How can a simple boil lead to a severe Staphylococcus aureus infection. What are the consequences of improper wound care in adolescents. Why is early diagnosis crucial in cases of osteomyelitis. How does MSSA differ from MRSA in terms of invasive infections.

The Unexpected Progression: From Boil to Severe Infection

In a remarkable case study, a 10-year-old boy’s journey from a simple boil to a severe invasive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection highlights the potential dangers of improper wound care. The incident began with a seemingly innocuous boil on the boy’s neck, which his mother lanced using a hot needle. This home remedy, while well-intentioned, set off a chain of events that led to a complex medical situation.

Two weeks after the boil was lanced, the boy developed fever and right leg pain. Initially dismissed as a sprain following a mild blunt trauma, the condition rapidly deteriorated. Within days, the pain intensified to the point where the child could no longer bear weight on his leg. This progression underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and professional medical intervention, even for seemingly minor skin infections.

Diagnostic Challenges: Unraveling the Mystery

The case presented significant diagnostic challenges, demonstrating the complexity of identifying invasive infections in their early stages. Upon admission to the emergency department, the boy exhibited fever and localized pain in his right knee and thigh. Initial diagnostic tests, including an X-ray, CT scan, and MRI, showed no evidence of osteomyelitis. However, blood tests revealed alarming indicators:

• Leucocytosis of 22 × 109/L, with 81% neutrophils
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 130 mm/h
• C reactive protein (CRP) level of 268.97 g/L

These elevated markers strongly suggested a severe underlying infection, prompting further investigation. How do these blood markers assist in diagnosing severe infections? Elevated white blood cell count, particularly neutrophils, indicates the body’s immune response to bacterial infection. High ESR and CRP levels are non-specific markers of inflammation, often dramatically increased in cases of severe infection or inflammation.

The Culprit Revealed: Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)

Blood cultures ultimately revealed the presence of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). This finding was crucial in guiding treatment decisions and understanding the nature of the infection. MSSA, while often considered less problematic than its methicillin-resistant counterpart (MRSA), can still cause severe invasive infections.

Why is the distinction between MSSA and MRSA important in this case? While MRSA is often associated with more severe complications, recent studies have shown an increasing incidence of invasive infections associated with MSSA. This case highlights that MSSA should not be underestimated in its ability to cause serious infections, especially in pediatric patients.

Antibiotic Sensitivity and Treatment Approach

The MSSA strain isolated from the patient’s blood was found to be susceptible to vancomycin and clindamycin. This antibiotic sensitivity profile allowed for targeted treatment, initially with intravenous vancomycin at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, administered every 8 hours. The choice of vancomycin as empiric treatment was prudent, given its effectiveness against both MSSA and MRSA strains.

Imaging Reveals the Extent of Infection

As the patient’s condition failed to improve with initial treatment, a repeat MRI of the right knee was performed. This imaging study proved critical in revealing the full extent of the infection:

1. Osteomyelitis in the distal femur shaft
2. Subperiosteal abscess
3. Surrounding intramuscular abscesses
4. Pyomyositis

The MRI findings illustrated a severe invasive infection that had spread beyond the initial site, affecting bone, muscle, and surrounding tissues. How does MRI aid in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and related complications? MRI provides detailed soft tissue and bone imaging, allowing for early detection of bone inflammation, abscess formation, and muscle involvement. It is particularly valuable in cases where initial X-rays or CT scans may not reveal the full extent of the infection.

Surgical Intervention: A Necessary Step

Given the severity of the infection and the presence of abscesses, surgical intervention became necessary. The patient was taken to the operating room where several procedures were performed:

• Drainage of 50 mL of fluid from the periosteal abscess
• Bone biopsy
• Collection of bone marrow culture

The bone marrow culture also grew MSSA, confirming the invasive nature of the infection and its spread to the bone tissue. This surgical approach was crucial not only for diagnostic confirmation but also for therapeutic purposes, allowing for the drainage of purulent material and reduction of the bacterial load.

