection in the child is significantly 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.

These days, staphylococcus is the most common infection.

Staphylococci live everywhere: in water, soil, and even on human skin and mucous membranes. For a healthy body, these microorganisms do not pose a threat, but as soon as the immune system weakens, they attack.

Almost every person at least once in his life encounters a disease caused by this bacterium. People of all ages are at risk, but most often doctors diagnose staphylococcus in children with weakened immune systems.

Newborns, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, are especially susceptible to this infection. It is extremely important to diagnose staphylococcus in a child in time, because proper treatment will help avoid consequences that can be very serious.

Signs and symptoms of staphylococcus in children are very varied and depend on various factors: age, general health, the presence of other diseases and the type of pathogen.

There are 3 types of staphylococcus strains that children are susceptible to:

1. saprophytic– causes inflammation of the urinary system. Saprophytic staphylococcus affects children's bodies extremely rarely. This type of infection is recognized as the least dangerous - with proper treatment, recovery occurs within 3 days;
2. epidermal– affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing: boils, dermatitis, eczema, postoperative complications, conjunctivitis. Premature babies and children who have undergone any surgical procedures are at risk of getting this infection. The body of a baby born by caesarean section also has poor resistance to infection. With timely local treatment, Staphylococcus epidermidis does not pose a health threat;
3. golden- the most common and aggressive staphylococcal strain, since it is capable of causing purulent inflammation in almost all organs and tissues. It provokes serious diseases: pneumonia, sepsis, peritonitis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, enteritis. It is especially difficult to tolerate in childhood. The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is immune to a number of the strongest antibiotics and antiseptics, high temperatures and sunlight. Particularly dangerous are strains resistant to penicillin and cephalosporin drugs;

Important! The detection of this microbe in tests should not be taken as the main signal for starting treatment. Complex treatment is prescribed by a doctor only if the baby’s well-being worsens.

Diagnostics

At the slightest suspicion of infection, you should consult a specialist, as timely examination will help avoid serious consequences.

To make a correct diagnosis, laboratory tests are mandatory, since the symptoms of staphylococcal infection are similar to the symptoms of other diseases.

Blood, pus, sputum, and nasal swabs are used as diagnostic material. Depending on the location of the infection, the doctor takes samples from the child’s mucous membranes or scrapings from skin rashes.

It is necessary to follow certain rules before visiting the treatment room:

• on the morning before the test, you should not brush your teeth or take any food or water - this may cause an erroneous result;
• A few days before the procedure, you should stop using various nasal ointments and gargles that contain antibiotics and antibacterial components. The use of such medications may result in tests not detecting staphylococcus, even if it is present in the body.

In certain cases, the doctor may also prescribe additional diagnostic methods:

1. stool analysis;
2. biochemical analysis of blood and urine;
3. fluoroscopy;

If there is a suspicion of infection of a breastfed child, breast milk is analyzed for the content of staphylococcus strains. If they are detected, antibiotic therapy is prescribed for both mother and child. There is no need to stop breastfeeding.

General symptoms of staphylococcus in a child

The infection does not make itself felt immediately, since its latent period lasts up to two weeks. In addition, the intensity of symptoms depends entirely on the state of the immune system.

Staphylococcus in children is accompanied by the following health changes:

• severe headaches;
• increased body temperature (up to 39 degrees);
• skin rashes: ulcers, rash;
• general malaise and weakness;
• insomnia;
• disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, accumulation of gases in the intestines.
• purulent discharge from the nasal or oral cavity.

Signs of staphylococcus in the mouth and nasal cavity

Staphylococcal infection is most often localized precisely on the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Children who do not observe personal hygiene standards or eat poorly washed vegetables and fruits transfer all the toxic microflora into their mouths.

Some other ailments can also contribute to this: caries, laryngitis, pharyngitis. Staphylococcus can cause acute tonsillitis in a child, often accompanied by various viral diseases. The vital activity of microbes in the nose often provokes the occurrence of sinusitis.

The following symptoms will help detect staphylococcus in children:

1. discomfort in the throat that intensifies when swallowing;
2. inflamed lymph nodes;
3. redness and swelling of the tonsils;
4. white or yellowish purulent plaque on the tonsils and uvula;
5. small ulcers or pustules in the mouth;
6. difficulty breathing;
7. high body temperature;
8. lack of appetite.

