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Causes, symptoms, extent, and treatment of staph. How is it transmitted?

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What is Staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that has the correct spherical shape and belongs to the group of gram-positive cocci fixed. For humans staph in some cases is part of conditionally pathogenic microflora, that is always present on the body. But isolated and pathogenic Staphylococcus, which, once inside the body will certainly cause disease. In addition, the pathogen is widely distributed in nature.

If certain have this conditions, the bacteria may exhibit pathological activity and cause inflammation of any organ or group of organs. This may be skin, nerve tissue, brain, heart, digestive system, etc.

Aureus has a large number of strains (27), the most prevalent and pathogenic of which are Staphylococcus, epidermidis, saprophytic staphylococci and hemolytic. Each has a different degree of aggressiveness and pathogenic activity.

The danger of these microorganisms is that they produce toxins and enzymes of pathogenic to cells and disrupt their livelihoods. Bacteria destructive effect on connective tissue, skin and subcutaneous tissue. They cause a number of dangerous diseases, including sepsis, toxic shock, disorders of the Central nervous system, pneumonia, purulent skin lesions, General intoxication of the organism. It is often with staph infection associated complications of inflammatory diseases and surgical operations.

Staphylococci resistant in the environment and have a high resistance to the action of antibiotics.

Species of Staphylococcus

There are three kinds of Staphylococcus aureus, which are most common and harmful to the human body:

  • Saprophytic Staphylococcus aureus most commonly affects women, causing inflammatory diseases of the bladder (cystitis) and kidneys. Bacteria saprophytic staphylococci localized in the layers of the skin and genital mucous membranethe urethra. All species of Staphylococcus it causes the least destruction;
  • Epidermal staph can live in the body and any part of human skin. Under normal immune system the body can cope with this bacterium, and it does not cause any disease. But if somehow the epidermal staph from the skin enters into the bloodstream with a weak immune system (after surgery) due to blood infection may develop inflammation of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart);
  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most common and dangerous type. To infection are affected equally by adults and children, men and women. The bacterium can affect any organs, causing inflammatory diseases, whose number exceeds one hundred. It is extremely resistant and tenacious organism that can withstand very high temperatures, direct sunlight, 100% ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and some antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus becomes a cause of suppurative skin lesions (Kireev, boils, barley , etc.). It also causes large amounts of threat system and General infections: staphylococcal sepsis, pneumonia, toxic shock, the formation of ulcers in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney, osteomyelitis, food poisoning, etc.


Symptoms of staph

Symptoms of staph will depend on which organ or system is subjected to failure. On the severity of manifestations is affected by the aggression of the microorganism and the immune status of a particular person.

Among the most common diseases caused by Staphylococcus, are the following:

  • Pyoderma. As a result of introducing bacteria under the skin occurs purulent inflammation. This can affected by the sebaceous and sweat glands, and hair follicles. Among the most common manifestations of isolated pyoderma folliculitis (inflammation of the upper part of the hair follicle) hidradenitis (when the infection – sweat glands), carbuncle (inflamed when the skin, subcutaneous tissue and a group of hair follicles), boils (suppurate the hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and connective tissue around). Wherever localized inflammatory process, it is always accompanied by the appearance of purulent masses, swelling, hyperemia of the surrounding tissue and painful sensations of varying intensity. In some caseshappens increasing temperatures, you may experience vomiting and nausea (often with carbuncles and hidradenitis);