The Rising Threat of MSSA in Invasive Infections

This case brings attention to the increasing significance of MSSA in causing severe, invasive infections in children. While much focus has been placed on MRSA in recent years, the study by McCaskill et al. suggests that the incidence of invasive infections associated with MSSA has seen a greater increase than that with MRSA in the United States.

What factors might contribute to the rising incidence of MSSA infections? Several factors could be at play:

• Increased awareness and testing for MRSA, potentially leading to under-recognition of MSSA
• Changes in antibiotic prescribing practices
• Potential shifts in bacterial virulence factors
• Environmental and host factors affecting bacterial transmission and infection susceptibility

This case underscores the need for heightened vigilance against all Staphylococcus aureus strains, regardless of their methicillin resistance status.

Lessons Learned: Implications for Clinical Practice

The case of this 10-year-old boy offers several important lessons for healthcare providers and the general public:

1. The dangers of home remedies for skin infections, particularly lancing boils without proper medical supervision
2. The importance of thorough evaluation and follow-up for persistent symptoms, even after initial negative findings
3. The value of blood cultures and advanced imaging in diagnosing deep-seated infections
4. The potential for MSSA to cause severe, invasive infections in previously healthy children
5. The need for prompt, aggressive treatment in cases of suspected osteomyelitis or invasive Staphylococcal infections

How can healthcare providers improve early detection and management of such cases? Implementing a low threshold for suspicion in cases of persistent fever and localized pain, even in the absence of obvious trauma or risk factors, is crucial. Additionally, educating patients and families about the risks of self-treatment for skin infections can help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Future Directions: Research and Prevention Strategies

This case report highlights several areas for future research and preventive strategies:

• Investigating the changing epidemiology of MSSA and MRSA infections in pediatric populations
• Developing rapid diagnostic tools for early detection of invasive Staphylococcal infections
• Exploring novel treatment approaches to prevent the progression from superficial to invasive infections
• Enhancing public health education on proper wound care and the risks of home remedies
• Studying host factors that may predispose individuals to severe Staphylococcal infections

What role can public health initiatives play in preventing such cases? Public health campaigns focusing on proper wound care, the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms, and the risks associated with self-treatment of skin infections could significantly reduce the incidence of severe complications from seemingly minor skin lesions.

The Importance of Antibiotic Stewardship

While this case highlights the effectiveness of vancomycin in treating MSSA, it also underscores the importance of antibiotic stewardship. The judicious use of antibiotics, based on culture and sensitivity results, is crucial in preventing the development of antibiotic resistance. Healthcare providers must balance the need for empiric broad-spectrum coverage with the importance of de-escalation to targeted therapy once the causative organism is identified.

How can healthcare systems promote better antibiotic stewardship? Implementing protocols for regular review of antibiotic prescriptions, promoting the use of rapid diagnostic tests, and educating both healthcare providers and patients about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use are key strategies in preserving the effectiveness of our antibiotic arsenal.

Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Education

The case of severe invasive MSSA infection following the lancing of a boil serves as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of improper wound care and the importance of early recognition and treatment of Staphylococcal infections. It highlights the need for:

• Increased awareness among healthcare providers about the potential for MSSA to cause severe, invasive infections
• Better public education on proper wound care and the risks of self-treatment
• Improved diagnostic strategies for early detection of deep-seated infections
• Continued research into the changing epidemiology of Staphylococcal infections in pediatric populations

By learning from this case and implementing these lessons, we can work towards reducing the incidence of severe complications from Staphylococcal infections and improving outcomes for affected patients.