Signs of staphylococcus bacteria in the intestines

Staphylococcal bacteria can easily enter the intestines of a child with a weakened immune system. Sometimes one spoiled product consumed or contact with an infected peer is enough.

Signs of infection appear only when the staphylococcus bacterium has entered the child’s intestines in sufficient quantities and has had time to multiply.

The main signs of staphylococcus in the intestinal tract:

1. incessant pain in the abdomen, cutting or bursting in nature;
2. strong feeling of bloating and heaviness;
3. purulent or bloody streaks in the stool;
4. loss of appetite;
5. vomiting, nausea, diarrhea.

Staphylococcal infection can lead to the following diseases:

1. conjunctivitis– inflammatory lesion of the mucous membrane of the eyelid, in which pus is released from the eye;
2. abscess– purulent inflammation under the skin, characterized by thickening and redness of the surrounding tissues. To treat an abscess, antibiotic treatment and surgical removal of the abscess are used;
3. omphalitis– inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the navel area, with the release of pus from the umbilical wound;
4. enterocolitis– inflammation of the small and large intestine, which is characterized by upset stool, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In this case, the stool is watery and frequent (more than 10 times a day);
5. sepsis– a general purulent infection, often develops as a result of unfavorable treatment of an abscess. This disease is very dangerous, as it is difficult for patients to tolerate.

How can you get infected?

For a child’s body, the threat of becoming infected with staphylococcus comes from almost everywhere, especially if he has recently had a viral infection and his immunity is weakened.

The following routes of transmission of infection exist:

• contact-household– the most common way of infecting a child’s body with staphylococcus occurs through contact with a carrier of the infection and through personal hygiene items and dust. Infants can become infected through cracks in the nipples of a mother who has a pathogenic coccus in the body;
• airborne. Bacteria enter a child's body through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes;
• fecal-oral– the result of eating spoiled contaminated foods, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, contact with feces or vomit of infected animals;
• through contaminated medical instruments that have not been fully sterilized.

Treatment

If a strain of staphylococcus is detected in a child’s tests, it is important not to try to overcome the disease on your own, but to entrust this matter to medical professionals.

Doctors prefer the following treatments for staph infections:

1. Antibiotics– the main remedy in the fight against Staphylococcus aureus, which effectively suppresses its pathogenic activity. Before choosing a specific medicine, the child is prescribed tests that show the sensitivity of the coccus to antibiotics.
2. Local antiseptics. The following local antiseptics are used: hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green solution, 70% alcohol, Vishnevsky ointment. These products are used to treat damaged areas of the skin: wounds, pustules. To rinse the nose and rinse the mouth, use a solution of manganese and miramistin.
3. Vitamin and mineral complexes– contribute to the restoration of normal metabolism and help restore strength to the child’s weakened body.
4. Immunoglobulins– aimed at reducing the duration and severity of the disease and increasing the protective functions of the body.

In cases of very severe infection, even surgery and blood transfusions are used. Surgeries are usually used to open boils that appear due to staphylococcal infection.

Prevention measures

It is impossible to predict where staphylococcus will come from. This infection is very easily transmitted, but with a strong immune system, it does not pose any danger.

Therefore, the most important thing that parents can do is to take all possible measures to improve the health of their child.

1. monitor compliance with the rules of personal hygiene: wash your hands before eating and after walking;
2. do wet cleaning in the apartment twice a week and ventilate the room;
3. Try to include healthy and vitamin-rich foods in your child’s diet. The most beneficial for a child’s immunity are: honey, natural yoghurts and kefir, carrots, apples, onions, garlic, turkey, and sea fish.
4. minimize consumption of: sweets, fast food, sausages, fatty and fried foods;
5. do morning exercises and strengthen the body;
6. avoid stressful situations;
7. walk in the fresh air as often as possible;
8. In cases of cuts and wounds, be sure to treat the affected area of ​​skin with antiseptic agents.

What is Staphylococcal infection in children -

Staphylococcal infection- a large group of purulent-inflammatory diseases of the skin, internal organs, mucous membranes, and central nervous system caused by pathogenic strains of staphylococci.

According to the International Classification, There are several types of staphylococcal infection::

Staphylococcal food poisoning;

Septicemia caused Staphylococcus aureus;

Septicemia caused by other specified staphylococci;

Septicemia caused by unspecified staphylococci;

Staphylococcal infection, unspecified.

