Signs of mrsa in the nose. Staph Infection in Nose: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
What are the signs of a staph infection in the nose. How is a nasal staph infection diagnosed. What treatments are available for staph infections in the nasal passages. How can nasal staph infections be prevented.
Understanding Staph Infections in the Nasal Passages
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common bacterium that resides on the skin and within the nasal passages of many individuals. While typically harmless, these bacteria can cause infections when they enter damaged skin. A staph infection in the nose occurs when S. aureus infiltrates the nasal tissue, leading to various symptoms and potential complications.
Interestingly, between 20-80% of humans carry S. aureus in their nasal passages without experiencing any issues. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a nasal staph infection.
Prevalence of S. aureus in the Population
The wide range of S. aureus carriage rates (20-80%) suggests significant variability among different populations. Factors such as age, occupation, and geographical location may influence these rates. Healthcare workers, for instance, tend to have higher carriage rates due to frequent exposure to the bacteria in clinical settings.
Common Causes of Nasal Staph Infections
Several factors can contribute to the development of a staph infection in the nose:
- Nose picking
- Excessive blowing or rubbing of the nose
- Plucking or tweezing nasal hairs
- Scratches or sores inside the nasal passages
- Damage to the skin lining the nostrils
These actions can create small breaks in the skin, allowing S. aureus bacteria to enter and cause an infection. It’s important to note that even minor damage to the nasal tissue can provide an entry point for bacteria.
The Role of Personal Hygiene
Poor personal hygiene can significantly increase the risk of developing a staph infection in the nose. Touching the nose with unwashed hands, sharing personal items like towels or razors, and failing to clean nasal piercings properly can all contribute to the spread of S. aureus and subsequent infections.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Nasal Staph Infection
Identifying a staph infection in the nose early can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes. Common symptoms include:
- Redness and swelling of the nose
- Crusting around the nostrils
- Boils inside one or both nostrils
- Facial swelling
- Pain
- Fever
In some cases, individuals may experience additional symptoms such as nasal discharge, difficulty breathing through the affected nostril, or a general feeling of unwellness.
Distinguishing Staph Infections from Other Nasal Conditions
It’s crucial to differentiate staph infections from other nasal conditions like allergies or the common cold. Unlike these ailments, staph infections typically cause localized symptoms and may be accompanied by visible signs of infection, such as boils or excessive crusting.
Diagnosing Staph Infections in the Nasal Passages
Accurate diagnosis of a nasal staph infection is essential for proper treatment. Healthcare providers typically follow these steps:
- Physical examination of the nose and surrounding areas
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Nasal swab culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection
- In some cases, blood tests to check for signs of systemic infection
The nasal swab culture is particularly important as it can help determine if the infection is caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which requires specific antibiotic treatment.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of nasal staph infections can prevent the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body and reduce the risk of complications. If you suspect you have a staph infection in your nose, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Treatment Options for Nasal Staph Infections
The treatment approach for staph infections in the nose depends on the severity of the infection and whether it’s caused by MRSA. Common treatment options include:
- Topical antibiotics applied directly to the infected area
- Oral antibiotics for more severe or persistent infections
- Drainage of boils or abscesses by a healthcare professional
- Nasal decolonization techniques to reduce S. aureus carriage
In some cases, minor infections may resolve on their own with proper hygiene and care. However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Topical vs. Oral Antibiotics: Which is More Effective?
Recent research suggests that topical antimicrobial medications may be more effective than oral antibiotics in treating nasal staph infections. A 2015 review indicated that S. aureus may have lower resistance to topical treatments, making them a potentially better option for managing these infections.
Preventing Recurrent Staph Infections in the Nose
Preventing recurrent staph infections in the nasal passages is crucial for long-term health. Here are some strategies to reduce the risk of repeat infections:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid touching or picking your nose, especially with unwashed hands
- Use a clean, warm, damp cloth to soothe sores and crusting
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or washcloths
- Consider using nasal antiseptic sprays or ointments as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Maintain a clean living environment, regularly disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces
Additionally, some healthcare providers may recommend nasal decolonization techniques for individuals with recurrent staph infections. These methods aim to reduce the presence of S. aureus in the nasal passages, thereby lowering the risk of future infections.