Case Report: Lancing of a boil leading to severe invasive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection in an adolescent

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A 10-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with chief symptoms of fever and right leg pain for 3 days. Also of note, he reported that he had a boil on his neck 2 weeks prior to admission. This lesion was lanced by his mother with a hot needle. An X-ray, CT scan and MRI of the right knee showed no evidence of osteomyelitis. He was placed on intravenous vancomycin for empiric treatment. Blood culture grew methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), susceptible to vancomycin and clindamycin. He continued to spike fever with the development of erythema, and swelling of the distal thigh. Repeat MRI of the right knee showed osteomyelitis and subperiosteal abscess in the distal femur shaft with surrounding intramuscular abscesses and pyomyositis. He was taken to the operating room where 50 mL of fluid was drained from the periosteal abscess and a bone biopsy was obtained. Bone marrow culture also grew MSSA, susceptible to clindamycin.

Osteomyelitis is one of the severe, invasive bacterial infections observed in children and the leading cause of these infections is Staphylococcus aureus. ¹ Studies had shown that methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) produces more severe complications, including bone infection, compared with methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA).²³ However, McCaskill et al⁴ found that, in the USA, the incidence of invasive infections associated with MSSA has seen a greater increase than that with MRSA. To our best search of the literature, lancing of a boil leading to acute osteomyelitis with subperiosteal abscess and intramuscular abscesses due to MSSA is very uncommon in a previously healthy adolescent.

A previously healthy, 10-year-old boy presented to the paediatrics emergency department (ED) with a chief symptom of fever and right leg pain that began 3 days ago. The pain was described as non-migratory, and had progressively worsened to a point where he could no longer bear weight. One day, prior to the onset of pain, he had a mild, blunt trauma on his right knee. He was evaluated in the paediatrics ED, and discharged home with a diagnosis of a sprain. Also of note, he reported that he had a boil on his neck 2 weeks prior to admission. This lesion was lanced by his mother with a hot needle. There was no other relevant medical, prenatal or family history. Immunisations were up to date.

The physical examination revealed a healthy appearing child with fever of 39.3°C. The right knee and thigh were tender, and warm with a decreased range of motion.

Initial complete blood count showed leucocytosis of 22 × 10⁹/L, 81% of which were neutrophils. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 130 mm/h and the C reactive protein (CRP) was 268.97 g/L. Blood culture was subsequently sent. An X-ray, CT scan and MRI () of the right knee were obtained and showed no evidence of osteomyelitis. Blood cultures were shown to grow MSSA, susceptible to vancomycin and clindamycin. MRI of the right knee was repeated which confirmed the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. This study revealed a subperiosteal abscess in the distal femur shaft with surrounding intramuscular abscesses and pyomyositis.

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MRI of the right thigh: osteomyelitis, subperiosteal abscess, intramuscular abscesses and pyomyositis. Coronal T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI of both thighs shows medullary bone signal intensity abnormalities involving the right distal femoral shaft, compatible with osteomyelitis. Subperiosteal abscess (green arrow) and the surrounding muscular plane abscess (pyomyositis, red arrow) are also shown.

He was started on intravenous vancomycin (40 mg/kg/day, q8 h) for empiric treatment. Later, blood cultures were shown to grow MSSA, susceptible to vancomycin and clindamycin. He continued to spike fever with the development of erythema, and swelling of the distal thigh. Paediatric infectious disease was consulted and recommended to change antibiotics to intravenous clindamycin (40 mg/kg/day, q6 h) and cefazolin (85 mg/kg/day, q6 h).

MRI of the right knee was repeated which confirmed the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. This study revealed a subperiosteal abscess in the distal femur shaft with surrounding intramuscular abscesses and pyomyositis. He was taken to the operating room where 50 mL of fluid was drained from the periosteal abscess and a bone biopsy was obtained. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Bone marrow culture also grew MSSA, susceptible to clindamycin. A peripherally inserted central catheter line was then placed for long-term antibiotic use. Fever spikes, erythema, oedema and inflammatory marker levels (CRP, ESR and white cell count) gradually improved. During the treatment, three blood cultures and a synovial culture were performed and determined to be negative. He received inpatient physical therapy which allowed him to ambulate again. He received 3 weeks of intravenous antibiotics as an inpatient and was discharged with 1 week of oral clindamycin (30 mg/kg/day,q6 h).