The infection is spread among the population by patients and carriers of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus. The highest chance of infection is from patients with open purulent foci (such as open boils, sore throat, purulent conjunctivitis, festering wounds), with pneumonia and intestinal disorders. In these cases, the infection spreads in the environment, where it poses a danger to adults and children.

At the peak of the disease, children release the maximum mass into the external environment. The weight decreases significantly after recovery, but in frequent cases, the child becomes a carrier after the symptoms disappear, continuing to infect others. Healthy carriers also pose a great threat, especially if they work in the medical field, in maternity hospitals, departments for newborns, premature babies, or in catering units.

Staphylococcal infection is transmitted in the following ways: contact, food, airborne droplets. Most newly born and infants who become ill are infected through contact. This can happen through the hands of the mother or medical staff, through care items or underwear. Children under 12 months often become infected through nutritional means - the infection enters the body through milk if the mother has mastitis or cracked nipples. Feeding mixtures contaminated with staphylococcus are also dangerous.

Children of preschool and school age often become infected by consuming contaminated foods, such as sour cream, other dairy products, cakes, etc. When staphylococcus gets into food, it multiplies in a beneficial environment, releasing. You can become infected by airborne droplets if a child is close to a sick person or a carrier. In this case, staphylococcus colonizes the nasal cavity and oropharynx.

Newborns and infants are at risk. The reasons for their high susceptibility to staphylococcus are weak local antibacterial immunity of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. As is known, newborns do not secrete secretory, which plays an important role in the local defense of the body. The saliva of infants has a very weak bactericidal effect, the mucous membranes and skin are vulnerable. This is also the reason for the high susceptibility of infants to staphylococcal infection.

Susceptibility is promoted by weakness from any diseases, exudative diathesis, malnutrition, artificial feeding of the baby, long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroid hormones.

The actual number of cases is unknown, since localized forms, unlike severe ones, are usually not recorded (for example, infected wounds, pyoderma).

Staphylococcal diseases are sporadic, but there are group and family diseases, as well as epidemics in maternity hospitals, neonatal units, etc. Outbreaks can also occur due to the consumption of contaminated food by children in schools, summer camps and other similar organizations. Acute gastrointestinal diseases caused by staphylococci are characteristic of the warm season, but can also occur in the cold months.

What provokes / Causes of Staphylococcal infection in children:

Staphylococcus- gram-positive microorganisms shaped like a ball. Genus Staphylococcus divided into 3 types: epidermal, golden and saprophytic. Staphylococcus aureus is divided into 6 biovars. For humans, type A is pathogenic; it causes most diseases of a staphylococcal nature; other biovars affect birds and animals.

Due to the toxic and allergic processes described above, immunity sharply decreases, the permeability of membranes and vessel walls increases, which contributes to the septic process. Symptomatically, this is manifested by metastasis of purulent foci and the formation of sepsis.

The course of foodborne toxic infections depends on how much of the pathogen and enterotoxin enters the child’s body. Staphylococcus is found in large quantities in biological material taken from the patient, such as vomit and feces, as well as in the remains of food that caused the infection. But with foodborne toxic infection, the pathological process depends largely on the enterotoxin ingested with food.

Pathomorphology. At the site where staphylococcus enters the body, a local focus of inflammation appears, which in structure consists of staphylococci, serous-hemorrhagic exudate, and necrotic tissues that are surrounded by leukocyte infiltration. Next, microabscesses form, which can merge to form lesions.

If the infection gets on damaged skin, the formation of boils and carbuncles begins. If the entrance gate is the mucous membrane of the child’s oropharynx, sore throat, stomatitis, etc. begin. Primary changes can be observed in the lungs - serous-fibrinous exudate and leukocyte infiltration appear there. But in frequent cases, small, sometimes merging foci of abscess pneumonia are formed, and rarely - large foci that are located subpleurally.

Staphylococcal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are characterized by ulcerative, catarrhal or necrotic lesions. Morphological changes occur in the small intestine, although the pathological process can also affect the large intestine. Epithelial tissues become necrotic, and sometimes necrosis affects the deeper layers of the mucous membrane. There is infiltration of the mucous and submucosal membranes with severe circulatory disorders. Ulcers form.

When (and if) the infection is generalized, sepsis occurs, then staphylococcus reaches various organs and systems through the blood, for example, bones, central nervous system, liver, etc. Metastatic foci of inflammation appear there. Morphologically, abscesses in various organs are determined.

