Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous disease that most often affects children in infancy or immunocompromised. You can become infected with these bacteria with a single contact, after which the child undergoes serious treatment for a long time and suffers from severe complications.

As already mentioned, this pathogen belongs to the class of bacteria. Today, about 27 varieties of staphylococcus are known, most of which constantly live in the human body and on the skin. Of the bacteria in this class, three types are dangerous for patients.

Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of infectious lesions that can develop on the skin and in internal organs. The pathogen got its name due to its special color. Under the microscope, it is stained with a bright golden pigment, which quickly allows you to make an accurate diagnosis. More than a third of all infections occur in a hospital setting where ideal conditions for the spread of the pathogen due to reduced immunity of patients.

Attention! Staphylococcus aureus is extremely dangerous for a child, regardless of his age. It can cause instant infectious processes which can lead to meningitis and death.

Video - Staphylococcus aureus

Reasons for the spread of the pathogen in children

The main reason for the violation and penetration into the body of the pathogen is a weakened immune system. Leukocytes cannot cope with an infectious lesion, and bacteria begin to actively multiply in the human body. The main provoking factors for the spread of Staphylococcus aureus include the following.

Attention! Underweight children, according to statistics, are more likely to become infected with a dangerous bacterium. Therefore, already from the first day after birth, the mother should adjust the nutrition of the newborn with breast milk and introduce complementary foods in a timely manner in the future.

Staphylococcus aureus in children: symptoms and main manifestations of infection

In patients after the lesion, there are two stages of the disease - early and late. Each of them has its own characteristics. You should consult a doctor immediately if even minimal symptoms of the disease appear.

Table 1. Symptoms on different stages infections

Stage	Peculiarity
Early	1. Occurs a few hours after the penetration of the pathogen. 2. The patient's body temperature rises. 3. There is a strong lethargy and weakness. 4. Headaches and dizziness appear. 5. Appetite completely disappears. 6. Diarrhea and constant gas discharge develops. 7. Vomiting opens. 8. Dehydration may occur. 9. The skin becomes pale and cyanotic.
Late	1. Comes in 3-5 days after infection. 2. Sores, boils and large areas of purulent type appear on the skin. 3. Work is disrupted internal organs. 4. The child may be unconscious. 5. Body temperature becomes critically high. 6. Due to severe intoxication, the baby may fall into a coma. 7. Skin infection may develop.

Furunculosis and acne with pus are relatively mild degree the development of the disease. In severe cases, purulent-septic processes develop in the internal organs, which leads to sepsis and meningitis. These processes are difficult to treat and often lead to death.

Attention! With the penetration of bacteria in children with allergies, acute allergic reactions already at an early stage. This is due to the fact that staphylococcus secretes a large amount of toxins, to which antigens are actively produced.

The main sites of infection of bacteria

Since the pathogen most often enters the body through dirty hands and objects, it primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat, intestines and nose. Given the location of the lesion, the child develops typical symptoms for this type of disorder, according to which a specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis.

Table 2. Symptoms, depending on the location of the lesion

Location	Symptoms
Throat	1. Acute purulent tonsillitis. 2. Tonsillitis and stomatitis. 3. Strong pain in the throat. 4. Edema of the tonsils and their hyperemia. 5. General intoxication of the body. 6. High body temperature. 7. Lack of appetite and weight loss.
Intestines	1. Manifestations of colitis and enterocolitis, when all parts of the intestine are affected. 2. Pains of wandering and bursting types. 3. Blood, pus and mucus are observed in the stool. 4. Diarrhea, which may be replaced by constipation. 5. False urge to defecate. 6. Vomiting with traces of pus. 7. High body temperature.
Nose	1. Severe swelling of the mucosa. 2. A large amount of purulent discharge. 3. Headaches. 4. High body temperature. 5. Difficulties with nasal breathing. 6. Symptoms of general intoxication.

Attention! After bacteria enter the places typical for the localization of staphylococcus, they begin to actively spread throughout the bloodstream, causing inflammatory processes in the brain, kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus in children

Various methods of examination can be used to confirm the disease. In this case, the doctor must have a really good qualification to understand that the inflammation is caused by staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis is carried out by an ENT specialist, a nephrologist, a therapist, a gastroenterologist, it all depends on the location of the bacteria and the presence of specific signs. The following methods can be used to confirm infection:

Drugs to suppress Staphylococcus aureus

To eliminate manifestations bacterial infection complex therapy is required. It consists in the appointment of antibiotics, immunity-stimulating drugs, vitamins, antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Doses for each child are selected only by a doctor.

Oxacillin

Antibiotic a wide range impact. It is used for purulent and inflammatory processes. For children, the drug for Staphylococcus aureus is often prescribed intravenously. The dose depends on the age and severity of the patient's condition. Children of the first month of life and premature babies should be administered 0.09-0.15 g / kg per day. From the second month, the dose increases to 0.2 g / kg per day. From the second year of life, the dosage active substance equal to 2 g per day. The number of daily injections is determined by the doctor. The duration of treatment is up to 10 days, with severe infection - up to three weeks.

Oxacillin

Vancomycin

Powerful modern antibiotic a wide range of effects. Dosage medicinal product depends on the age of the affected child. Children up to a month of life are required to administer 10-15 mg of the active substance every 12 hours. From the first month of life, Vancomycin can be prescribed according to two schemes. In the first case, 10 mg/kg is administered three times a day, in the second, 20 mg/kg twice a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the patient's condition.

Vancomycin

The drug aims to stimulate defensive forces organism. It is more often prescribed in cases where a staphylococcal infection has affected the throat and nose. Imudon can be used from the age of three. The dose is 6 tablets per day, they need to dissolve in the oral cavity. The duration of therapy depends on the condition of the child and can be 10-20 days.

Immunity-stimulating drug that can be administered to children up to the first year of life. The dose is selected according to the age of the infected child. Up to a year, the dose is 10 mcg, from a year - 10-20 mcg, from four years - 20-30 mcg. Timogen is administered intramuscularly once a day. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of immunodeficiency and can be 3-10 days.

Ichthyol ointment

It is used to treat purulent lesions on the skin. The therapy involves applying Ichthyol to the sore spot 1-2 times a day under a bandage. It should be changed with each dose of the drug. Ichthyol removes pus and causes tissue healing. The duration of treatment is up to two weeks.

An antibacterial agent that allows not only to eliminate pus from the skin, but also to stop the inflammatory process and provoke faster wound healing. For treatment Tetracycline ointment is applied to the sore spot 1-2 times a day. With extensive lesions, the active substance must be placed under the bandage. The duration of treatment is determined individually for each baby.

It is used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent in the localization of staphylococcus aureus in the throat and nose. 200 mg of the active substance must be dissolved in 200 ml of water and rinsed with a sore spot. You can do three rinses per day. Duration of treatment according to indications.

A drug designed specifically to fight staph infection does an excellent job of killing bacteria in the nose. For treatment, it is required to thoroughly moisten a sterile swab with Bacteriophage and insert it into the nose. It takes 15 minutes to keep the application. Processing is carried out daily for up to three weeks. The drug helps well in case of resistance of the pathogen to antibiotics or their intolerance.

Miramistin

An antiseptic drug designed to suppress inflammatory process and restoration of beneficial microflora. For children, a solution at a concentration of 0.01% of the active substance is used. Bury Miramistin should be 2-3 drops in each nasal passage. It is required to administer the drug 3-5 times a day. Duration of admission is determined individually for each patient.

Miramistin

It can be used to treat infections on the skin and in the respiratory tract. For the treatment of purulent foci, it is required to moisten sterile gauze with Iodinol and apply to the sore spot. It is recommended to change the bandage 1-2 times a day. The wound is washed before each use. clean water, and around it is applied Zinc ointment. The duration of treatment is one week. When treating the throat and oral cavity, it is required to lubricate the sore spot with a cotton swab. Treatment is carried out on an individual number of times, as an acute allergic reaction may occur.