Osteomyelitis is one of the more common invasive bacterial infections in children leading to hospitalisation and prolonged antibiotic administration. Most cases of osteomyelitis in children arise haematogenously, occurring characteristically in the metaphysis of long bones such as femur, tibia and humerus. ¹ Among children, haematogenous osteomyelitis occurs more often in those who are younger. At least one-quarter of patients are younger than 2 years of age, and more than one-half are younger than 5 years of age.⁵⁶ The exact pathophysiology of haematogenous osteomyelitis is unclear. It has been postulated that in newborns the thin cortex, loosely applied periosteum and nutrient metaphyseal capillaries, which perforate the epiphyseal growth plate, lead to the spread of infection to the subperiosteal space which breaks through the thin metaphyseal cortex into the surrounding soft tissue. As the skeleton matures, the metaphyseal cortex becomes thicker with a dense, fibrous periosteum. Thus, the infection is more contained and rarely spreads to the soft tissues of the extremity in children and adolescents.⁷

In our case, an adolescent male had bacteraemia secondary to lancing of a boil by needle. This has led to haematogenous spread causing severe complications like intramuscular abscess formation.

The role of trauma in the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis in children remains unclear.⁸ Some suggest trauma can lead to occlusion of the slow-flowing sinusoidal vessels, creating a nidus for infection. In our case, the history of mild blunt trauma may have facilitated the involvement of femur bone.

By far the most common bacterial pathogen causing osteomyelitis in children, regardless of age, is S aureus.¹ Severe, life-threatening infections in adolescents are more frequently associated with MRSA.² Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), an exotoxin produced by some colonies of S aureus, is associated with complications such as myositis, pyomyositis and intraosseous or subperiosteal abscesses.⁹ Martínez-Aguilar et al¹⁰ found that 87% of MRSA strains and 24% MSSA strains have the genes which encode for PVL (p<0.001). In our case, MSSA was the causative agent of severe complications seen in an adolescent boy, but we did not determine the PVL status of it. McCaskill et al found that the incidence of invasive infections, such as osteomyelitis and pyomyositis, due to MSSA is increasing compared with MRSA, in the USA (8.5% vs 4%, p<0.01, respectively).²

In summary, manipulation like lancing of a boil can lead to haematogenous spread of MSSA with severe complications.

Learning points

• Lancing of a boil can lead to severe complications such as osteomyelitis, subperiosteal abscess and intramuscular abscess.

• Although osteomyelitis caused by haematogenous spread is more common in infants and preschool-aged children, adolescents can have haematogenous spread leading to severe complications from methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

Competing interests: None.

Patient consent: Obtained.

Provenance and peer review: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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Articles from BMJ Case Reports are provided here courtesy of BMJ Publishing Group

Doctors issue new treatment guidelines for skin abscesses caused by MRSA

Science + Technology

Antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria are most common cause of skin infections seen in U. S.

Dr. David Talan

Rachel Champeau |

March 12, 2014

It has been more than 10 years since the clinical battle began with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and doctors are still grappling with how to diagnose, treat and prevent this virulent form of staph infection, which is immune to many antibiotics.

As MRSA cases have increased dramatically over the decade, so have the number of skin abscesses — generally pus-filled boils or pimples with discharge — that characterize these infections. Now, researchers from UCLA have issued updated guidelines outlining the best ways to treat and manage these abscesses.

The first cases of MRSA were relatively mild and primarily affected high-risk patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. But beginning the early 2000s, doctors identified a new, highly contagious and hard-to-treat strain known as “community-acquired” MRSA, which had spread to the general public. This more virulent form of the infection can be dangerous and in severe cases cause necrotizing pneumonia, fasciitis and sepsis.