The Role of Nasal Decolonization
Nasal decolonization involves using topical antimicrobial agents, such as mupirocin ointment, to reduce the presence of S. aureus in the nasal passages. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience frequent staph infections or those at high risk of complications.
Potential Complications of Untreated Nasal Staph Infections
While many staph infections in the nose remain localized and relatively minor, untreated infections can lead to serious complications. Some potential complications include:
- Facial cellulitis: A bacterial infection affecting deeper layers of skin
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A blood clot in the hollow space between the brain and eye sockets
- Endocarditis: Infection of the inner lining of heart chambers and valves
- Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs due to infection
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection
These complications underscore the importance of promptly addressing nasal staph infections and following through with prescribed treatments.
Recognizing Signs of Spreading Infection
It’s crucial to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a spreading infection. These can include:
- Increased redness, swelling, or pain beyond the initial site of infection
- Fever or chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- General feeling of being unwell
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
The Connection Between Nasal Staph Infections and MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that has developed resistance to certain antibiotics. While not all nasal staph infections are caused by MRSA, the prevalence of this resistant strain has increased in recent years, particularly in healthcare settings.
MRSA infections in the nose can be more challenging to treat due to their resistance to common antibiotics. They may require specialized treatments and can pose a higher risk of complications if left untreated.
Identifying MRSA Infections
MRSA infections often present similarly to other staph infections. However, they may be more persistent or difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. A nasal swab culture can help identify whether an infection is caused by MRSA, allowing healthcare providers to prescribe appropriate treatments.
The Impact of Nasal Staph Infections on Overall Health
While nasal staph infections may seem localized, they can have broader implications for overall health. The nose serves as a potential reservoir for S. aureus, which can spread to other parts of the body or to other individuals. This is particularly concerning in healthcare settings or among individuals with weakened immune systems.
Moreover, recurrent nasal staph infections can lead to chronic inflammation of the nasal passages, potentially affecting breathing and quality of life. They may also increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance if not managed properly.
Long-term Management of Nasal Staph Colonization
For individuals who frequently carry S. aureus in their nasal passages, long-term management strategies may be necessary. These can include regular use of antiseptic nasal sprays, periodic decolonization treatments, and ongoing monitoring by healthcare providers.
Emerging Research and Future Directions in Nasal Staph Infection Treatment
As antibiotic resistance continues to be a global health concern, researchers are exploring new approaches to treating and preventing nasal staph infections. Some promising areas of research include:
- Development of new antimicrobial agents specifically targeting S. aureus
- Investigation of bacteriophage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics
- Exploration of probiotic treatments to promote beneficial nasal bacteria
- Research into vaccines targeting S. aureus
- Studies on the role of the nasal microbiome in preventing staph infections
These ongoing research efforts aim to provide more effective and sustainable solutions for managing nasal staph infections in the future.
The Promise of Personalized Medicine
Advances in genetic testing and microbiome analysis are paving the way for more personalized approaches to treating nasal staph infections. By understanding an individual’s unique bacterial profile and genetic susceptibility to infections, healthcare providers may be able to tailor treatments more effectively in the future.
Staph infection in nose: Symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis
A staphylococcus, or staph, infection is an infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
Many people carry Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) on their skin or within their nose.
Here we look at the various causes and symptoms of a staph infection in the nose. We also outline the available treatment options for a nasal staph infection, as well as some tips for prevention.
Share on PinterestExcessively blowing or rubbing the nose is a possible cause of a staph infection in the nose.
The bacteria S. aureus cause staph infection.
Between 20–80% of humans carry S. aureus within their nasal passages. Most of the time, the bacteria do not cause any harm. However, if the skin of the nose becomes damaged, the bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection.
Damage to the surface of the skin may trigger a mild to a moderate staph infection. Damage to the deeper layers of the skin may trigger a severe or even life-threatening staph infection.
Staph bacteria are contagious and can spread to other people through:
- skin-to-skin contact
- sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, or washcloths
- coughing or sneezing, although these types of transmission are less common
A staph infection in the nose can occur as a result of a scratch, sore, or other types of damage to the skin of the nose.
