Pathogenic bacteria cause human and animal diseases. They can have different shapes, appearance, virulence, and resistance to drugs. The most common forms of bacteria are sticks and cocci. The first group includes intestinal, pseudomonas, tuberculosis pathogens. Kokki have a rounded shape, can consist of a different number of globular clusters. For example, the causative agent of gonorrhea includes 2 parts. Staphylococci consist of a lot of accumulations of rounded cells and resemble a grape cluster in shape. They have been known to science since the 19th century as one of the most common bacteria. If staphylococcus is stained by the Gram method, then it will be visible in the smear, that is - positive.
Properties of staphylococci
The danger of these bacteria lies in their ability to produce exotoxin - a substance through which they exert their pathogenic effect on the body. Staphylococci possess 2 destructive properties:
- Cause hemolysis of red blood cells - because of this ability, the blood loses its normal structure.
- Promote tissue necrosis - because of this action of staphylococcus tissue of the body undergo necrosis. The localization and size of the lesion depends on the distribution of bacteria in the body, immune forces, and on the presence or absence of therapeutic measures.
Types of Staphylococci
Bacteria of this genus have many varieties, of which only a small part is capable of spreading in the human body. Depending on which causative agent caused the disease, it is possible to judge the symptoms and the correct treatment. The most common types of staphylococci, which are pathogenic to humans, are: Staphylococcus epidermidis, aureus, saprophyticus, haemolyticus. Each of them causes various violations. In addition, some species are the most dangerous, others - almost harmless and do not require treatment.
Diseases caused by staphylococci
The main symptom of the appearance in the body of staphylococcal infection is purulent inflammation. In this case, damage can occur in any organ and tissue. From the site of inflammation localization, clinical manifestations of the disease depend, which can be very diverse. The causative agent enters the body through wound surfaces on the skin, with weakened immunity (in viral infections). Often, staphylococci are layered on the primary source of the disease, thereby worsening the human condition. When the pathogens get into the blood stream and weakened immunity, the bacteria are very difficult to treat (especially in children).
Staphylococcus epidermidis
The most harmless for a person from all types of pathogens is epidermal staphylococcus. Staphylococcus epidermidis refers to a conditionally pathogenic microflora. This means that the bacterium is constantly in the human body, even if there is no disease. Epidermal staphylococcus lives on the skin integuments, more precisely - in their upper layer. In addition, the pathogen can be found on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and outer ear. Like all opportunistic bacteria, staphylococcus does not cause lesions in the normal functioning of the body. But when there are any violations, for example, wounds on the skin, various rashes, with inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, Staphylococcus epidermidis begins to multiply rapidly and acts as a secondary infection. In addition to these conditions, the pathogenicity of the microorganism is enhanced by a significant decrease in the protective forces of the body, which is observed with prolonged chronic diseases, stress, hypothermia, immunodeficiency states.
Normal and pathological amounts of microorganism
Practically all people have Staphylococcus epidermidis in sowing, taken from the skin or mucous membranes. Nevertheless, not all of its number exceeds the normal values. This is due to the presence or absence of an infectious process caused by epidermal staphylococcus. From what the figure is found in bacterial culture, it depends on whether or not the disease is caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The norm of the pathogen in sowing is up to 10 in the 5th degree. If its number goes beyond this figure, then it is necessary to apply etiological treatment aimed at fighting epidermal staphylococcus.
Diseases caused by epidermal staphylococcus
Under the influence of unfavorable factors and decrease in the work of the immune system, the opportunistic microflora begins to multiply and cause various diseases in the body. Due to the fact that epidermal staphylococcus lives on the skin and mucous membranes, many organs can suffer with its increase. When staging venous and urinary catheters, Staphylococcus epidermidis penetrates into internal organs, causing dangerous complications. These include diseases such as endocarditis - inflammation of the heart valves, including artificial ones. Infections of the genitourinary system caused by epidermal staphylococcus can be very diverse, for example, cystitis, pyelonephritis, vulvovaginitis, urethritis. With ascending penetration of the pathogen, more severe diseases develop, such as endometritis, prostatitis, interstitial nephritis, etc. In joint injuries, endoprosthetics are often resorted to, and artificial materials can also cause infection with epidermal staphylococcus. The most dangerous distribution of the pathogen in newborns, as it is often complicated by sepsis.
Staphylococcus epidermidis in pregnancy
During pregnancy in the body of a woman there is a global restructuring, which concerns all organs and systems, including immunity. Protective forces in the period of bearing of the child are significantly reduced, so infection with any microorganisms is dangerous. If a woman does not use vitamins during pregnancy, is overcooled, subjected to stress, has chronic foci of infection, then the conditionally pathogenic flora in her body starts to activate and cause various diseases. The presence in the analysis of the pregnant woman (smear from the throat, nose, vagina) Staphylococcus epidermidis 10 * 3 already forces the gynecologist to carefully examine it to avoid possible complications.
Treatment of diseases caused by epidermal staphylococcus
Despite the fact that epidermal staphylococcus is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism and is often present in healthy people, an increase in its level indicates the presence of the disease. Symptoms depend on the localization of infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis, treatment is specific for different organs and systems. Nevertheless, in all cases, antibiotic therapy is aimed at the destruction of the causative agent of the disease - epidermal staphylococcus. Often S. epidermidis is resistant to penicillin drugs, in such cases, resort to stronger medicines, a group of fluoroquinolones: rifampicin, vancomycin, etc. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating agents is necessary. With frequent infection by conditionally pathogenic organisms, it is necessary to avoid hypothermia, contact with viral patients, stressful situations, damage to the skin and mucous membranes. In the presence of open wound surfaces, they must be thoroughly treated with antiseptic solutions and consult a doctor.