  • Rhinitis. Causing inflammation in the nasal mucosa, the bacterium leads to copious mucus, which makes it difficult nasal breathing. It is here that most often settles the most dangerous type of bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus. This person can be both permanent and temporary carrier. Most often the patient complains of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, impaired sense of smell, increased separation of the mucous secretion, change in voice, breathing through the mouth. At the beginning of a little mucus, but the extent of disease progression, the volume of secretions from the nose is increased and they acquire a purulent character;
  • Sinusitis. Characterized by an inflammatory process localized in the paranasal sinuses. More likely to suffer from the maxillary and frontal divisions that leads to the development of diseases such as sinusitis or sinusitis. The disease is very common in the practice of otolaryngologists. Up to 10% of all respiratory diseases in adults accounted for sinusitis. Patients have the following complaints: the impossibility of nasal breathing, rhinophonia (twang) expressed as a runny nose with discharge of yellow-green color, General weakness, sleep disturbance, lack of appetite, increased body temperature (sometimes to high values), pain localized in the region of the inflamed sinuses. If the infection is acute, the thermometer shows the numbers up to 39 degrees, if it goes into a chronic stage, is not more than 37.5 degrees;

  • Pharyngitis. Characterized by inflammation localized to the region of the mucous membrane lining the throat. Often invades nearby tissue of the tonsils. In this case, a disease bears the name of tonsillopharyngitis. Patients experience the following symptoms: redness of the posterior pharyngeal wall, the appearance on it of viscous mucus, feeling throat irritation, dry cough, hoarseness, and pain when swallowing. All of these symptoms are observed on the background of General weakness, increased body temperature and decreased appetite. According to statistics, pharyngitis caused by S. aureus, in adults diagnosed not more than 5% of cases;

  • Laryngitis. Accompanied by the presence of inflammatory process in the mucous membrane lining the larynx. Often the infection of the trachea is exposed, then the disease is called"laryngotracheitis". A hallmark of staph infection is the presence of purulent discharge. In addition, the patient complains of pain in throat, dryness and tickle in the throat, change in voice, until his loss. In addition, there is a low body temperature, usually not exceeding 37 degrees;
  • Bronchitis. The disease is characterized by inflammation in the bronchi. Usually begins with the development of the pathological process in the upper respiratory tract with a gradual transition to the larynx, trachea and bronchi. The patient suffers from cough that can be dry or wet with sputum. With the defeat of the bronchi detachable sputum will be purulent contents. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees, shortness of breath and pain the chest;
  • Pneumonia. With the defeat of pulmonary tissue staphylococcal infection, the disease has a severe course. Statistics indicates that out of the hospital this kind of pneumonia the person can to only 1% of cases, but in hospital Staphylococcus aureus affects the lungs much more often, on average, in 15% of cases. Among the complex of symptoms present regular re-increase in body temperature. That is, it periodically rises and falls, manifested in the form of chills. The patient suffers from severe shortness of breath, muscle weakness, pain when coughing and even when breathing. The localization of the pain – chest, they are connected with the stretching of the pleura. Sputum is not just mucous, and purulent admixtures. The complexion becomes cyanotic, which is a consequence of oxygen starvation. It is often staphylococcal pneumonia lead to the development of lung abscesses and pleural empyema. The most feared complication is sepsis;

  • Osteomyelitis. Manifests itself in a purulent-necrotic lesion of bone tissue and bone marrow and surrounding joints soft tissues. In adulthood often becomes inflamed spine, the path of infection in this case is hematogenous, that is, the bacterium reaches the destination by the bloodstream. The symptoms are not too pronounced. The temperature usually does not exceed subfebrile levels, the person experiences pain at the site of inflammation and violation of motor function in joints or back;
  • Food poisoning, provoked by Staphylococcus aureus that develops acutely. Often the first signs of infection are observed after only half an hour after eating contaminated food. Among the symptoms patients report abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, nausea.

However, the clinical picture of staphylococcal infections is complete, you should allow the common symptoms caused by microorganism:

  • Local fever. That is, the local temperature increase due to the fact that in this way the body tries to cope with disease-causing bacteria and prevent its reproduction. This method of protection is called a bacteriostatic effect;
  • Hyperemia, which is formed due to the rush of blood to the site of inflammation. The vessels dilate, and the venous blood outflow is reduced. This, too, is a defensive reaction of the organism to infection. In this way he is trying to increase the flow of oxygen to neutralize the toxic effect is exerted;
  • Tissue edema by increasing vascular permeability;
  • Painful sensations caused by compression of nerve endings by the swollen tissue. Can also cause damage of the vessel due to excess blood flow, which contributes to the appearance of painful sensations;
  • Violation of functionality of organs and tissues as a result of their damage at the cellular level.