Symptoms of Staphylococcal infection in children:

A staph infection can cause many symptoms. This depends on the location of the infection in the body and the severity of the primary inflammatory focus. Staphylococcal infection in children can be generalized or localized in form.

Most cases are localized mild forms, for example, nasopharyngitis or rhinitis. Minor inflammatory changes are observed, there is no intoxication. In infants, these forms may manifest as poor appetite and insufficient weight gain. Blood cultures can isolate staphylococcus.

But localized forms do not always go away easily; they can be accompanied by severe symptoms, severe intoxication and bacteremia, which is why it may be necessary to differentiate them from sepsis.

The disease can occur in an asymptomatic or erased form. They are not diagnosed, but are dangerous for the child and others, since an infected child spreads the infection. In some cases, something else is added to the disease, for example, which leads to an exacerbation of staphylococcal infection and complications, in some cases very severe.

For staphylococcal infection, the incubation period lasts from 2-3 hours to 3-4 days. The shortest incubation period for the gastroenteroscolitic form of the disease.

Most often, staphylococcal infection in children is localized on the skin and subcutaneous cells. With a skin staphylococcal infection, an inflammatory focus quickly develops with a tendency to suppuration and a reaction of regional lymph nodes such as lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. In children, staphylococcal skin lesions, as a rule, take the form of folliculitis, boils, pyoderma, phlegmon, carbuncle, hidradenitis. Newborns may have exfoliative, neonatal pemphigus. If the infection affects the mucous membranes, symptoms of purulent conjunctivitis and tonsillitis appear.

Staphylococcal tonsillitis in children as an independent disease is a rather rare phenomenon. This usually occurs against the background of acute respiratory viral infection, in some cases due to exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis or as a result of sepsis.

With staphylococcal tonsillitis in children, continuous overlays appear on the palatine tonsils, sometimes they also affect the arches and uvula. In some cases, tonsillitis is follicular. Overlays with staphylococcal sore throat in most cases are purulent-necrotic, whitish-yellowish, loose. It is relatively easy to remove them, as well as to grind them between glass slides.

There are extremely rare cases when, due to a staphylococcal infection, the overlays are dense, it is difficult to remove them, and removal causes bleeding of the tonsils. Staphylococcal tonsillitis is characterized by diffuse bright hyperemia and hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the pharynx without clear boundaries. The child may complain of severe pain when swallowing. The reaction of regional lymph nodes is pronounced. Staphylococcal tonsillitis takes quite a long time to resolve. Symptoms of intoxication and elevated body temperature persist for about 6-7 days. The pharynx is cleared on days 5-7 or on days 8-10. Without laboratory methods, it is impossible to understand that a sore throat is staphylococcal.

Staphylococcal laryngitis and laryngotracheitis inherent mainly in children 1-3 years old. They develop against the background of ARVI. The disease is characterized by an acute onset, with laryngeal stenosis quickly appearing. Morphologically, a necrotic or ulcerative-necrotic process in the larynx and trachea is noted. Staphylococcal laryngotracheitis often occurs with obstructive bronchitis and, in rare cases, pneumonia. The symptoms of staphylococcal laryngotracheitis in children are almost no different from laryngotracheitis caused by other bacterial flora. The disease is very different only from diphtheria croup, which develops slowly, with a gradual change of phases, a parallel increase in symptoms (hoarseness, aphonia, dry, rough cough and a gradual increase in stenosis).

Staphylococcal pneumonia- a special form of lung damage with a characteristic tendency to abscess formation. Young children are more susceptible to the disease than others. It begins in most cases during or after ARVI. As an independent disease not accompanied by others, staphylococcal pneumonia is extremely rare.

The disease begins acutely or violently, body temperature is greatly elevated, and severe symptoms of toxicosis are observed. In more rare cases, staphylococcal pneumonia in children may begin gradually, initially followed by minor catarrhal symptoms. But even in these rare cases, the patient’s condition quickly deteriorates sharply, the temperature “jumps” greatly, intoxication intensifies, and respiratory failure increases. The child is lethargic and pale, he is drowsy, does not want to eat, spits up, and often vomits. Shortness of breath, shortening of the percussion sound, a moderate amount of fine-bubbly wet rales on one side and weakened breathing in the affected area are recorded.