Some potential causes of a nasal staph infection include:
- nose picking
- excessively blowing or rubbing the nose
- plucking or tweezing nasal hairs
A person who has a nasal staph infection may develop the following symptoms:
- redness and swelling of the nose
- crusting around the nostrils
- boils inside one or both nostrils
- facial swelling
- pain
- fever
In some cases, a staph infection may resolve by itself. In other cases, a person will require treatment to clear the infection and prevent further complications.
Some people may succeed in treating minor nasal infections at home. People can soothe sores and crusting by holding a clean, warm, damp cloth onto affected areas. It is important to wash the cloth afterward to avoid spreading the bacteria.
Some people may develop pus-filled boils inside the nostrils. A doctor will need to drain the boil in order to treat the infection and promote wound healing. This procedure typically involves the use of a local anesthetic.
If a nasal staph infection does not clear up by itself, a person may need to take oral antibiotics or apply topical antimicrobial treatments.
Without treatment, staph infections may recur. This is because S.aureus remains inside the nasal passages.
Prescription antibiotic treatments can reduce numbers of staph bacteria, thereby helping to prevent the staph infection from recurring.
Researchers have been investigating the best treatment to prevent recurrent staph infections. According to a 2015 review, topical antimicrobial medications may be more effective than oral antibiotics. This is because S. aureus may have a lower resistance to topical treatments.
Practicing good personal hygiene may also help to reduce the risk of repeat infections.
If a staph infection enters the bloodstream, it can cause serious complications. We list some potential complications below.
Facial cellulitis
Facial cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin. Without treatment, the condition can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of facial cellulitis include:
- tenderness and pain in the face
- rash
- skin redness
- lockjaw
- a fever
- chills
- loss of appetite
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
A cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a blood clot that forms in the cavernous sinuses. This is the hollow space between the brain and the eye sockets.
A CST can develop when an infection in the face or skull spreads to the cavernous sinuses. Although rare, the condition can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a CST include:
- a fever
- a severe headache
- swelling around the eyes
- a weakness of the eye muscles, resulting in drooping eyelids, or double vision
- severe eye pain
Endocarditis
An infection can sometimes spread to the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The medical term for this is endocarditis.
Symptoms of endocarditis include:
- a fever
- chills
- fatigue
- aching muscles and joints
- difficulty breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- blood in the urine
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is the medical term for inflammation of one or both lungs. It typically occurs as a result of infection.
In pneumonia, the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, within the lungs fill with fluid or pus. This makes it difficult for a person to breathe.
Some common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- rapid or shallow breathing
- breathlessness, even when resting
- chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
- rapid heartbeat
- a fever
- chills
- feeling generally unwell
- loss of appetite
Sepsis
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection. This overreaction leads to a toxic build-up of chemicals within the blood.
Symptoms of sepsis include:
- rapid breathing
- increased heart rate
- a fever
- chills
- feeling confused or disorientated
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare condition in which staph bacteria release dangerous levels of toxins into the bloodstream. TSS can be life-threatening.
The symptoms of TSS come on suddenly and worsen rapidly. They include:
- a fever
- flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, body aches, and a sore throat
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- a widespread skin rash that appears similar to sunburn
- a bright red coloring of the lips, tongue, and eye-whites
- difficulty breathing
- fainting
- confusion
There are steps a person can take to reduce their risk of developing or spreading a staph infection of the nose or skin. These include:
- regularly washing hands with soap and clean water
- showering or bathing daily to keep skin clean
- covering any cuts or wounds with sterile bandaids or dressings
- avoiding sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, and washcloths
- covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- disposing of tissues after blowing the nose
- avoiding picking the nose
- using only sterile equipment to pluck or tweeze nasal hair, or avoiding these practices altogether
Some staph infections may resolve by themselves, while others may require treatment.
People should see a doctor if the staph infection:
- is severe
- lasts longer than a week, or keeps coming back
- is getting worse, or spreading to other parts of the face
- causes a skin rash or redness
- causes fever or chills
- causes breathing difficulty, or a change in heart rate
Anyone who has a weakened immune system should see a doctor at the first sign of a staph infection. This includes people who:
- are elderly
- have an autoimmune disease
- are receiving chemotherapy
- have received an organ transplant
Staph bacteria commonly live inside the nose and are usually harmless. However, if the skin of the nose becomes damaged, the bacteria can enter the wound and cause infection.