It is important to apply knowledge related to symptoms of staph infections in adults relative to children. This is because symptoms of the disease will be in different ages differ slightly. This is especially true of newborns and children under one year.


How is a staph infection? Causes of infection

All diseases which is caused by the bacteria can result from the fact that the infection enters the body through the violation of the integrity of skin or mucous membranes, because it is a constant inhabitant of the human microflora. In addition, infection can occur exogenously through food or through close contact.

We should not forget that some people are permanent or temporary carriers of this bacterium, which also has a significant role in the transferability. While pathogenic bacteria does not manifest itself, and the particular danger these people represent to others.

There are the following possible ways of transmission:

  • Contact-household path. When bacteria enter into the body through various household items or through direct contact with the skin. Sometimes it is enough to use someone else's towel or bedding toinfection. The bacterium can cause inflammation, so easy to infiltrate the body and cause the carriage;
  • Airborne path. That is the person breathes the air containing the bacteria. The most common source of infection become sick, releasing the bacteria by coughing, sneezing and just breathing;
  • Dust. Bacteria have the property a long time to exist in the surrounding dust. When it enters the respiratory tract infection occurs. This way is called "air-dust";
  • Fecal-oral route, which is also called the alimentary. The selection of the bacterium with vomiting or a bowel movement from an infected organism. Uninfected people consume products, in which the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, and ill. Often this occurs when insufficient hygiene, namely, through dirty hands;
  • Medical instruments. The bacterium can penetrate a healthy body through low-quality processed medical instruments, the so-called artificial method of infection. Infection occurs during the passage of diagnostic procedures, for example, in bronchoscopy, as well as during surgery. Additional danger lies in the fact that the instruments can be disinfected in the usual way, but has the bacteria to develop resistance to specific methods of sanitization.

In addition to these ways of infection there are also indirect causes that trigger human infection with Staphylococcus:

  • Any disease causing reduced immune strength. This can be attributed to frequent and high stress and irregular sleep;
  • General hypothermia. This reason plays a leading role in the development of inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. At low body temperatures is the slowing down of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium that line the nasal mucosa. Thus, the Staphylococcus is much easier to get into the body and cause inflammation;
  • Existing diabetes , and other malfunctions of the endocrine system;

  • Harmful habits such as Smoking and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • The presence of the HIV virus or AIDS;

  • Any chronic disease;
  • Age. According to statistics, most infection-proneinfants, children of preschool age and older people;
  • Viral infection is often preceded by the fact that the disease goes into the bacterial shape. In most cases, this is observed in flu and SARS, when the decline of existing immunity in the body staphylococci begin to show abnormal activity;

  • Prolonged use of vasoconstrictive drops that affect the integrity of the nasal mucosa and promote infection;
  • Inhalation of allergens and toxic substances leads to injury to the bronchi, which can be a precipitating factor in the development of bacterial inflammation;
  • Poor hygiene
  • Eating contaminated food;
  • Violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes or the skin.

The degree of destruction of Staphylococcus

In medicine it is accepted to allocate four degrees of infection with staph, each of which is characterized by a certain severity and require different treatment. It is necessary to distinguish pathogenic staphylococci course that are destructive to blood cells, and opportunistic pathogens that contribute to the development of minor inflammatory response. In addition, there are the saprophytes, which do not cause virtually any losses.

It is the knowledge of the degree of pathogenesis helps physicians more accurately select treatment and to predict the nature of the disease. Although the division into degrees is very conditional, and much of the prognosis depends on the level of immunity of an infected person, as well as its resistance to bacteria.