Good remedy for dealing with purulent manifestations on the skin. Combines the effects of antibiotic and antiseptic, causes wound healing. For treatment, the ointment is applied to a previously cleaned wound and covered with a bandage. Compresses should be changed 1-2 times a day. The strength of the drug is its ability to get pus out of closed wounds and deep layers of the skin. Treatment is continued until complete recovery.

Attention! At severe inflammation they are carried out in the tonsils surgical removal followed by a course of antibiotics and antiseptics.

Drugs in the treatment of staphylococcus in the gastrointestinal tract

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in the gastrointestinal tract is carried out by several groups of drugs that are aimed at removing toxins and restoring the microflora.

A good adsorbent that also helps fight indigestion and restores the gastrointestinal mucosa. For treatment, it is required to dissolve 1 sachet of powder in 100 ml of water and take it in equal portions throughout the day. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the disease, usually does not exceed one week.

Probiotic Recovery normal functioning GIT. It is recommended to use the drug from the age of six, but with acute indications, an earlier intake is possible. For treatment, you need to drink 1-2 capsules of the active substance every day. The duration of treatment with Enterogermin is 2-3 weeks.

The drug is aimed at suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Bioflor can be used from the first day of life. In the treatment of such children, the dose is 1 drop per kilogram of body. The drug is taken up to three times a day until the therapeutic effect is achieved. From the first month of life, children take half a teaspoon of syrup. From a year, the dose is selected individually and is calculated from an adult. The course is continued until complete recovery, usually no more than three weeks.

intestinal antiseptic and antimicrobial drug. Helps to manage diarrhea and eliminate the effects of bacteria. Children 1-6 months of age take Nifuroxazide 2.5 ml up to three times a day. From seven months to two years, the dose remains the same, but you can take the medication up to four times. From three years, the suspension is taken 5 ml three times a day. The duration of treatment is set by the doctor, usually does not exceed 10 days.

Attention! If Staphylococcus aureus enters the child's bloodstream, a transfusion is always performed. The entry of the pathogen into this system threatens with the instant development of sepsis and lethal outcome because of him.

Folk methods of treating the disease

Allows for anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. They are used as an adjunctive therapy that relieves the external symptoms of an infectious lesion.

It is used as a nose and throat rinse. To prepare the solution, you need to pour a teaspoon of the active substance with 250 ml of water and heat the herb in a water bath. After boiling, the solution is boiled for 5 minutes and left under the lid for two hours. Use for rinsing the mouth and throat, take 100-200 ml of decoction for one procedure. For the treatment of the nose, calendula should be used for washing, 100 ml of the drug is used at a time. 3-4 procedures can be carried out per day. The duration of treatment is up to 10 days.

This decoction can be taken internally or used as a rinse. For treatment, two teaspoons of the active substance are poured into 250 ml of boiling water and boiled for three minutes. Under the lid, the solution is left for 30 minutes and filtered. Gargle up to 4 times a day, using 100-200 ml of solution. Inside, a decoction of St. John's wort is taken 100 ml three times a day. The duration of therapy is 7-10 days.

The drug can be used as a gargle for the throat, nose and for oral administration, in which case it is possible to increase immunity and relieve inflammation from the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare, pour a tablespoon of raw materials into 250 ml of boiling water and boil over low heat for five minutes. The finished broth is left under the lid for 20 minutes and filtered. Inside, 200 ml of the solution is taken three times a day for a week. Rinse the nose and gargle should be 100-200 ml of decoction no more than four times a day. The duration of treatment is up to 10 days.

Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus

Since the infection rarely goes away without serious complications, it is required to comply preventive measures to prevent the pathogen from entering the body.

1. During pregnancy, a woman should eat well, avoid stress and exercise, so as not to provoke premature birth.
2. All toys and personal items of the child should be periodically treated with an antiseptic, especially after visiting the street and the hospital.
3. Hands, vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed, as they may contain the pathogen.
4. You should carefully monitor the immunity of the baby, taking him outside, swimming with him, giving him to sports sections.
5. After birth, it is required to treat his skin with high quality, keep clothes clean, and prevent skin irritation.
6. Before each feeding, the mother needs to thoroughly wash her hands and breasts if the baby is breastfeeding.
7. All bottles and nipples need to boil well and dry thoroughly in the open air.
8. All scratches and wounds must be treated with antiseptics, ordinary brilliant green and hydrogen peroxide will do.

Attention! If a child has digestive problems, there is a discharge from the respiratory system, the baby refuses to drink and eat, you need to immediately call an ambulance. Usually the problem is rarely associated with a serious disorder, but can be triggered by a staph infection.

Summing up

Staphylococcus aureus - dangerous pathogen which can cause severe infections. You need to carefully approach your hygiene and care for a small child. If you suspect an infection has occurred, you should immediately contact for medical assistance to prevent death.

IN Lately staphylococcal infection occurs in many maternity hospitals, occupying an “honorable place” among the leaders among nosocomial diseases. The statistics are disappointing: staphylococcus in infants is diagnosed in 100% of cases. Staphylococcus spores usually die in the first weeks of a child's life. Although carriage does not yet indicate a disease, parents need to know how staphylococcus manifests itself and how it threatens the baby.

The term "staphylococus" (lat. "staphylos" - a bunch, "kokkos" - a grain) entered the medical lexicon in 1881. The semantics of the word is determined by the form - cocci (oval bacteria) form groups similar to a bunch of grapes.

The harm that a staphylococcal bacterium can bring depends on pathogenicity factors. Metaphorically comparing staphylococcus with a soldier with a knife in his hand, the famous pediatrician E. Komarovsky argues that staphylococcus itself is not dangerous - the products of vital activity and provoked infections are dangerous.

In the arsenal of staphylococcus - a whole range of harmful factors. The cell wall provokes allergies and inflammation, weakens the immune system. Thanks to enzymes, the structure of human cells changes, antibiotics become ineffective. As a result, leukocytes and erythrocytes are destroyed, toxins are released. Not a single bacterium can boast of such a “microbial special forces”.

Kinds

To date, 27 staphylococcal organisms have been discovered. 14 - live on the mucous membranes and human skin, of which only 3 species (and this is more than enough!) Cause diseases.

• Aureus. The most dangerous type of staphylococcus aureus. The name was given due to the yellow color of bacterial colonies. It provokes about 100 diseases. Resistant to high temperatures, ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide. Sensitive to green solution. From the surface of the skin, the microbe enters the body, causing inflammation in the organs.
• epidermidis. Staphylococcus aureus lives on the skin and mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, or mouth. Occurs in premature babies who have undergone surgery. At strong immunity not dangerous. If the body is weakened - getting into the bloodstream, epidermal staphylococcus aureus causes inflammation of the endocardium or sepsis.
• Saprophyticus. Saprophytic staphylococcus in a newborn is extremely rare. More common in women, affecting bladder and kidneys.

Some scientists also isolated hemolytic and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The difference from previous varieties is only in the symptoms of manifestation. Diseases provoke the same.

Risk group

Having been born, the child enters the area of ​​pathogenic microorganisms. Weak immunity and an unformed intestine are a loophole for a staph infection. Reasons for the development of staphylococcus aureus in a newborn:

• pathology of pregnancy (gestosis);
• problems during childbirth (anhydrous);
• premature birth;
• non-compliance with hygiene standards in the care of the baby;
• little weight;
• use of catheters artificial ventilation lungs;
• carriage of staphylococcus in the family or among medical staff;
• mother's cracked nipples.

Symptoms

It is incorrect to talk about specific indicators of the presence of staphylococcus in the body. The microbes themselves do not cause symptoms. Signs appear in the case of an infection provoked by them. There are 2 stages of the course of a staphylococcal infection in a newborn.

1. Early - a bacterium 5 - 6 hours after its appearance in the body already makes itself felt (vomiting, fever, diarrhea).
2. Late - 3-4 days after infection, purulent rashes appear on the face and body.