A person who has a nasal staph infection may develop redness, sores, or crusting around the nostrils. A person may need antibiotics or topical antimicrobial medications to treat the infection.
People should seek treatment if their infection is severe or persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. People who have a weakened immune system should seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications.
Staph infection in nose: Symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis
A staphylococcus, or staph, infection is an infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
Many people carry Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) on their skin or within their nose.
Here we look at the various causes and symptoms of a staph infection in the nose. We also outline the available treatment options for a nasal staph infection, as well as some tips for prevention.
Share on PinterestExcessively blowing or rubbing the nose is a possible cause of a staph infection in the nose.
The bacteria S. aureus cause staph infection.
Between 20–80% of humans carry S. aureus within their nasal passages. Most of the time, the bacteria do not cause any harm. However, if the skin of the nose becomes damaged, the bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection.
Damage to the surface of the skin may trigger a mild to a moderate staph infection. Damage to the deeper layers of the skin may trigger a severe or even life-threatening staph infection.
Staph bacteria are contagious and can spread to other people through:
- skin-to-skin contact
- sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, or washcloths
- coughing or sneezing, although these types of transmission are less common
A staph infection in the nose can occur as a result of a scratch, sore, or other types of damage to the skin of the nose.
Some potential causes of a nasal staph infection include:
- nose picking
- excessively blowing or rubbing the nose
- plucking or tweezing nasal hairs
A person who has a nasal staph infection may develop the following symptoms:
- redness and swelling of the nose
- crusting around the nostrils
- boils inside one or both nostrils
- facial swelling
- pain
- fever
In some cases, a staph infection may resolve by itself. In other cases, a person will require treatment to clear the infection and prevent further complications.
Some people may succeed in treating minor nasal infections at home. People can soothe sores and crusting by holding a clean, warm, damp cloth onto affected areas. It is important to wash the cloth afterward to avoid spreading the bacteria.
Some people may develop pus-filled boils inside the nostrils. A doctor will need to drain the boil in order to treat the infection and promote wound healing. This procedure typically involves the use of a local anesthetic.
If a nasal staph infection does not clear up by itself, a person may need to take oral antibiotics or apply topical antimicrobial treatments.
Without treatment, staph infections may recur. This is because S.aureus remains inside the nasal passages.
Prescription antibiotic treatments can reduce numbers of staph bacteria, thereby helping to prevent the staph infection from recurring.
Researchers have been investigating the best treatment to prevent recurrent staph infections. According to a 2015 review, topical antimicrobial medications may be more effective than oral antibiotics. This is because S. aureus may have a lower resistance to topical treatments.
Practicing good personal hygiene may also help to reduce the risk of repeat infections.
If a staph infection enters the bloodstream, it can cause serious complications. We list some potential complications below.
Facial cellulitis
Facial cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin. Without treatment, the condition can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of facial cellulitis include:
- tenderness and pain in the face
- rash
- skin redness
- lockjaw
- a fever
- chills
- loss of appetite
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
A cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a blood clot that forms in the cavernous sinuses. This is the hollow space between the brain and the eye sockets.
A CST can develop when an infection in the face or skull spreads to the cavernous sinuses. Although rare, the condition can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a CST include:
- a fever
- a severe headache
- swelling around the eyes
- a weakness of the eye muscles, resulting in drooping eyelids, or double vision
- severe eye pain
Endocarditis
An infection can sometimes spread to the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The medical term for this is endocarditis.
Symptoms of endocarditis include:
- a fever
- chills
- fatigue
- aching muscles and joints
- difficulty breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- blood in the urine
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is the medical term for inflammation of one or both lungs. It typically occurs as a result of infection.
In pneumonia, the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, within the lungs fill with fluid or pus. This makes it difficult for a person to breathe.
Some common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- rapid or shallow breathing
- breathlessness, even when resting
- chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
- rapid heartbeat
- a fever
- chills
- feeling generally unwell
- loss of appetite
Sepsis
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection. This overreaction leads to a toxic build-up of chemicals within the blood.
Symptoms of sepsis include:
- rapid breathing
- increased heart rate
- a fever
- chills
- feeling confused or disorientated
Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare condition in which staph bacteria release dangerous levels of toxins into the bloodstream. TSS can be life-threatening.