To identify the degree of activity of Staphylococcus aureus a doctor through taking blood or other biological materials for laboratory investigation. He decides on the necessity of treatment and the nature of future therapy.

1 the degree of damage by Staphylococcus

Upon detection of the 1st degree of infection is necessary for the monitoring and pre-emptive approach. This bacterium is primarily a parasite on the skin of the person, and may also be present on the genitals and the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. Therefore it is crucial that from which was taken the material for study, and whether the person signs of inflammation.

If the immune system is normal, pathological processes this degreelesions aureus can not call, and therefore, treatment is not required. But will not harm prevention disinfection of skin and mucous membranes.

2 the degree of damage by Staphylococcus

When Staphylococcus aureus is detected in such a low diagnostic titer, often treating doctors will not prescribe. However, need comprehensive survey to identify other infections. This is especially true if you have any complaints about the pathological processes occurring in the body.

If you find that the person has concomitant infection, the presence of Staphylococcus in the body must be minimized by using systemic antibiotic therapy and local debridement. However, the need for treatment is determined by the doctor and depends on each specific case.

3 the degree of damage by Staphylococcus

When it is detected that a person is present 3 the degree of infection, most physicians agree that the necessary antibacterial therapy. Although under normal condition the immune forces of the bacteria will not be able to trigger the infectious process. Such a degree is considered valid is possible, but in any disruptions in the body can lead to serious inflammatory reactions.

First of all, the doctor prescribes treatment, designed to strengthen the immunity, if it has no effect after 2 months, the further scheme of the therapeutic effect is developed in each case individually.

4 the degree of damage by Staphylococcus

Identified 4 degree of infection requires a specific treatment, although these figures are only considered potentially dangerous. It is important not to allow the emerged resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and to determine the sensitivity of specific bacteria to a specific tool. Only after that you can start treatment which in the majority of cases (if there are no signs of inflammation) is to boost your immunity and get rid of the dysbiosis and avitaminose.


Complications and consequences of Staphylococcus aureus – what happens if not treated?

When antibiotic therapy is not started promptly, it can cause serious complications:

  • Endocarditis. In this case, the lesion undergoes heart valves and the inner layers of the heart. In this case, patient feels pain in the joints, increased heart rate, decreased performance,sometimes the body temperature rises. This condition, in turn, is accompanied by equally serious diseases, including heart failure, meningitis , etc.;

  • Meningitiscaused by Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by purulent inflammation of the meninges, accompanied by high body temperature, nausea and vomiting, convulsions, severe headache. However, even well-timed therapy is not a guarantee that the patient will avoid death. Mortality if adequate treatment is up to 30%;

  • Toxic shock syndrome is often referred to symptoms of a staph infection, but it is a complication of the disease. Is the shock reaction of the body in response to ingestion of infection. While drug therapy is difficult. The patient suffers from fever up to 40 degrees, repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Blood pressure falls, high probability of death;

  • Blood poisoning is another serious complication of untreated staph infection. Occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream and begins produced toxins poison the body. It was the sepsis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is the most common type of blood infection, and also the most dangerous. In addition to an extremely high body temperature accompanied by severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, liver, intestines, lungs, brain. Antibacterial therapy without prior antibiogram often leads to high mortality among the infected people.


Treatment of staph

In order to get rid of bacteria, you need a competent selection of antibiotic therapy.