Staphylococcus in a newborn provokes the following diseases:

• Purulent skin. Microbes that have settled on the skin of the baby cause rashes, inflammation of the navel, boils. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus on the body of a one-month-old baby manifests itself in the form of "pemphigus" - vesicles with a liquid inclusion (as after a burn). This rash is called "scalded baby syndrome". Skin - edematous, covered in places small rash, and soon weeping blisters form. The kid loses his appetite, becomes lethargic. Treatment is prescribed after analysis to determine the pathogen.
• Internal organ damage. The most common inflammation small intestine(enterocolitis). Symptoms: slimy stools (up to 15 times a day), bloating, regurgitation, a capricious child. Due to the risk of dehydration, urgent hospitalization is required. You also need to pass on the analysis of feces.
• Mucosal infection. Staphylococcus in a newborn causes conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. This disease is easy to recognize due to such symptoms: eyes redden, visible purulent discharge. For analysis, eye discharge is taken. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor.
• Sepsis. Blood poisoning due to the spread of staphylococcal infection in infants is rare. Initial symptoms: lethargy, refusal of the breast, discoloration of the skin, blue nasolabial triangle. Septicemia is observed - a sharp weight loss, jaundice, convulsions, tachycardia. With umbilical sepsis, the umbilical cord swells. Sepsis as a consequence of staphylococcus aureus in a newborn is severe. There are acute (4-6 weeks), subacute (1.5-3 months), protracted (more than 3 months) and fulminant course. The baby is urgently hospitalized.

Be aware: the signs of staphylococcus aureus in a newborn cannot always be recognized. It skillfully disguises itself as dysbacteriosis, SARS or diathesis. It can only be revealed as a result laboratory research. It is important to treat not the staphylococcus itself, but the infection that it provoked. If this microbe was found in a child, this is not a reason for panic. Observe the baby's behavior.

Diagnostics and tests

Click to enlarge.

If a staphylococcus infection is suspected, the mother and baby are sent to the laboratory to be tested. woman for bacteriological culture expresses breast milk. Before this, the breast must be thoroughly washed, the nipples should be treated with alcohol. Each breast is expressed separately in special containers, which are delivered no later than 3 hours to the laboratory. If staphylococcus bacteria are found in milk, the mother is prescribed treatment, and the child will receive it with breast milk.

Material is collected from a child depending on the focus of infection:

• if symptoms of SARS appear, the material for analysis is taken from the nose;
• with the manifestation of sepsis, a blood test is performed;
• if work is broken gastrointestinal tract- they collect and donate feces for bakposev within 3 hours;
• for skin rashes, scrapings are taken from the wound.

The laboratory assistant manually counts the number of staphylococci (the norm is up to 10 to the 3rd degree inclusive). Staphylococcus 10 grade 4 already requires a course of treatment. With a positive result, the sensitivity of the organism to antibiotics and bacteriophages is determined.

If you are wondering whether it is worth vaccinating a child with an infectious disease, he will answer all your questions and give invaluable recommendations.

It is very important to know how to gargle a child with infectious diseases. It can be both folk remedies and medicines.

Therapy

Treatment of staphylococcal infection is problematic due to the resistance of the bacteria and the too young age of the patient. Conducted in 2 directions.

Medical

• antibiotic therapy with penicillin preparations;
• vaccination;
• local antiseptic preparations ("Fukorcil", "Chlorophyllipt");
• drugs to enhance the body's resistance against staphylococcus aureus (treatment with enzymes, immunomodulators, bacteriophages).

Folk methods

Treatment with traditional medicine is advisable in the form of baths from a string or chamomile. At this age, it is worth limiting to the sterilization of objects with which the monthly child is in contact, and the treatment of rashes on the body and face with brilliant green.

Prevention

To avoid staph in a newborn, try:

• limit contacts in the maternity hospital. If possible, choose an individual room;
• observe hygiene standards in caring for the baby (wash your hands before each contact with the baby's skin) and require this from the medical staff (district doctor, nurse);
• pay attention to the frequency, consistency and color of feces. If there are the slightest changes in the child's bowel movements (diarrhea, sour smell, mucous inclusions), consult a doctor immediately;
• for cracked nipples, be sure to use silicone nozzles to protect a one-month-old baby from possible infection.

Of course, none of the parents want the phrase "staphylococcus aureus in a newborn" to refer specifically to their baby. If this is the case, don't despair. modern medicine successfully diagnoses and treats the infection. But to defeat this insidious disease, you will need a lot of strength and patience.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that produces the strongest toxin and adversely affects the human body. In the body, this bacterium lives in a small amount, without causing harm, but if immunity is weakened, staphylococcus begins to multiply actively and leads to the development of purulent-inflammatory processes. Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous for infants, since babies have unformed immunity and are not able to withstand the aggressive effects of the microorganism.

Against the background of infection with this bacterium, they can develop a variety of pathologies, up to the most severe ones, such as and. And since Staphylococcus aureus is predominantly nosocomial infection, then babies become infected with it immediately after birth - from the mother, contaminated objects or personnel.

Causes of a staph infection

Staphylococcus aureus in newborns appears in several cases. Firstly, if the baby becomes infected from a sick mother or mother carrying the bacteria. In this case, infection can occur in three ways:

• when a woman contacts a child;
• when feeding through breast milk;
• infection can occur directly during the passage of the child through the birth canal of the mother.

Secondly, staphylococcus aureus in a newborn may appear if personal hygiene rules are not observed in a medical institution or at home. For example, if the mother doesn’t wash the baby often enough, washes his hands, etc., because the child constantly pulls something into his mouth, but is everywhere around us, and can easily get on the body and hands.

Also, staphylococcus aureus in newborns often appears due to infection from the medical staff of the maternity hospital. This happens in cases where health workers did not detect this pathogen in a timely manner or they do not carefully treat their hands before performing procedures for caring for a baby in a maternity hospital, which is why staphylococcus aureus from the environment enters the newborn.

By airborne droplets, Staphylococcus aureus can also enter the body of a newborn, but in this case it causes pathologies such as, and staphylococcal etiology. Sometimes newborns become infected with this bacterium through the umbilical wound, again due to insufficient hygiene by the staff of the maternity hospital or the mother herself.

Staphylococcus in a certain amount is determined in the body of each newborn, but not in all it provokes the development dangerous pathologies. Most often they develop in children who have reduced immunity. Predisposing factors for the development of the disease can be:

• prematurity;
• pathological course of pregnancy and delivery;
• hypotrophy of the newborn.

Also, in children who have gone home, it can develop in cases where they are often sick and their immune defenses are impaired. Parents may encounter this pathology in a child suffering.

Symptoms

The signs that Staphylococcus aureus has entered the baby's body are different, because it all depends on immune protection, the aggressiveness of the microbe and the place of its localization. Most often, Staphylococcus aureus affects oral cavity and respiratory tract, and digestive tract- this is due to the main routes of infection into the body of the baby.

If the bacterium has settled in the nose, symptoms such as:

• rhinitis with slight discharge;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss.

The general condition of the newborn is usually not disturbed, the temperature does not rise.

In cases where the microbe enters the oral cavity, staphylococcal develops, or.

The signs of such damage are as follows:

• purulent-necrotic plaque on the palate, tonsils, tongue;
• hyperemia of the pharynx, which does not have a clear localization;
• fever.

Usually, when staphylococcus is detected in a newborn in the pharynx, he has a severe sore throat, but the child cannot complain of pain, so parents can guess that this symptom is present because the baby refuses food, cries (crying intensifies when swallowing).

Despite the fact that the ways of infection with Staphylococcus aureus can be different, the most popular route of infection in newborns is food, so staphylococcus aureus is often found in the feces of infants, which should not normally be there. If staphylococcus in a newborn is determined in the feces, then there is a possibility that he will develop or.

Signs that a microorganism has entered the gastrointestinal tract of a child are as follows:

• vomiting, which is non-stop;
• pallor skin;
• diarrhea up to 6 times a day;
• skin rashes - from boils to pemphigus of newborns.

Also, the symptoms of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract against the background of a staphylococcal infection may be as follows - abdominal pain, dizziness, weakness. But Small child he cannot say about these symptoms, therefore, his behavior indicates their presence - tearfulness, capriciousness, refusal of food, etc. Older children may already complain about certain signs, based on which the doctor may assume the presence of staphylococcal infections.