The symptoms of TSS come on suddenly and worsen rapidly. They include:
- a fever
- flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, body aches, and a sore throat
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- a widespread skin rash that appears similar to sunburn
- a bright red coloring of the lips, tongue, and eye-whites
- difficulty breathing
- fainting
- confusion
There are steps a person can take to reduce their risk of developing or spreading a staph infection of the nose or skin. These include:
- regularly washing hands with soap and clean water
- showering or bathing daily to keep skin clean
- covering any cuts or wounds with sterile bandaids or dressings
- avoiding sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, and washcloths
- covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- disposing of tissues after blowing the nose
- avoiding picking the nose
- using only sterile equipment to pluck or tweeze nasal hair, or avoiding these practices altogether
Some staph infections may resolve by themselves, while others may require treatment.
People should see a doctor if the staph infection:
- is severe
- lasts longer than a week, or keeps coming back
- is getting worse, or spreading to other parts of the face
- causes a skin rash or redness
- causes fever or chills
- causes breathing difficulty, or a change in heart rate
Anyone who has a weakened immune system should see a doctor at the first sign of a staph infection. This includes people who:
- are elderly
- have an autoimmune disease
- are receiving chemotherapy
- have received an organ transplant
Staph bacteria commonly live inside the nose and are usually harmless. However, if the skin of the nose becomes damaged, the bacteria can enter the wound and cause infection.
A person who has a nasal staph infection may develop redness, sores, or crusting around the nostrils. A person may need antibiotics or topical antimicrobial medications to treat the infection.
People should seek treatment if their infection is severe or persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. People who have a weakened immune system should seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications.
Plague of small ruminants – State Budgetary Institution “Kuzbass SBBZh”
PETE PETE RUMINANT is a viral disease of sheep and goats, which proceeds acutely and subacutely, is characterized by necrotic stomatitis and catarrhal-hemorrhagic lesions of the intestines and lymphoid system. The source of PPR is both sick and infected animals that are in the incubation period of the disease. After the disease, a stable immunity is formed, which ensures their resistance to re-infection.
VIRUS RESISTANCE.
It is sensitive to most disinfectants. So, 2% solutions of phenol and sodium hydroxide inactivate the virus in 24 hours. When carrying out anti-epizootic measures, the following disinfectants are used: hot 2% NaOH solution, 20% suspension of freshly slaked lime, clarified bleach solution (active chlorine content – 4%) or sodium hypochlorite (2% active chlorine), at the rate of 1. 5 l of solution per 1 m² area, 2% formaldehyde solution. The virus is rendered harmless at 70°C for 60 minutes, quickly inactivated under the action of ultraviolet direct sunlight, does not tolerate freezing and thawing. However, it retains infectious activity for a long time in chilled and frozen tissues at temperatures of minus 60°C and below.
TRANSMISSION FACTORS AND VECTORS.
The aerogenic route of transmission of the pathogen is the main one, but alimentary and contact routes are also possible – through contaminated feed and animal care items infected with excreta and secrets of sick animals.
CLINICAL SIGNS.
Acute and subacute. The incubation period is from 6 to 15 days. In acute course – an increase in body temperature to 41-41.5 ° C. Then – depression of the general condition, lack of appetite. The nasal planum is dry, the mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities are inflamed. Zones of hyperemia appear, then foci of necrosis, in place of which ulcers form. The discharge from the nose and mouth is first muco-serous, then purulent with a putrid ichorous odor. There are signs of pneumonia. On the 5th – 10th day – death. Lethality in goats can reach 95% in sheep – 40%.
In a subacute course, the first signs appear only on the 5th – 10th day in the form of intermittent fever, mild depression and leakage from the nasal and oral cavities. On the 15th-18th day, signs of pneumonia appear (as a result of a complication by secondary microflora) and lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea). With a lethal outcome, these signs progress, dehydration occurs, and the animal dies in 2-3 weeks from the onset of the disease. With a favorable outcome, the signs gradually fade, the ulcers heal, and the animals recover.
DIAGNOSIS.
In the typical course of the disease, the diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical symptoms and pathological changes. For laboratory studies, samples of organs and tissues of sick animals or serum from recovered animals are taken.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS.
Plague of small ruminants must be differentiated from foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue.
TREATMENT.