With staphylococcal pneumonia, bullae form in the lungs. These are air cavities, the diameter of which is 1-10 cm. They can be identified by taking an x-ray. Infection of the bulla threatens lung abscess. Breakthrough of a purulent focus leads to purulent pleurisy and pneumothorax. Deaths are common with staphylococcal pneumonia.

With a primary staphylococcal lesion of any localization, scarlet-like syndrome. Most often this happens with staphylococcal infection of a wound or burn surface, lymphadenitis, phlegmon, etc.

The disease manifests itself as a scarlet-like rash. It occurs on a hyperemic (reddened) background, is formed from small dots, and is located, as a rule, on the lateral surfaces of the torso. When the rash disappears, abundant lamellar peeling is observed. During this form of the disease, the child’s body temperature is high. The rash appears 2-3 days after the onset of the disease and later.

Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract by staphylococcus can be located in various places (in the stomach, intestines, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the biliary system). The severity of such diseases also varies.

Staphylococcal stomatitis Young children are mainly affected. There is a pronounced hyperemia of the oral mucosa, the appearance of aphthae or ulcers on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, on the tongue, etc.

Staphylococcal gastrointestinal diseases- this is gastroenteritis, enteritis, enterocolitis, which occurs when infected through food. In children under 12 months of age, enteritis and enterocolitis often occur as secondary diseases against the background of another staphylococcal disease. If the route of infection is contact, and enteritis or enterocolitis occurs, a small amount of the pathogen is in the body. Staphylococci cause local changes when multiplying in the intestines, as well as general symptoms of intoxication when the toxin enters the blood.

With gastritis or gastroenteritis of staphylococcal nature, the incubation period lasts 2-5 hours, followed by an acute onset of the disease. The most striking symptom is repeated, often indomitable, severe weakness, severe pain in the epigastric region, dizziness. Most sick children have a fever. The skin is pale and covered with cold sweat, the heart sounds are muffled, the pulse is weak and rapid. In most cases, damage occurs to the small intestine, which leads to bowel dysfunction. Bowel movements occur 4 to 6 times a day, the stool is of a liquid consistency, watery, and contains some mucus.

The most severe manifestation of staphylococcal infection is staphylococcal sepsis. It occurs more often in young children, mainly in newborns; premature infants are at particular risk. The pathogen can enter the body through the umbilical wound, gastrointestinal tract, skin, tonsils, lungs, ears, etc. This causes the type of sepsis.

If staphylococcal sepsis is acute, the disease develops rapidly, and the patient’s condition is characterized as very severe. The body temperature is greatly elevated, and symptoms of intoxication are pronounced. Petycheal or other rashes may appear on the skin. Secondary septic foci appear in various organs (abscesses, abscess pneumonia, purulent arthritis, skin phlegmon, etc.). A blood test reveals neutrophilic leukocytosis with a shift to the left, ESR is increased.

There is a (very rare) fulminant course of the disease, which ends in death. But in most cases the course is sluggish, with low-grade fever and mild symptoms of intoxication. Children sweat, pulse instability is noted, abdominal bloating occurs, the liver may be enlarged, varicose veins are noted on the anterior abdominal wall and chest, and stool disorders are often among the symptoms. Sepsis in young children can manifest itself with various symptoms, which complicates its diagnosis.

Staphylococcal infection in newborns and children of the 1st year of life associated primarily with maternal illness. Infection of a child occurs at any stage of pregnancy, during and after childbirth.

Diagnosis of Staphylococcal infection in children:

Staphylococcal infection is diagnosed based on the detection of purulent foci of inflammation. They mainly resort to laboratory research methods, since other diseases may have similar symptoms.

A microbiological method is often used to detect pathogenic staphylococcus in the lesion and especially in the blood. For serological diagnosis, RA with an autostrain and a museum strain of staphylococcus is used. An increase in antibody titer over the course of the disease undoubtedly indicates its staphylococcal nature. An agglutinin titer in RA of 1:100 is considered diagnostic. Diagnostic titers are detected on the 10-20th day of illness.

Among laboratory methods, the reaction of toxin neutralization with antitoxin is used. Today, instead of traditional methods, radar is often used.