A very formidable complication of staphylococcus in a newborn can be, in which the microbe spreads through the blood throughout the body. Sepsis often causes death, which is why it is so important to start treatment of the pathology in a timely manner.

Diagnosis and treatment

Staphylococcus aureus is found in feces or in smears from the nasopharynx of the baby. Also, when making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account the complaints of the child's parents and his general well-being. Treatment must be carried out in a hospital setting, and the baby and his mother must be placed in separate boxes, since this infection is contagious to other hospital patients.

Usually, treatment includes antibacterial drugs, which are prescribed in combination (several at once) to prevent the development of resistance in bacteria to them. It is advisable, before starting treatment, to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics - then it will be more effective. Treatment also involves the use of antistaphylococcal drugs and detoxification therapy. At the same time, treatment should be aimed at increasing the immunity of the child, for which the baby is prescribed vitamin complexes.

If Staphylococcus aureus is found in the intestine little patient, you need to include probiotic preparations in the treatment, for example, Bifidumbacterin.

Unfortunately, staphylococcus is difficult to treat, so treatment can be lengthy, and its results are evaluated by repeated culture or fecal analysis.

Is everything correct in the article from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have proven medical knowledge

Diseases with similar symptoms:

Inflammation of the lungs (officially pneumonia) is an inflammatory process in one or both respiratory organs, which is usually infectious in nature and is caused various viruses, bacteria and fungi. In ancient times, this disease was considered one of the most dangerous, and although modern facilities treatment allows you to quickly and without consequences get rid of the infection, the disease has not lost its relevance. According to official figures, in our country every year about a million people suffer from pneumonia in one form or another.

Staphylococcus aureus in children, including newborns and infants, is of particular concern to physicians. Staphylococcal infection has been one of the most important public health problems for many years.

Staphylococcus ( Staphylococcus aureus) affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue, mucous membranes and internal organs. Imperfection affects the development of the child immune system children younger age, widespread use of antibiotics with subsequent development of dysbacteriosis, weakening of the immune system. Of the 27 strains of staphylococci, only 3 strains pose the greatest danger to humans. The greatest danger to the child is Staphylococcus aureus.

Rice. 1. Pathogenic staphylococcus secretes many substances that allow this type of microbes to survive in the child's body and damage its organs and tissues.

Epidemiology

Patients and carriers of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus spread the infection. The most dangerous are open purulent foci, pneumonia and intestinal disorders of a staphylococcal nature in patients from the environment of the child. Sick children during the height of the disease are also a source of pathogenic strains of staphylococcus aureus. Healthy carriers working in medical institutions, maternity hospitals and catering departments are the most dangerous distributors of infection.

• Staphylococcus in newborns and infants manifests itself in the form of vesiculopustulosis, multiple abscesses, epidemic pemphigus newborns and exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease).
• Staphylococcus in older children manifests itself in the form of folliculitis, pyoderma, boils, carbuncles, hydradenitis and phlegmon.
• With the defeat of the mucous membranes, staphylococcal infection in children manifests itself in the form of rhinitis, stomatitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and conjunctivitis.
• When internal organs are infected with staphylococci, the infection manifests itself in the form of pneumonia, gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, osteomyelitis, etc.

How is staphylococcal infection transmitted to children?

• Staphylococci are transmitted to newborns from the mother in the prenatal period, when passing through an infected birth canal during childbirth, and during the neonatal period.
• Staphylococci are transmitted to newborns and children in the first months of life by contact through the hands of doctors, mothers, care items and underwear.
• Children of the first year of life become infected through infected milk of a mother suffering from mastitis and milk mixtures contaminated with bacteria.
• Older children often become infected by eating contaminated foods. Staphylococcus toxins do not change the smell, taste or appearance of foods.
• The airborne route of infection is realized only in the immediate vicinity of the source of infection and, as a result, the colonization of staphylococci in the nasal cavity and oropharynx.

Rice. 2. In the photo, nipple cracks in a nursing mother are a source of infection with Staphylococcus aureus in infants.

Rice. 3. In the photo, mastitis in a nursing mother is a source of infection with Staphylococcus aureus in infants.

Causes of susceptibility of newborns and infants to staph infection

• Weak antibacterial immunity. In newborns, secretory immunoglobulin A, which protects babies from bacterial infections, is not produced, and the bactericidal properties of saliva are extremely weak.
• Mucous membranes and skin in newborns and infants have increased vulnerability.
• Contribute to the development of staphylococcal infections exudative diathesis, malnutrition, artificial feeding, long-term use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs.

Rice. 4. Hypotrophy is one of the factors in the development of staphylococcal infection in children.

Symptoms of staph infection in children

Skin lesions with staphylococcal infection in newborns and infants

Most often, staphylococcal infection in children affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue (staphyloderma). The disease develops rapidly, inflammatory foci are prone to suppuration.

The spread of staphylococcal infection in newborns and infants is associated with the structural features of their skin.

• Keratinocytes of the basal layer are not yet firmly connected to each other and to the basement membrane.
• In newborns, the pH of the skin is neutral, that is, more favorable for the spread of infection.
• The presence in newborns and infants of a huge number of sweat glands (12 times more than in adults), which provide increased sweating.
• Contributes to the development of staphylococcal infection structural features of the sweat glands in children whose excretory ducts are dilated and straight.

Vesiculopustulosis in newborns and infants

Staphylococcus aureus in children (newborns and infants). Prickly heat and vesiculopustulosis are closely related conditions of the same inflammatory process with localization in the sweat glands. Sweating is a physiological condition. Its trigger is increased function sweat glands, which is observed from the end of the first month of life to 1.5 - 2 years of a child's life. Small, reddish papules that most commonly appear on the scalp, chest, neck, and back are enlarged orifices of eccrine sweat gland ducts.

With purulent inflammation of the mouths of the sweat glands against the background of prickly heat, vesiculopustulosis develops. Pustules the size of a millet grain are filled with milky and surrounded by a halo of hyperemia. With the spread of infection in the depth of the glands develop multiple abscesses.

Rice. 5. In the photo, prickly heat in infants. Its trigger is the increased function of the sweat glands.

Rice. 6. In the photo, vesiculopustulosis is one of the symptoms of a staphylococcal infection in infants.

Multiple abscesses in children (Finger's pseudofurunculosis)

The disease may occur primarily or be a continuation of vesiculopustulosis. The disease is characterized by involvement in the excretory ducts of sweat glands and even the entire glomerulus of glands. Nodules and larger (1-2 cm) nodes appear on the scalp, buttocks, back and inner thighs, the skin over which acquires a bluish-red color and becomes thinner. After opening the infiltrates, thick pus is released. Healing occurs with a scar. Hypotrophy, rickets, excessive sweating, anemia and hypovitaminosis are risk factors for the disease.

Rice. 7. In the photo, Staphylococcus aureus in newborns - multiple abscesses in children (Finger's pseudofurunculosis).

Epidemic pemphigus of the newborn

Epidemic pemphigus of the newborn occurs in the first week of a child's life and is a superficial widespread purulent lesion of the skin. Pemphigus of the newborn is a highly contagious disease.

The source of pyogenic microbes (staphylococci and streptococci) are the birth canal and purulent infection in the mother, infection in attendants and children, care items, diapers and ambient air. The disease proceeds in waves, every 7-10 days new rashes are noted, which is accompanied by dyspepsia and vomiting in a child.

The disease goes through several stages of development. Initially, red spots appear, in place of which bubbles filled with a clear liquid soon form. Further, the liquid becomes purulent, the bubbles burst. In place of the bubbles, crusts form. Healing occurs without scarring. The larger the affected area, the more severe the disease. At severe course disease vesicles appear on the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

Rice. 8. In the photo, Staphylococcus aureus in newborns is pemphigus of the newborn.

Exfoliative dermatitis (Ritter's disease)

Exfoliative dermatitis of the newborn is a malignant form of pemphigus. Premature babies are at risk. The disease is severe and prolonged, accompanied by high fever and symptoms of intoxication. The disease is especially severe in very young children. They have extensive lesions. In children 2-3 years old, the disease proceeds more favorably.