There is no specific therapy for plague of small ruminants. Symptomatic treatment is recommended. There are reports of positive results from the use of novarsenolbenzene.
PPR DISTRIBUTION IN THE WORLD.
Between 2001 and 2011 the plague covered 35 countries in Africa and 21 in Asia. Turkey, Iran, India, Nepal, Oman, Yemen, etc. In Tajikistan, the circulation of the virus among animals in some herds was about 80%. In 2003, an outbreak of plague of small ruminants occurred in the southern part of the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2012, the outbreaks of the disease were in Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 2014 China. From January to March 2016 there were several outbreaks in Georgia, one in Algeria.
For the Russian Federation, the real danger of PPR occurrence is for the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts, as well as for the zones of distant pastures of the Ural, Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL.
In rinderpest-prone areas, susceptible animals are vaccinated with live cultured rinderpest vaccine (TCRV strain) or attenuated rinderpest virus. The drugs create immunity lasting more than one year. When a disease appears in new foci, all sick and suspected animals are destroyed. In the threatened zone, sheep and goats are vaccinated with one of the indicated vaccines and quarantined. It provides for restrictions on the export of animals (sheep and goats) from the disadvantaged zone for 2 months. Import is allowed 14 days after vaccination. All livestock products are disinfected and used on site.
WARNING TO ANIMAL OWNERS:
To prevent this dangerous disease it is necessary:
- Avoid purchasing animals without accompanying veterinary documents confirming their health;
- Acquire animals only from safe farms.
- Quarantine imported animals for 30 days for necessary examinations and treatments;
- Register animals with rural administrations and the state veterinary service to obtain an identification number;
- Turnover, transfer, delivery for slaughter, pasture, placement on pasture, regrouping of animals, sale of livestock products to be carried out only with the knowledge and under the control of the state veterinary service;
- Inform the veterinary service in a timely manner about all cases of suspected illness or death of animals.
symptoms, causes and treatment – InnoVet
Rhinitis in pigs is an inflammation of the tissues inside the nose, in which the nose can become deformed (atrophy).
Alternative names: Progressive atrophic rhinitis, PAR
Information
Rhinitis as a general term means swelling of the tissues of the nostrils, and can be caused by a wide range of bacteria, viruses and irritants. This condition rarely results in clinical disease in adult pigs. Atrophy means that the tissues of the upper respiratory tract are damaged, wrinkled and misshapen.
The disease has two forms: Mild and progressive
- Newborn piglets and piglets a few days old are most susceptible to infection. The sensitivity of the sinuses to the BbDNT (+) toxin decreases during the first 3-4 weeks of life and completely disappears by the age of 4-6 weeks. This is non-progressive rhinitis. After that, the swelling stops and the nasal turbinates heal, becoming normal again.
- The most severe form of progressive atrophic rhinitis (PAR) in which strains of Pasteurella multocida type D and Bordetella bronchiseptica produce toxins that damage nasal tissues. When both pathogens are present on the farm, they cause continuous inflammation in lactating piglets and growing pigs, causing tissue atrophy and nasal deformity. Direct factors in the occurrence of atrophic rhinitis in pigs are dermonecrotoxins produced by P. multocida and B. bronchiseptica: PmDNT (+) and BbDNT ( +). The sensitivity of pigs to PmDNT (+) remains stable during the first 12-16 weeks of life. This is progressive rhinitis. Changes in the sinuses caused by the dermonecrotoxic pathogen B. bronchiseptica can be regenerated, but the atrophy of the sinuses induced by PmDNT (+) is, to a greater extent, irreversible.
Dermonecrotoxins produced by P. multocida cause the destruction of the sinuses, and sometimes their complete atrophy. The predominance of osteolysis over the process of osteogenesis in the development of snout bones begins after the toxin enters the nose.
The severity of the course of the disease depends on the amount of Pasteurella toxin that has entered the pig’s body. Atrophic rhinitis can appear at any age, but inflammation often begins between 2 and 10 weeks of age.
Symptoms
Sows
- No clinical signs.
- Curvature of the nose.
Piglets
- Sneezing.
- Lachrymation.
- Discharge from the nose, in which blood is sometimes present.
- Curvature of the nose.
Weaners and finishers
- Bloody sneezing.
- Breaks.