Treatment of Staphylococcal infection in children:

Treatment of patients with staphylococcal infection depends on each individual case. If the infection in older children is mild, doctors prescribe symptomatic medications. To treat severe and moderate forms of the disease, complex therapy is needed: antibiotics and specific anti-staphylococcal drugs (such as anti-staphylococcal plasma, anti-staphylococcal immunoglobulin, staphylococcal bacteriophage,).

Surgical methods and nonspecific detoxifying therapy can be used. Doctors often prescribe vitamins.

To cure or prevent dysbiosis, bacterial preparations are used, such as bificol and others. Stimulating therapy may also be necessary, which will increase the protective functions of the child’s body.

Patients with severe forms of staphylococcal infection are required to be hospitalized. It is also mandatory to hospitalize newborns, even if the form of the disease is mild.

Antibacterial drugs such as semi-synthetic penicillinase-resistant penicillins and 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins are used.

Acute sepsis, abscess destructive pneumonia, meningoencephalitis are treated simultaneously with two antibiotics at the maximum dose appropriate to the patient's age.

Severe and generalized forms of staphylococcal infection, especially if the child is young, are treated with hyperimmune antistaphylococcal immunoglobulin.

Staphylococcal gastroenteritis and enterocolitis are treated according to the same principles as other acute intestinal infections. Hospitalization is necessary if there are appropriate clinical and epidemiological indications. Newborns and infants up to 12 months are placed in a separate box.

If a child becomes infected through breast milk, breastfeeding should be stopped. In such cases, the child should be fed donor milk, lactic acid or adapted formulas in accordance with age and severity of damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Foodborne toxic infection is treated by gastric lavage with a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution on the first day from the onset of the disease. If toxicosis with dehydration is severe, first you need to carry out infusion therapy, and then oral rehydration (restoring water balance in the body).

Prevention of Staphylococcal infection in children:

In children's institutions, to prevent staphylococcal infection, a sanitary and anti-epidemic regime should be observed. This means that household items are disinfected, premises are properly cleaned, etc. Patients need to be identified and isolated in a timely manner so that they do not spread the infection.

It is also necessary to identify carriers of pathogenic multidrug-resistant strains of staphylococci among caring personnel in maternity hospitals and departments for newborns and remove them from work, monitor the staff’s compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules for child care, aseptic maintenance of individual nipples, care items and utensils, etc.

At least 2 times a year, maternity hospitals must be closed for disinfection measures and cosmetic repairs. In child care facilities, kitchen staff should be inspected daily. Personnel with any form of staphylococcal infection are not allowed to work - be it staphylococcal diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pustular diseases of the hands or any other form.

Children with staphylococcal diseases are hospitalized in an individual box so as not to introduce infection into the hospital department. All items for caring for a sick child must be strictly individual.

Infants become less susceptible to staphylococcal infection if (provided that the mother is healthy). There are currently no measures for specific prevention of staphylococcal infection.

Which doctors should you contact if you have Staphylococcal infection in children:

Infectious disease specialist

Gastroenterologist

Dermatologist

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Other diseases from the group Children's diseases (pediatrics):

Staphylococcus most often affects young children with weakened immune systems or other concomitant infections. Often staphylococcus and E. coli are found in children with. Thus, it is violations of local immunity that turn out to be the main cause of staphylococcal infection.

It is noteworthy that staphylococci are extremely resistant to the action of many antibiotics, so there is always a risk that the child will develop a purulent-septic disease.

How can a child become infected with staphylococcus? Carriers of this dangerous bacterium are both sick and healthy people, because there are different forms of carriage of the infection (temporary and permanent). The course of the disease can also occur in mild and severe forms. Staphylococcus causes sepsis, pneumonia, and purulent inflammation of the skin and other tissues. When the inflammatory process generalizes, newborns often develop sepsis.

The idea that the microorganism affects only the intestines is erroneous. The targets affected by staphylococcal infection are extremely variable: the upper and lower respiratory tract, mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, intestines, skin, bone and cartilage tissue, etc.

The children's body is affected by staphylococci of three groups:

Staphylococcus epidermidis. Among the varieties of staphylococci, epidermal has an average infectious potential. It is found on the skin and mucous membranes, but does not manifest itself in any way during normal functioning of the host’s immune system. Signs of bacterial damage appear only if the host’s immunity is weakened: after surgery, a viral disease, etc. Newborns, especially premature babies, are particularly susceptible to infection.

Saprophytic staphylococcus. Least hazardous to health. It almost never occurs in children, since the main “target” is the organs of the excretory system.