Rice. 9. Staphylococcus in newborns can cause exfoliative dermatitis in newborns. On vast areas of hyperemic skin, large blisters are formed, filled with serous fluid. When they are opened, extensive areas of skin damage are exposed. The exfoliating epidermis looks like a white fringe.

Phlegmon of newborns

Staphylococcus can cause phlegmon in newborns. Promotes the penetration of staphylococci into the subcutaneous fat layer of pyoderma. Phlegmon develops on the 5th - 8th day of the disease with a high (up to 39 °) body temperature. Most often, phlegmon appears on the back in the lumbar region and sacrum. Initially, a red spot appears, the size of which quickly increases. Growing symptoms of intoxication. A seal is felt under the red spot, in the center of which a fluctuation quickly appears. When the abscess is opened, pus is released. Healing is slow. In an unfavorable course, the disease is complicated by the development of sepsis.

Mastitis in newborns

Staphylococcus through damaged areas of the skin or ducts of the mammary gland can penetrate into the tissues of the organ and infect them. In this case, the inflamed mammary gland increases in size and becomes sharply painful on palpation. Fluctuation appears over time. Timely and adequate treatment leads to recovery. Otherwise, phlegmon develops.

Rice. 10. Staphylococcus in a newborn can cause mastitis.

Skin lesions in staphylococcal infections in older children

Rice. 11. In the photo, pyoderma in children. When infected with Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus, red spots first appear on the skin. Further, bubbles with purulent contents appear in their place, which quickly burst. In place of the bubbles, scabs appear, along appearance reminiscent of "honey crusts".

Rice. 12. In the photo, pyoderma in older children. Infection of superficial skin with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus aureus.

Rice. 13. Barley on the eye is characterized by the development of the inflammatory process of the roots of the eyelashes or sebaceous glands. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause diseases.

Rice. 14. In the photo, a boil is one of the symptoms of a staphylococcal infection in children. With boils, the hair follicle is affected and a massive infiltrate develops.

Rice. 15. In the photo, an abscess (accumulation of pus in soft tissues) is a symptom of an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Rice. 16. In the photo, the phlegmon of the eye socket in a child. Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of the disease. The disease develops as a result of the spread of microbes from the skin lesions into the fiber and connective tissue.

Mucosal lesions in staphylococcal infections

Rice. 17. Staphylococcus in the mouth. Aphthous stomatitis is one of its manifestations.

Rice. 18. Staphylococcus aureus in the mouth in children often causes abscesses and odontogenic periostitis. The entry gate for infection is diseased teeth.

Rice. 19. Staphylococcus aureus in the mouth of children can cause pharyngitis, inflammation of the tonsils (picture on the left) and the development of paratonsillar abscesses (picture on the right).

Rice. 20. Staphylococcus aureus in children is often the cause of conjunctivitis.

Rice. 21. Staphylococcus aureus in the mouth of children can cause laryngitis. Laryngitis most often develops in children under 3 years of age against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection.

Rice. 22. Staphylococcus in children can cause middle ear disease and labyrinthitis.

The defeat of the internal organs of staphylococcal nature in children

Rice. 23. In the photo, pneumonia in children. Staphylococcal pneumonia more common in young children. The trigger is an acute respiratory viral infection. Infection in the lung tissue penetrates from the foci of staphylococcal infection. The disease is severe and often ends in death.

Staphylococcal lesions of the stomach and intestines in children

Food poisoning

Staphylococcus in infants can cause development. Staphylococci enter the gastrointestinal tract of a child with food.

Bacterial enterotoxins cause inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Liquid watery stools with mucus, pain in the epigastric region and along the large intestine of a spasmodic nature, nausea and vomiting varying degrees expressions are basic. Fever and intoxication syndrome develop in response to the introduction of staphylococci and the impact of their toxins on the human body. Sudden onset and short duration of illness distinguishing feature food poisoning. In cases of long-term consumption of food products containing microbes, food poisoning may also develop into a chronic disease.

Staphylococci can enter the baby's gastrointestinal tract through germ-infected toys, hands medical staff, care items, etc. In this case, few microbes enter the child's body, as a result of which the disease develops slowly. Symptoms of intoxication and intestinal damage depend on the amount of enterotoxins entering the blood, the rate of microbial reproduction and the state of the child's immunity.

food poisoning

Toxicosis is called food poisoning that occurs when eating foods contaminated with toxins of certain groups of microbes. Staphylococcal toxicosis is more common in older children and somewhat less common in children of the first year of life. The disease begins 2 to 5 hours after eating contaminated food. vomiting and sharp pains in the epigastric region features toxicosis. Diarrhea and fever are often absent.

In severe toxicosis, diarrhea and vomiting appear, intoxication phenomena increase, blood appears in the feces. Dehydration quickly sets in, acidosis develops. In infants, the disease can be fatal.

Secondary enteritis and enterocolitis

Staphylococcus in children of the first year of life can cause the development of secondary enteritis and enterocolitis, when microbes enter the intestines from the lungs, kidneys and other organs where the foci of infection are localized. The disease progresses in waves. Loose stools, fever, refusal to eat are the main symptoms of the disease.

Rice. 24. Staphylococcus in children is often the cause of food poisoning.

Staphylococcal sepsis

Staphylococcus in newborns can cause the development of staphylococcal sepsis (infection of the body with bacteria that have entered the bloodstream). Bacteria can enter the body of a newborn through the umbilical wound, skin, lungs, tonsils, etc. The disease can be acute, with high body temperature, chills, severe intoxication and rashes on the skin. Purulent foci appear in the internal organs. The child develops anemia, weight loss is noted. However, more often in newborns, a subacute and sluggish course of sepsis is noted. Their disease is often manifested by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Prolonged intoxication, elevated body temperature, the presence of purulent foci, an increase in anemia, and weak weight gain are the main diagnostic signs of sepsis in newborns. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of pathogens in the blood and material from purulent foci.

Rice. 25. Bacteria can enter the body of a newborn through the umbilical wound.

Diagnosis of a staphylococcal infection

• Diagnosis of an infectious disease is based on the detection of the pathogen or its toxins. To confirm the diagnosis of a staphylococcal disease, use bacteriological methods research - bacterioscopy and sowing of biological material. The material for crops can be scrapings from the affected areas of the skin, blood, urine, exudate, feces. At food poisoning the isolation of the pathogen is made from the alleged products of poisoning.
• An increase in antibody titer during RA with an autostrain and a museum strain of staphylococcus undoubtedly indicates the staphylococcal nature of the disease.
• An increase in the titer of antistaphylolysin and antitoxin during the reaction of toxin neutralization with antitoxin also indicates the staphylococcal nature of the disease.
• Currently, methods such as PCR, ELISA and RLA are widely used.

Rice. 26. In the photo, Staphylococcus aureus under a microscope.

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

• 1. Weakened immunity

The most common cause of staphylococcal infections in children is a weakened immune system. If a child is strong, healthy, hardened, rarely succumbs to colds, it is unlikely that pathogenic microorganisms can break him. Moreover, tests sometimes show the presence of bacteria in the body, but there are no manifestations: a strong immune system itself will successfully fight them. But a weakened child can go to the hospital. However, even here at timely treatment and the modern level of medicine dangerous consequences can be avoided.

• 2. Violation of hygiene rules

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

• 3. Infection from the outside

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

Carriers of pathogenic microorganisms can be catering workers (then infection is possible through food) or medical staff if the child, for example, was in the hospital, where he was given injections and procedures. Insects are also carriers of the disease, so it is so important to treat with brilliant green or soda solution their bite sites.

As soon as infection occurs, it is desirable to recognize enemy microorganisms in a timely manner. Whether probably it without analyses?