Most often used for the treatment of the following:

  • Amoxicillin, which is able to suppress the reproduction and growth of pathogenic bacteria, facilitating their destruction. Has a fairly broad spectrum, and blocks the synthesis of peptidoglycan. Used with or without food, no more 1 g three times a day;
  • Vancomycincontributes to the blocking component of the composition of the cell membrane of bacteria, changes the permeability of its wall, which leads to the death of aureus. Is administered intravenously, either every 6 or every 12 hours. The dosage is determined by the physician;
  • Cloxacillin. Contributes to the blocking of the membranesin the process of dividing bacteria. You must take the drug every 6 hours at a dosage of 500 mg;
  • Cefazolin. Has broad spectrum of activity, does not produce components of the bacterial cell wall. You can use both intravenously and intramuscularly, up to 4 times a day;
  • Oxacillin. Has a devastating effect on the later stages of the development of bacteria and contributes to their destruction. Used intravenously, intramuscularly and orally;
  • Cephalexin. The drug does not synthesize components included in the composition of the bacterial cell wall. Should be taken before meals, every 6 hours;
  • Cephalothin, which disrupts the ability of bacteria to a normal division, but also has a destructive impact on membrane of staphylococci. Use as an intravenous, and intramuscular;
  • Cefotaxime. The drug is aimed at suppressing the growth of bacteria, does not allow them to reproduce. Used as intravenously and intramuscularly. The dose is prescribed individually;
  • Clarithromycin, which does not allow the bacteria to produce its own proteins. Most often used in pill form, although severe infections may be appointed intravenously;
  • Erythromycin, also inhibits the production of protein, you need to apply every 6 hours;
  • Clindamycin, also aimed at elimination of the ability of bacteria to produce a specific protein that leads to its death.

Before you start to use a particular tool, it is necessary to conduct antibiotikogramma. This will help to determine the sensitivity of Staphylococcus to a specific drug drug. Conducting such research is important for the health of the patient, it will give a guarantee that bacteria will not become resistant to them.

Any antibacterial agents can be assigned exclusively by the attending doctor and only after careful diagnosis.

Treatment of staphylococcal infections requires strict adherence to the multiplicity of reception, the time of consumption of the drug and its dosage. It is important to take prescribed antibiotic not until the disappearance of the first symptoms, and not less than 5 days. If you want to extend the course, inform the doctor. In addition, you cannot stop treatment, therapy needs to be continuous.


Prevention of staph

Prevention infection control is a necessary measure, which assert doctors all over the world. Firstly, due to the fact that every year the bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant to antibacterial agents designed to eradicate it. This makes the control of infection particularly difficult. Secondly, staph can cause serious harm to the human body, so it's easier to prevent inflammation than to deal with it later. And, thirdly, treatment with antibacterial agents always involves certain health risks in the form of various side effects.

Therefore, the following preventive measures will help preserve health:

  • Timely elimination of possible foci of infection. As sources can serve as the caries on teeth, constantly inflamed tonsils, enlarged adenoids, conjunctivitis, not deleted roots of teeth, boils, styes, inflammatory diseases of the genital and urinary tract. Any hearth – the source of danger that must be immediately addressed. Moreover, harm may be caused not only their own health but also the health of other people;

  • Prevention of SARS and seasonal influenza epidemics. In the latter respect, it is advisable the vaccination;
  • The cleanliness of the workplace, home and clothing, the ventilation of the room, especially in the presence of large numbers of people. It is no secret that staph is often contaminated not only clothes, but also dust. Moreover, unacceptable use of foreign objects for personal hygiene;
  • Exercise, good nutrition, avoiding harmful habits, maintaining an active lifestyle. All this will strengthen the immune power of the body and help to counteract a possible infection;
  • Observance of rules of personal hygiene. For the prevention of staph infection is most advisable to talk about regular hand washing;
  • Use in food pure, preferably heat-treated products are not expired. Often the source of infection serve as confectionery, canned foods, poorly processed fruits and vegetables, meat and milk from infected mastitis cows;

  • Timely treatment of wounds antiseptic or antibacterial agents;
  • Visiting the doctor in detecting the first symptoms of the disease or at suspicion on a possible carrier of infection;
  • A thorough treatment of toolsfrom the medical staff. Avoiding negligence to sanitary norms;
  • Refusal from going to dubious tattoo shops, nail rooms, solariums and other institutions of this kind.