One of the first reports that MRSA infections would become epidemic was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 by Dr. Gregory Moran, Dr. David A. Talan and colleagues at Olive View–UCLA Medical Center.

Their research showed that community-associated MRSA had become the most common cause of skin infection among patients presenting at emergency departments and other settings in the U.S.

In a new report published March 13 in the New England Journal of Medicine, Talan and Dr. Adam J. Singer of the emergency medicine department at Stony Brook University in New York present updated “best practice” guidelines for managing the skin abscesses associated with community-acquired MRSA.

“MRSA is not going away, so we need to fine-tune ways to treat it,” said Talan, a professor in the division of infectious diseases and chief of the department of emergency medicine at Olive View–UCLA Medical Center. “We hope the information will help guide doctors as to the best ways to address these infection-related skin abscesses.”

For the article, Talan and Singer, both of whom are on the front lines of treating MRSA, focused on abscesses that occur on the trunk of the body and the extremities, like the arms and legs, which are often treated by general practitioners or emergency room physicians. An abscess is a collection of pus that has accumulated within tissue because of the inflammatory process in response infections like MRSA.

The doctors reviewed prior studies and provided their expert opinions. Highlights of their clinical update include an emphasis on new diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound, guidance for doctors on the most effective antibiotics, and an overview of abscess-draining techniques that are less invasive, painful and disfiguring than conventional methods.

Diagnosing and treating abscesses

While in most cases MRSA diagnosis and abscess drainage is straightforward, the authors note that technologies like ultrasound can enhance diagnostic accuracy for abscesses located deep in the lower levels of the skin. Ultrasound, which is now available in more emergency departments and hospitals, can also help ensure that an abscess has been adequately drained.

Still, most abscesses can be drained with a single small incision, the authors say. In their paper, they discuss techniques for closing drainage incisions and note that the conventional method of packing a wound with sterile gauze to help absorb excess fluid may not always be necessary.

MRSA and the use of antibiotics

Talan and Singer concur with the Infectious Diseases Society of America that when simply draining an abscess is not enough to address a community-acquired MRSA infection, preferred antibiotics include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, minocylcine and clindamycin.

They note that antibiotic treatment is especially helpful for patients who have risk factors like recurrent infection, extensive or systemic disease, rapid disease progression, a suppressed immune system, or who are either very young or very old.

But growing antibiotic resistance may also impact treatment, they warn, noting that MRSA has also become resistant to clindamycin and tetracyclines in some communities. The authors encourage doctors to be aware of local susceptibility patterns.

“Even with optimal treatments, there is still a relatively high failure rate in treating these infections, so good patient education on the signs to watch for and availability of close medical follow-up is always recommended,” Talan said.

The update also provides doctors with strategies to prevent new infections in some patients who are burdened with frequent recurrences.

Talan and his team are currently working on a large clinical trial that will further investigate optimal antibiotic treatment for MRSA skin infections.

“If you see a skin infection beginning, you should see your doctor right away so that a little problem does not become a bigger one and more difficult to treat,” he said.

Preventing MRSA from spreading

Because MRSA and other types of skin infections can be easily transmitted between people, Talan offers the following prevention guidance:

• People with skin infections should be careful to keep lesions covered with a dressing or band aid and wash their hands thoroughly after changing the bandage. Place bandages in the trash.

• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors or brushes with people who have an active skin infection.

No outside funding was used for the study.

For more news, visit the UCLA Newsroom and follow us on Twitter.

Dr. David Talan

Staphylococcal infection in children | Euroclinic

Staphylococcal infection in children. Staphylococcus aureus – infections, diagnosis, treatment.

Staphylococcal infection in children can be as a “healthy” carriage, staphylococcal infection of the nasopharynx, pyoderma, furunculosis, dysbacteriosis.

In the modern world, attention is drawn to the growth of chronic viral and bacterial diseases with a continuously relapsing course and insufficient effectiveness of antibacterial and symptomatic therapy.