Symptoms and signs of staphylococcus in children

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

The fact is that different types of staphylococci affect different systems and organs, masquerading as quite ordinary, even familiar to many diseases. Their signs will be the primary symptoms that make you seek help from the hospital. For any type of infection, the following manifestations are characteristic:

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

• epidermal causes most often skin lesions: various kinds of dermatitis, blepharitis, boils, folliculitis, eczema, acne, conjunctivitis (in this case, staphylococcus spreads on the skin, on the face and even in the eyes);
• hemolytic settles on the mucous membranes of the child, so the signs of such an infection will resemble the symptoms of a sore throat or a cold - cough, runny nose, sore throat and sore throat (an analysis for bacterial culture is a scraping with a special tool in the nose and mouth of the child);
• saprophytic in children is found not so often, but still it should not be overlooked: it affects the genitourinary system, so children often complain of pain in the lower abdomen, painful and frequent urination, as with cystitis (laboratory studies suggest the detection of infection in the urine);
• Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous in this chain, since it is able to penetrate into any organ and start an inflammatory, purulent reaction there, which is difficult to treat, is a serious health hazard;
• very often in children there is an upset stomach, which leads to enterocolitis, dysbacteriosis, etc. (tests should reveal the presence of staphylococci in the feces, which will indicate the penetration of the infection into the intestines).

Parents in this case can only catch themselves in time, consult a doctor, without self-medicating and not hoping that this common cold. Behind the usual runny nose, a staphylococcal infection can be hidden, which can only be detected with the help of laboratory tests, according to the results of which the doctor prescribes treatment.

Treatment of childhood staph infection

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

1. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure the sterility of everything that surrounds a small patient, eliminating dirt, which can serve as a dangerous peddler and a beneficial environment for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms. Explain to children the importance of good hygiene.
2. Secondly, the task of anti-staphylococcal treatment is to increase the patient's immunity so that he can cope with the infection himself. Therefore, various immunostimulating drugs are prescribed. For example, there is vaccination. Staphylococcus vaccine is not included mandatory calendar childhood vaccinations, but doctors at the risk of infection sometimes advise it to be done in advance, when the microorganisms have not yet been activated.
3. Thirdly, those drugs are prescribed that are effective in combating diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus.
4. Fourthly, doctors advise children to follow a certain diet with staphylococcus aureus, as this is an infectious disease. As a result, the functions of organs change, energy, water-salt and protein metabolism is disturbed, the level of vitamins decreases. Therefore, the diet of a sick child should include easily digestible meals (rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins), provide him with frequent meals, but in small portions and a sufficient amount of drink (tea with milk or lemon, table mineral water, fruit drinks, rosehip broth, juices, jelly, compotes, low-fat sour-milk drinks).

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

What is dangerous staphylococcus aureus

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

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

There are a number of conclusions about the harm washing cosmetics. Unfortunately, not all new mothers listen to them. 97% of shampoos use the hazardous substance Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or its equivalents. Many articles have been written about the impact of this chemistry on the health of both children and adults. At the request of our readers, we tested the most popular brands.

The results were disappointing - the most advertised companies showed the presence of those very dangerous components in the composition. In order not to violate the legal rights of manufacturers, we cannot name specific brands. Mulsan Cosmetic, the only company that passed all the tests, successfully received 10 points out of 10 (read). Each product is made from natural ingredients completely safe and hypoallergenic.

If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date, it should not exceed 10 months. Approach carefully to the choice of cosmetics, it is important for you and your child.

Staphylococcus aureus is a species of bacteria that belongs to the Staphylococcaceae family. The bacterium got its name due to the spherical shape of the cells, which are arranged relative to each other in the form of clusters (Greek kokkas - “grain”). These microorganisms are capable of producing pathogenic substances (enzymes and toxins) that disrupt the vital activity of cells in the body.

Types of staphylococcus

The diagnosis of staphylococcal infection in children (including newborns and infants) is familiar to many parents firsthand, as it is in first place among infectious diseases. These include diseases respiratory tract, skin infections, disorders digestive processes in the intestines, inflammation bone tissue And various bodies human body. Bacteria are found in feces, blood, on the surface of damaged areas of the skin. Treatment of such consequences occurs in several stages and requires high professionalism of the attending physician.

However, not all types of this microbe have harmful effect. For example, staphylococcus in a child's throat is not terrible if the baby is healthy and has strong immunity (even if the norm of bacteria is slightly exceeded). Most dangerous is Staphylococcus aureus in infants in the active phase, the treatment of which requires immediate hospitalization.

Types of staphylococcus:

1. Saprophytic staphylococcus. This type rarely occurs in children, as it often affects the genitourinary system (skin and mucous membranes). It is considered less dangerous to humans. If the treatment is chosen correctly, then it is realistic to get rid of the microbe in a few days.
2. Epidermal staphylococcus. The name speaks for itself. This species is found on all areas of the skin and mucous membranes (in the nose, eyes, mouth or internal pharynx). Most often it affects children who have undergone surgery, as well as premature and debilitated babies. organism healthy child it is not dangerous, even the presence of epidermal staphylococcus aureus in a newborn is considered the norm, if at the same time the baby feels well. When the skin is affected, topical treatment is often prescribed.
3. Staphylococcus aureus. Perhaps the most dangerous and insidious of known microorganisms. It got its name because of the orange or yellow color of the colony. Many people mistakenly believe that Staphylococcus aureus lives only in the intestines. In a laboratory study, it can be found in feces, mucous membranes (even in the mouth), on the surface of the skin. If the child is not worried about anything, treatment is not prescribed, since the baby's body itself successfully copes with these bacteria.

Treatment of the infection is a very difficult process, since Staphylococcus aureus is very resistant to exposure and is quickly transmitted:

1. Staphylococcus aureus can withstand about 10 minutes. at +800;
2. treatment with most antibiotics and antiseptics often does not work, since Staphylococcus aureus easily adapts to them;
3. active when dried up to 6 months 12 hours when exposed to direct sunlight;
4. Staphylococcus aureus is not afraid of sodium chloride, ethyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.

Symptoms of infection

The symptoms and signs of a staph infection depend on many factors, such as:

• the age of the child;
• habitat of bacteria (food, dust);
• the health and general condition of the baby (immune system, the presence of other diseases);
• type of staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus in infants more often than others contributes to a violent reaction of the immune system).

Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis. Parents can only carefully monitor the condition of the child and inform the health worker about certain reactions of the baby.

There are two forms of staphylococcal infection: early and late. At early form The characteristic symptoms of infection appear within a few hours after the bacterium enters the body. The late form may appear in 3-5 days.

The main symptoms and signs of staphylococcal infection in children:

1. Various skin rashes - boils (mainly in the nose), pustules, rash, stomatitis (in the mouth). It is worth consulting a doctor if unusual spots or pustules appear on the skin of a child. Conjunctivitis (bacteria on the mucous membrane, in the eyes) is also often observed in infected children. If run staphylococcal infection, there is a danger of damage to internal organs and, even worse, sepsis.
2. Deterioration of the general condition of the child - high temperature (from 38.80 and above), lethargy, apathy.
3. Violation of the digestive processes in the stomach and intestines - vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.

Diagnostics

Parents will not be able to independently determine which infection has entered the child's body. To do this, you need to conduct a laboratory study.

1. Bacteriological culture. This type of study checks for the presence of bacteria in the blood, pus, mucous membranes (usually in the nose), in feces and on the surface of the skin. The material for analysis is taken in the acute period of infection, since at this moment the bacteria are especially active, they are easier to detect and recognize. After that, the degree of impact of antibiotics on the detected bacteria is examined in order to prescribe an effective treatment. Staphylococcus aureus in children does not always appear the first time in a routine blood test, so the bacteriological seeding method is considered the most effective.
2. Serological blood test. The blood serum is examined for the presence of antibodies to the infectious agent.
3. PCR method (polymerase chain reaction). Allows you to detect even a single molecule of bacterial DNA. Applied as an additional study.
4. Mother's breast milk examination. Often performed on detection (more than allowable rate) in the baby's stool, as the bacterium is easily passed from the mother. The expressed milk is tested for the presence of the infectious agent. The main thing for such a study is sterility. If staphylococcus bacteria is found in milk, it is very rarely canceled breast-feeding As a rule, specialists select the appropriate treatment.