Staphylococcus aureus. The most dangerous and extremely virulent microorganism. In normal healthy children, Staphylococcus aureus remains in a latent state. Of all the varieties of these microorganisms, it is the most aggressive.

Signs and symptoms of staphylococcus in children

In most cases (from 48% to 78%), it is staphylococcus bacteria that cause inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, often found in children.

Staphylococcal pneumonia can occur after a child becomes infected in a hospital or maternity ward. The disease often develops at lightning speed, with destruction of lung tissue and other complications. Toxins produced by staphylococcus cause severe intoxication of the body, which in combination with causes disruption of the respiratory system and blood circulation. A sick child is restless, tosses about in bed, and may moan and scream. Chills, dry and puffy face are also characteristic symptoms.

Staphylococcal enterocolitis is an extremely severe intestinal disease. In 13% of cases it ends in death. Premature and weak children are susceptible to the disease. It is also provoked by previously suffered acute respiratory diseases, taking antibiotics, artificial feeding and disturbances of the intestinal biocenosis.

The nature of the manifestations depends, first of all, on the type of microorganism:

Saprophytic staphylococcus. Saprophytic staphylococcus is characterized by damage to the genitourinary system.

1. Pain in the lower abdomen (in women);

General and local symptoms of staphylococcus in children

By systematizing the symptoms, we can generalize all manifestations into two large groups: general and local.

Local manifestations:

Rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. Boils (“ulcers”), etc. In children, they are especially often localized on the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The development of spots and large boils indicates a severe course of the process.

Purulent discharge in biological fluids. Mucus from the nose, sputum mixed with pus indicate damage to the mucous membranes of the upper or lower respiratory tract.

General manifestations:

• The form is characterized by specific symptoms:

  A sore throat;

  Swelling and redness of the tonsils;

  Purulent rashes on the surface of the mucous membrane, as well as the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (stomatitis);

  General manifestations of intoxication.

Staphylococcus on the intestinal mucosa provokes typical signs of the development of acute colitis (and both the large and small intestines can be affected, that is, the disease will take the form of enterocolitis).

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain (wandering, bursting);

  Discomfortable sensations in the epigastric region (heaviness, bloating, feeling of fullness);

  Impurities of pus, blood, green mucus in the stool;

  Taking antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics for infectious pathologies (especially staphylococcal ones) should be careful. Staphylococcus has amazing adaptability. Incompetent antibacterial treatment will lead to the formation of bacteria with enormous resistance and virulence. It is advisable to take only those agents to which staphylococcus is sensitive (should be based on the results of bacteriological studies).

  Lubricating, rinsing. To combat bacteria on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, lubricants and rinses are used. Most often, a solution of silver, iodinol, hydrogen peroxide, as well as special preparations (Miramistin, etc.) are used.

  Taking vitamin-mineral complexes. Used to replenish missing substances.

  Immunomodulators. Used to restore the body's protective functions.

  Transfusions. Significant damage by staphylococcus can lead to serious complications, such as blood poisoning. In this case, you cannot do without a blood or plasma transfusion.

  Surgical intervention. In severe chronic tonsillitis, removal of the tonsils is indicated; surgery is also used when there are multiple skin lesions with abundant exudate and inflammation.

To treat staphylococcus in children, vitamin C is always used, which stimulates the immune system and supports the child’s weakened body. For external purulent lesions, it is recommended to use baths and frequent poultices. The child's skin should be as clean and dry as possible. You also need to monitor the cleanliness of the sick child’s nails and underwear. Sores should be constantly treated, scabs and pus removed. Household items, dishes and clothing used by a sick child are also subject to treatment and disinfection.

To prevent staphylococcal infection, it is necessary to comply with sanitary standards and implement epidemic control. Pregnant women, women in labor and newborns must undergo screening. If purulent inflammatory diseases are detected, they are subject to hospitalization and treatment in departments with infectious diseases.

Thus, staphylococcal infection poses a great danger to children (both newborns and older children). Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous and insidious, having high virulence and toxic ability. Symptoms are extremely specific and manifest themselves individually in each child. In general, there is a picture of inflammation and purulent damage to the skin and mucous membranes of the body (nose, throat, intestines).




Education: Diploma in general medicine received from Volgograd State Medical University. Immediately received a specialist certificate in 2014.

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 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 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.

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 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 contributes to 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.