Staphylococcal infection in children is now quite widespread.

Most often in childhood one has to meet with its manifestations such as staphylococcal infection of the nasopharynx, pyoderma, furunculosis, dysbacteriosis.

We only consider forms of staph infection that can be seen and treated on an outpatient basis.

In the article we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions of parents and colleagues on this very topical topic, like staphylococcal infection in children.

To treat or not to treat?

This issue is controversial only in the case of asymptomatic, so-called “healthy” carriers. According to some reports, up to 30% of people have Staphylococcus aureus without any complaints. But, we think, if you ask them in more detail, it turns out that periodically these people experience malaise, colds are delayed, after suffering from ARVI, complications often arise.

Staphylococcus aureus is not a saprophyte, a harmless “roommate” of a person, it should not exist. It is definitely a pathogenic bacterium. Therefore, if Staphylococcus aureus has been detected, treatment is necessary. It is difficult to predict how staphylococcus will manifest itself if the child suffers a severe viral infection, becomes cold, experiences severe stress – that is, when any factors that weaken the immune system arise.

But the seriousness of the treatment will depend on the form of staphylococcal infection, the immune status of the child, the presence of clinical manifestations and other factors that will be taken into account by the doctor during an individual examination. In children, the use of homeopathic or herbal preparations is often sufficient.

Staphylococcal infection in children.

Is it possible to get rid of staphylococcus aureus? It is very difficult to answer this frequently asked question unambiguously.

Man is an open self-regulatory system and lives in community with a huge amount of bacteria. According to some reports, an adult carries in and on himself up to 2.5-3 kg (3-5% of body weight) of microorganisms that help us, together with the immune system, defend ourselves against pathogenic bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus).

There is a concept of transient carriage – when Staphylococcus aureus that has got on the skin after a while is not found on it.

With good immunity and normal stable human microflora, Staphylococcus aureus, getting on the skin or in the intestines and unable to withstand competition with local microbes, dies.

If for some reason it happens:

• immunity failure (fatigue, hypothermia, overheating, excessive insolation, illness, stress, etc.),
• violation of a person’s own microflora (after an intestinal infection or poisoning, after taking antibacterial drugs, with allergic aggravation),
• contact with staphylococci was too massive (bathing in a pond where there is no running water or in a poorly cleaned pool, when eating infected food – more often dairy or confectionery products),
• constant close contact of the child with infected family members (especially the mother),
• staphylococcus aureus can be found on the skin and mucous membranes for a long time.

Most often, it is extremely difficult to get rid of such a chronic (long-term) carriage.

Effective treatment will be prescribed for you by a pediatrician, pediatric gastroenterologist Anastasia Vitalievna Kuzminskaya.

Pediatrician Kirilenko Anna Vladimirovna.

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900 02 Staphylococcal infection is a series of diseases caused by the bacterium of the same name. Once in the body, the microbe can affect the gastrointestinal tract, skin, lungs, mucous membranes and other systems. Depending on the symptoms, the pathology can be treated by a pediatrician, ENT, dermatologist or other specialist.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most dangerous bacteria on the planet. Penetrating into the bloodstream, it can cause serious complications affecting the brain, heart, lungs and other internal organs. The microorganism is resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics.

Symptoms

Staphylococcus can affect various organs and systems. Depending on this, the clinical picture in each individual case can be very different. Consider the most common manifestations of staphylococcus aureus:

• GI tract. Pathology is accompanied by general intoxication. The patient suffers from diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Often there is severe pain in the abdomen. The most common cause of damage to the gastrointestinal tract is the use of low-quality food.
• Leather. In this case, a rash forms on the skin, the appearance of boils and carbuncles is possible. With a severe lesion, the patient has general intoxication, malaise and fever.
• Lungs. In this case, the patient develops pneumonia, which quickly becomes severe. Usually, the pathology is accompanied by respiratory failure and obstruction. Most often diagnosed in young children, the elderly and patients with reduced immunity.
• Mucous. If the mucous membranes are affected, the patient can be diagnosed with sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis and other lesions. The disease is accompanied by fever, general malaise and pain.
• Leather. Ritter’s disease is most commonly diagnosed in young children and newborns. It is characterized by the presence of a pronounced rash on the skin. Outwardly, the pathology resembles scarlet fever.
• Heart. The microorganism provokes the development of bacterial endocarditis. In this case, the inner lining of the heart and blood vessels is damaged. This is an extremely dangerous condition that can be fatal.