In each laboratory there is a norm for the content of bacteria in the analysis, that is, the presence of a small amount of staphylococcus in the body does not indicate an infection, especially if there are no symptoms. These bacteria do not need to be treated.

Treatment of staph infection

It is up to medical professionals to treat infections, only they can prescribe specific recommendations and drugs, having examined the overall picture of the infection. It is enough for parents to know modern methods of treatment, in case there are doubts about the prescribed measures, since doctors often play it safe.

Ways to treat a staphylococcal infection:

1. local treatment. It involves processing by special means wounds, pustules and other rashes on the body, in the nose and other areas. The most insidious Staphylococcus aureus is very sensitive to a solution of brilliant green, in other words, it is an ordinary brilliant green. More often, several agents are used (70% alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Vishnevsky ointment).
2. Treatment with antibacterial drugs. It is not always appropriate to treat Staphylococcus aureus with antibiotics, especially if it is found only in the baby's stool. To begin with, it is worth conducting a bacteriological study.
3. Washing the affected areas and rinsing. They are used both in the form of adjunctive therapy and for treatment. simple forms staphylococcus in the nose, mouth and internal pharynx.
4. Taking vitamins and minerals to improve metabolism.
5. Immunoglobulins. Such medicines are prescribed to restore the protective functions of the body.
6. Transfusion of blood and plasma. It is used in case of severe infection.
7. Surgical intervention.

Infection prevention

Preventing an infection is easier than treating it. Prevention of staphylococcal infection in children is directly related to the state of the body's defense mechanisms. healthy child staphylococcus is not dangerous, it can easily cope with it, so the main task of parents is to prevent factors that negatively affect the baby's body.

These include:

• malnutrition (sweets, unhealthy fats, smoked meats, sausages, fast food);
• sedentary lifestyle (rare walks, passion for computer games);
• violation of the rules of personal hygiene;
• stressful situations (problems in the family, in kindergarten or nervousness of parents);
• unfavorable environment (the presence of a large amount of electrical equipment in the house, polluted air).

Staphylococcus is easily transmitted, but with a sufficiently strong immunity, it is not terrible. A small amount of bacteria is the norm for a person, so it is better to take care of improving health, since at the slightest weakening they are ready to attack the body of both an adult and a child.

Staphylococcus is a fairly common bacterium in children, but infection with some types of strains has a fairly powerful course. About 27 strains of staphylococcus bacteria are known to medicine, but only 4 of them have a real danger to a person of any age. Don't panic right away. You should consult a doctor and determine what type of staphylococcus the baby is infected with.

Staphylococcus: general provisions

Staphylococcus aureus

By staphylococcus it is customary to mean a microorganism from the Staphylococcaceae family (from the Greek “grain”). The bacterium is named staphylococcal due to the shape of the cell structure, which are born in the form of a ball. They are compactly arranged with each other like a vine. The danger of microorganisms lies in the ability to produce and secrete pathogenic organic components (toxic elements and enzyme compounds) that disrupt the healthy functioning of the whole organism. It is easiest for children to get sick with a pathogenic infection. It is they who often have a reduced immune response to aggressive factors from the outside.

Frequent cases of “neighborhood” of staphylococcus infection with salmonella or Escherichia coli against the background of severe dysbacteriosis. The main cause of bacterial infection in children is a decrease in the protective function of the immune system.

The form of infection can be different (temporary or permanent). Carriers of staphylococcus bacteria can appear to be both sick and healthy people. The course of the disease takes place in varying degrees of severity, due to the differing classification of the pathogen itself.

Due to the production of toxic enzymes, staphylococcus aureus can cause sepsis, meningitis, various abscesses, inflammatory processes of soft and hard purulent nature, pneumonia.

Infected newborns are most often exposed to extensive sepsis, which is explained by the maximum generalization and progression of the inflammatory process. Staphylococcal infection penetrates and develops not only in the cavitary part of the intestine, but also in hard tissues(bones, cartilages), on the skin, in the oral and nasal cavities, in the respiratory tract along the descending and ascending lines.

Strains of staphylococci show incredible resistance to the effects of the most advanced antibiotics, so there is a risk of the child developing an inflammatory process with the formation of internal and external foci of abscess. It is important to identify the disease in time, determine the type of pathogen and begin immediate adequate therapy.

Types of staphylococcus and stages of development during infection

Children are most commonly affected

Staphylococcus in children, including the earliest age, occurs quite often, therefore it occupies a leading position among all diseases of an infectious nature. Diseases of a bacterial nature can cover entire groups of organs and systems of the body:

• respiratory tract (lower, upper)
• gastrointestinal dysfunction (complete, partial)
• inflammation of hard and soft tissues
• infection of the urinary system

Bacteria are found in bacteriological examination feces, expanded biochemical analysis blood, with scrapings of the surface of damaged skin. Medical tactics have a multi-stage approach to the problem, and the duration of recovery is proportional to the neglect of the situation and the type of staphylococcal strain.

Saprophytic staphylococcus aureus

This type of infection is rarely diagnosed in children and is considered the least dangerous disease. The main lesions are the urinary system, including the skin and mucous tissues. When timely and adequate treatment is prescribed, then getting rid of the disease can occur in a couple of days.

epidermal type of staphylococcus

The infection can affect the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. It is found in the eyes, in the nose, in the internal pharynx. Children in the postnatal period, in a state of prematurity, with reduced immunity are prone to the disease. The presence of epidermal-type staphylococcus in medicine is considered the norm and does not pose a serious danger to a healthy child. If the child's well-being does not suffer, then only local therapy is prescribed.

Staphylococcus aureus

Diagnosis of staphylococcus

Represents a serious danger to human life and health. It is especially difficult to tolerate in childhood. There is an erroneous opinion about the existence of Staphylococcus aureus only in the intestinal cavity. With more thorough laboratory studies, it is found in the mouth, on the skin, in stool tests. When, against the background of the course of staphylococcus, the child's well-being remains unchanged, then it is not advisable to prescribe treatment, the body fights harmful microorganisms on its own.

Treatment of a bacterial infection is a long and difficult undertaking. This is due to the high resistance of pathogenic microorganisms:

• bacteria can withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees for about 15 minutes
• staphylococcus is not amenable to treatment with most of the strongest medicines
• when dried, it remains viable for up to six months
  resistant to hydrogen solution and even sodium chloride

It should be noted that not all types of staphylococcus adversely affect the human body and cause pathogenic changes in it. If a child has a stable and high immune response, then his well-being can remain unchanged even with the slightest excess of the bacteria content. When infected with Staphylococcus aureus, babies of an early age or the neonatal period should immediately seek medical attention. medical care followed by hospitalization.

Symptomatic complex and features of the manifestation of infection

Staphylococcus bacteria, depending on the type and location of infectious foci, has different Clinical signs. Share common local and general external manifestations infection, and each of them can be expressed in a certain intensity.

Local symptoms of staphylococcus development

1. Skin rashes in the form of abscesses (boils, abscesses). Often diagnosed in children in the nose and throat. A serious manifestation of the disease is evidenced by the appearance of large spots, carbuncles and other skin formations.
2. Organic mucus interspersed with pus (phlegm, snot). The presence of symptoms indicates damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract in a descending and ascending line.

General signs of the development of staphylococcus aureus in children

1. Problems associated with severe intoxication. Severe headaches, high temperature, including slender about 37.3 degrees. The child may experience hyperemia or excessive pallor of the skin. The result of severe intoxication in children is almost always profuse vomiting and a feeling of constant nausea.
2. Gastrointestinal dysfunction, expressed in liquefaction of the stool, an increase in the volume of the abdomen, the accumulation of intestinal gases and other manifestations.
3. Allergic reaction to products of oxidative and excretory enzymes as a result of vital activity.

Signs of staph infection in children in the nose and mouth

Local antibiotic therapy

These anatomical zones most often become the site of localization of the staphylococcal environment. This is due to the peculiarity of the penetration of bacteria, because children carry all the pathogenic microflora into their mouths. The cause of infection can be typical non-compliance with hygiene standards or poorly processed vegetables and fruits. The vital activity of toxic flora in the nose provokes the occurrence of sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses).