- The nose is deformed, reduced and wrinkled.
- Weight gain and daily gain are declining.
- The feed conversion rate is increased.
- Increasing number of respiratory diseases.
The most common disease is in litters from first farrowing sows. In addition, it is believed that the most susceptible to the disease are piglets, which give a large average daily weight gain. The spread of the disease is facilitated by such factors as high animal density, lack of ventilation, a large amount of ammonia in the air, as well as cold and damp rooms, which contribute to catarrh of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and lungs. Deformation of the snout caused by atrophic rhinitis makes it difficult to feed and interferes with olfactory stimulation as a result of disruption of the physiology of the nasal cavity. This leads to a decrease in appetite, a decrease in weight gain and helps to extend the fattening period from 10 to 30 or more days.
Morphometric study shows different levels of turbinate atrophy, which is ranked according to the international 5-point scale (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1. Morphometric scale of the levels of lesions of the turbinates of pigs.
Causes and contributing factors
- The disease is transmitted from one farm to another through carrier pigs, clothing, equipment, etc.
- Within the farm, the disease is transmitted by aerosols between pigs or through mouth-to-mouth contact.
- More common in farms with young breeding herds, especially those with large numbers of gilts.
- Multiple lactation systems (piglets suckle from more than one sow) increase the spread of the disease.
- Insufficient ventilation.
- Environment with high levels of dust or ammonia.
- Toxic gases.
- Environmental and nutritional deficiencies increase disease severity.
Diagnosis
- Clinical signs, especially deviated nose.
- Nasal swab culture.
- Evaluation of nasal whorls and septum for on-farm slaughter and necropsy control.
Control and prevention
- Mandatory antibacterial sanitation of sows 3-5 days before farrowing, including farrowing day.
- Prophylactic courses of antibiotics for piglets during stressful technological periods.
- Control of zoohygienic indicators and compliance with the disinfection protocol. Special attention must be paid to disinfection. We talk about microbial resistance in the treatment of infectious diseases, but where does it come from? The piglet is born practically sterile. The first contact with the microflora occurs in the genital tract of the sow. In addition, pathogens enter the body of piglets with secretions during endometritis, with milk during mastitis, and often their resistance depends on how the sow was treated or sanitized. But there is another danger – these are the strains that remain in the section with the unsatisfactory quality of the disinfection. The remaining microorganisms were in contact with the antibiotics used in the previous groups of piglets.
They can transfer information to new strains of microorganisms by plasmid type, preparing them, and they also become resistant. When carrying out disinfection, it must be remembered that microorganisms form a biological film, and for its destruction, the mandatory use of alkaline detergents is necessary. For only well degreased surfaces can be disinfected with high quality.
It is important to sanitize the air in an empty box after wet disinfection (water vapor adsorbs part of the suspended microbial cells in the air). For these purposes, final aerosol cold fog disinfection or dry disinfection can be used. In addition, the room must be dried before animals are placed (drying interrupts the life cycle of pathogens).
The causative agents of atrophic rhinitis are susceptible to most detergents and disinfectants. The most effective disinfectants are quaternary ammonium compounds with glutaraldehyde.
For the treatment of atrophic rhinitis, the drugs of choice are penicillin, amoxicillin, florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and sulfonamides.
Since the source of pathogens for piglets is primarily the sow, it is advisable to sanitize the gastrointestinal tract of sows before farrowing with amoxicillins (for example, Amoxicol VK (Vetcompany, Belarus )).
Florfenicol is the next antibiotic in the response group. Suitable for preventive courses and symptomatic treatment of weaning and fattening piglets (e.g. Florchem, Seva, France ). Florfenicol is a bacteriostatic. The mechanism of its antimicrobial action is to disrupt the synthesis of proteins of microorganisms by blocking bacterial ribosomes.
Enrofloxacins also perform well in farms with atrophic rhinitis problems (e.g. Bactil, Vetanco, Argentina ).
Atrophic rhinitis is an urgent problem of modern pig breeding, which requires an integrated approach to solve it. In addition to veterinary schemes, preventive and therapeutic measures, it is necessary to conduct a complex of laboratory studies in order to determine the root cause and immunological stabilization of the herd, assess and solve technological, feed problems, and also, adherence to the disinfection protocol.