The most dangerous symptom of staphylococcus aureus is toxic shock. This condition develops suddenly and is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in well-being, an increase in body temperature, a decrease in blood pressure and general intoxication. Rashes and redness appear on the body in different places, which begin to peel off after a week.

Causes

The only reason for the development of staphylococcal infection is the infection of the body with the same microbe. To date, the following strains of staphylococcus can cause the disease:

• Golden. The most aggressive and difficult to treat strain. It can affect any system of the body, causing general intoxication.
• Saprophytic. It is most common in adults, although it can also affect children. Localized in the organs of the genitourinary system.
• Hemolytic. This strain, if untreated, leads to the development of sepsis.
• Epidermal. It affects the skin of the child, causes sores and ulcers.

In most cases, the transmission of staphylococcus from a sick person to a healthy person occurs by airborne droplets. It is also possible infection through objects of common use.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the disease begins with an external examination of the child and collection of complaints. Further, to confirm the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed:

• Laboratory tests. This includes a complete blood and urine test.
• Bacteriological examination. To do this, the patient takes a scraping of the skin, feces or urine.
• Enzyme immunoassay. This examination reveals the presence of characteristic antibodies.
• Polymerase reaction. The most effective type of examination of the body. During the procedure, you can detect the presence of any bacteria in the body.
• Additional consultation. If necessary, the child is referred to highly specialized specialists, for example, a dermatologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc.

Clinic “Pediatrician and I” has modern equipment and guarantees a quick and accurate diagnosis. Do not forget that timely treatment reduces the risk of complications.

Treatment

Treatment for staphylococcus is selected individually for each patient. It all depends on the severity of the clinical picture and general symptoms. Traditional methods of therapy include:

• Prescription of antibiotics. Medicines can be in the form of tablets, ointments or sprays. It all depends on the location of the lesion.
• Use of antipyretics. These drugs are given to children and adults if the body temperature rises above 38 degrees or is accompanied by severe malaise and convulsions.
• Prescription of topical antiseptics. These include brilliant green, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, etc. These funds are necessary in the presence of skin lesions.
• Vaccination with Staphylococcal Antifagin. The scheme of drug administration is selected individually for each patient and depends on both age and other characteristics of the body. The vaccine allows you to develop antimicrobial staphylococcal immunity.

Staphylococcus has an incredible vitality. It is resistant to antiseptic agents, withstands aggressive environmental influences, and survives after ten minutes of boiling. In the process of life, the microorganism produces a special enzyme that protects it from the effects of antibiotics. Doctors of the clinic “Pediatrician and I” have extensive experience in working with patients diagnosed with staphylococcal infection. They know which treatment will give a positive result in each case. We are always ready to help you.

Prevention

To avoid staphylococcus infection, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Follow the rules of hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly when coming from the street. Use antiseptics and wipes.
• Do not touch or scratch sores, pustules and rashes that occur on the skin.
• Do not share personal care products. This includes razors, combs, towels, etc.
• Store food properly. Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and don’t skip cooking meat and fish.
• Strengthen your immune system. Exercise regularly, normalize sleep and rest, pay attention to nutrition.

If you need a vaccination against staphylococcal infection in Moscow, the clinic “Pediatrician and I” invites you to get vaccinated. We guarantee an individual approach to each patient and the high professionalism of our doctors. All drugs used are certified, highly effective and completely safe for the body.