Infection, to a greater extent, manifests itself in a state of acute catarrhal tonsillitis, ulcerative stomatitis, tonsillitis for any type of course:

• severe sore throat
• swelling of the tonsils, redness of the tonsils
• rashes in the mouth in the form of whitish sores (severe stomatitis)
• difficulty breathing (mucosal swelling)
• secretion of organic fluid with impurities of blood or pus
• malaise and general signs of intoxication

Staphylococcal bacteria in the intestine

If the infection began to multiply rapidly in the intestinal cavity or on its walls, then a powerful reaction from the gastrointestinal tract will inevitably follow in the form of an acute form of colitis, followed by development into enterocolitis. The main symptoms of intestinal damage:

• pain in the epigastric zone of unclear localization
• the nature of the pain is intense, wandering or bursting
• strong feeling of heaviness increased gas formation, swelling
• stool contains bloody or purulent inclusions
• the occurrence of false urges to empty the bowels, loose stools or constipation
• nausea, vomiting, general loss of strength, possible fever

The manifestation of the pathogenic microflora of the staphylococcal group is very diverse and requires careful medical analysis. Children can carry even serious forms of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, but only if they have strong immune defenses. With any manifestations of the first symptoms and signs of its complications, you should immediately seek help from specialized specialists.

Diagnostic measures and methods of treatment

Prevention is the best way to keep yourself safe

To identify the pathogen and make a correct diagnosis, a number of laboratory tests are prescribed to study biological material (blood, feces, urine, scrapings from the surface of wounds). At the time of detection of staphylococcus, mother's milk is examined (with breastfeeding). If the tests give a positive result, then the mother continues to feed with milk against the background of a special therapeutic treatment. This approach allows the child to recover as well.

If the baby has conjunctivitis, then purulent material is taken from the mucous membrane of the eye. Do the same with skin rashes. If the infection affects the mucous cavities of the nose and mouth, then scrapings from the throat and nose of the child are taken right in the walls of the laboratory immediately. This improves the quality of studies and the validity of the data.

Staphylococcus is treated only with antibiotics. After diagnosing diseases and identifying the disease, the doctor selects a group of drugs that can have a positive effect on improving the child's condition. Then a course of rehabilitation therapy is carried out and recovery occurs.

The duration of the disease depends on the form of staphylococcus aureus. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus can lead to severe sepsis and require surgical intervention. The key to successful treatment is exact setting diagnosis on the basis of the clinical picture and an adequate selection of a medical course of antibiotics.

Preventive actions:

• after a successful birth, it is important to leave the hospital as soon as possible
• significantly limit the contact of newborn babies with other people
• compliance with the rules basic hygiene mother and child

Staphylococcaceae has many strains, but only a few of them can cause serious harm to a child's health. It is important for parents to monitor the child's lifestyle and prevent infection by all possible ways. At the first signs of infection, one should not self-medicate, since the diagnosis of the disease is carried out only by a laboratory method.

Noticed an error? Select it and press Ctrl+Enter to let us know.

Jun 9, 2016Violetta Lekar

Staphylococcus aureus most often affects young children with weakened immune systems or other associated infections. Often staphylococcus, salmonella and E. coli are found in babies with dysbacteriosis. Thus, it is violations of local immunity that are 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 become ill with a purulent-septic disease.

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

The idea that the microorganism affects only the intestines is erroneous. The objects affected by staphylococcal infection are extremely variable: 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:

Epidermal staphylococcus. Among the varieties of staphylococci, epidermal has an average infectious potential. It occurs on the skin and mucous membranes, but with normal operation carrier immunity does not manifest itself in any way. Signs of bacterial damage appear only if the carrier's immunity is weakened: after suffering surgical intervention, 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 is in a latent state. Of all the varieties of these microorganisms, the most aggressive.

• Causes of staphylococcus in children
• Diagnosis of castaphylococcus aureus in children
• Treatment of staphylococcus in children

Signs and symptoms of staph in children

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

Staphylococcal pneumonia can occur after a child is 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 pneumonia, causes a violation respiratory system and blood circulation. A sick child is restless, tosses about in bed, may moan and scream. Chills, sweating, dry cough and puffiness of the face are also characteristic symptoms.

Staphylococcal enterocolitis is 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 transferred acute respiratory diseases, taking antibiotics, artificial feeding and violations of the intestinal biocenosis.

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

Saprophytic staphylococcus. For saprophytic staphylococcus a lesion of the genitourinary system is characteristic.

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

   Possible development of colpitis (in women);

   Burning and pain when urinating;

   Pain in the region of the kidneys.

   General signs of intoxication (rare).

Epidermal staphylococcus makes itself felt one main feature: pain in the area of ​​organs, and on late stages- functional disorders of their work.

Staphylococcus aureus is characterized by the development of purulent-necrotic foci at the site of the lesion. Often it is he who causes the formation of boils, catarrhal tonsillitis, etc.

General and local symptoms of staphylococcus in children

By systematizing the symptoms, it is possible to generalize all manifestations into two large groups: general and local.

Local manifestations:

Eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes. Furuncles ("abscesses"), carbuncles, etc. In children, they are especially often localized on the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The development of spots, large boils speaks of the severe course of the process.

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

General manifestations:

Symptoms of intoxication. Headache, fever up to 37.6-38.1 degrees Celsius, flushing or, conversely, pallor of the skin, nausea and vomiting (especially common in children).

Gastrointestinal disorders. Diarrhea, bloating, excessive production of intestinal gases, etc.

In allergic-minded children, immune reactions to toxins and enzymes that staphylococcus secretes in the course of its life are also possible.

Risk factors

The intensity and nature of manifestations depend on many factors:

Age. Symptoms depend on the age of the child. Babies get staph infections more often and the symptoms are more severe.

Habitat and medium of penetration of the microorganism. The way it enters the body determines the object of damage. If staphylococcus enters the body with dust particles, lesions of the upper or lower respiratory tract will appear. If with food, the throat or intestines will suffer.

The health status of the carrier child. There is a direct relationship between the severity of the disease, the brightness of manifestations and the weakening of the immune system. It is indicated in a quite obvious way: the more weakened the immune system, the brighter the manifestations and the more severe the course of a staphylococcal infection.

A type of microorganism. The most severe lesions are Staphylococcus aureus.

A type of microorganism (the most aggressive and dangerous is Staphylococcus aureus, it is he who in 90% of cases causes infectious diseases in children).

Causes of staphylococcus in children

There are several reasons for the development of a staph infection in children:

Premature birth of a child. Premature babies are especially affected. The reason lies in the insufficient development of the immunity of the child in the womb. No less susceptible to staphylococcal infection are children born with caesarean section. Immune problems and infection can make themselves felt later in life;

Violations of the rules for the care of newborn children;

Failure to comply with hygiene rules. Staph infection, a kind of dirty hand disease. Since the microorganism is extremely resistant to all adverse effects, it is widespread and can be found without leaving home. Failure to comply with basic hygiene rules (including the use of dirty fruits and vegetables, etc.) leads to rapid infection. The problem concerns older children (1 year and older), as well as parents of newborns.

Pathological processes during gestation and lactation. The mother may be infected with staphylococcus aureus without being aware of it. A pathogenic microorganism can penetrate with milk for a number of other reasons. So, infection can occur even during the period of gestation.

Lack of weight. Lack of body weight leads to a weakening of the immune system.

Found a mistake in the text? Select it and a few more words, press Ctrl + Enter

Staphylococcus in a child in the throat, in the intestines, in the nose

Throat, intestines and nose - "favorite" objects staphylococcal lesions. The reason for this is the method of penetration. Most often, pathogenic flora enters the body mechanically (children often neglect the rules of hygiene), or with food.

These forms of damage have their own specific manifestations, are diagnosed and treated differently:

Staphylococcus on the mucous throat manifests itself as acute catarrhal tonsillitis, tonsillitis and stomatitis.

• Sore throat;

  Swelling and redness of the tonsils;

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

  General manifestations of intoxication.