What are the common symptoms of staph infections. How are staph infections diagnosed and treated. What preventive measures can reduce the risk of staph infections. How do antibiotic-resistant staph strains impact treatment options. When should you seek medical attention for a potential staph infection.

Understanding Staphylococcus Bacteria and Staph Infections

Staphylococcus bacteria, commonly known as staph, are microorganisms frequently found on human skin and in nasal passages. While often harmless, these bacteria can cause a range of infections when they enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or other vulnerabilities. Staph infections vary widely in severity, from minor skin irritations to life-threatening conditions affecting vital organs.

How do staph bacteria typically enter the body? Staph can infiltrate through:

• Breaks in the skin
• Surgical incisions
• Respiratory tract
• Medical devices like catheters or feeding tubes

Recognizing the Symptoms of Staph Infections

Staph infections manifest in various ways depending on the affected area and the infection’s severity. Common symptoms include:

Skin Infections

Skin-related staph infections are among the most frequent and noticeable. They often appear as:

• Boils: Painful, pus-filled bumps that develop in hair follicles or oil glands
• Impetigo: A contagious rash with fluid-filled blisters that may develop a honey-colored crust
• Cellulitis: An infection of deeper skin layers causing redness, swelling, and possible oozing
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: A condition affecting mostly children, characterized by fever, rash, and skin peeling

Systemic Infections

When staph bacteria enter the bloodstream or affect internal organs, they can cause more severe conditions such as:

• Bacteremia: A bloodstream infection leading to fever and low blood pressure
• Endocarditis: Infection of the heart’s inner lining
• Pneumonia: Lung infection
• Osteomyelitis: Bone infection
• Septic arthritis: Joint infection causing swelling, pain, and fever

Diagnosing Staph Infections: From Skin Tests to Blood Cultures

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of staph infections. Healthcare providers employ various methods to identify and confirm the presence of staph bacteria:

Physical Examination

For suspected skin infections, doctors will visually inspect the affected area, looking for characteristic signs such as redness, swelling, and pus formation. They may also check for fever and other systemic symptoms.

Laboratory Tests

To confirm a staph infection and determine the specific strain, healthcare providers may order:

• Skin culture: A sample from the infected area is tested for bacterial growth
• Blood culture: Used to detect bacteremia or systemic infections
• Urine culture: To identify urinary tract infections caused by staph
• Antibiotic sensitivity testing: Determines which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific staph strain

Imaging Studies

In cases of suspected internal infections, doctors may use:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Echocardiograms (for suspected endocarditis)

These imaging techniques help visualize the extent and location of internal infections.

Treatment Approaches for Staph Infections: From Antibiotics to Surgery

The treatment of staph infections depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the antibiotic sensitivity of the specific strain. Common treatment approaches include:

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for most staph infections. The choice of antibiotic depends on:

• The strain of staph bacteria causing the infection
• The location and severity of the infection
• The patient’s overall health and any drug allergies

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for staph infections include:

• Methicillin
• Oxacillin
• Vancomycin (for resistant strains)
• Daptomycin
• Linezolid

Incision and Drainage

For skin abscesses or boils, a healthcare provider may need to make a small incision to drain the pus. This procedure helps relieve pain and promote healing.

Wound Care

Proper wound care is essential for treating and preventing staph infections. This may involve:

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of the affected area
• Application of topical antibiotics
• Use of sterile dressings
• Monitoring for signs of spreading infection

Surgical Intervention

In severe cases, such as deep-tissue infections or infections involving prosthetic devices, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or implants.

The Rising Threat of Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Strains

One of the most significant challenges in treating staph infections is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These resistant bacteria have evolved to withstand common antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat.

Causes of Antibiotic Resistance

Several factors contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant staph strains:

• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
• Incomplete antibiotic courses
• Spread of resistant bacteria in healthcare settings
• Natural bacterial evolution and adaptation

Treating Resistant Infections

When dealing with antibiotic-resistant staph infections, healthcare providers may need to use:

• More potent antibiotics with potential side effects
• Combinations of different antibiotics
• Alternative treatment approaches, such as bacteriophage therapy

Preventing Staph Infections: Hygiene and Risk Reduction Strategies

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of staph infections, several preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection:

Personal Hygiene

Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial in preventing staph infections:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or athletic equipment
• Shower after athletic activities or gym workouts

Environmental Cleanliness

Keeping your environment clean can help reduce the risk of staph infections:

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water
• Use antibacterial cleaning products in bathrooms and kitchens

Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention

In healthcare settings, additional measures are taken to prevent the spread of staph infections:

• Strict hand hygiene protocols for healthcare workers
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Proper sterilization of medical equipment
• Isolation precautions for infected patients

When to Seek Medical Attention for Potential Staph Infections

Recognizing when to seek medical care is crucial in managing staph infections effectively. You should consult a healthcare provider if you notice:

• An area of skin that is red, swollen, warm to the touch, or painful
• A skin infection that doesn’t improve after a few days
• A boil or abscess that continues to grow or becomes more painful
• Signs of systemic infection such as fever, chills, or body aches
• Symptoms of food poisoning after consuming potentially contaminated food
• Worsening of an existing wound or surgical site

Are certain individuals at higher risk for staph infections? Yes, some people are more susceptible to staph infections, including:

• Newborns and breastfeeding women
• People with chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Intravenous drug users
• People with skin conditions that break the skin’s protective barrier

These individuals should be particularly vigilant about prevention and prompt treatment of potential infections.

The Impact of Staph Infections on Public Health and Healthcare Systems

Staph infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, pose significant challenges to public health and healthcare systems worldwide. The impact of these infections extends beyond individual patient care:

Economic Burden

Staph infections contribute to increased healthcare costs due to:

• Extended hospital stays
• More expensive antibiotic treatments
• Additional diagnostic tests and procedures
• Lost productivity due to illness

Strain on Healthcare Resources

The management of staph infections, especially in outbreak situations, can strain healthcare resources:

• Increased demand for isolation rooms
• Need for specialized infection control measures
• Higher workload for healthcare staff

Public Health Concerns

The spread of antibiotic-resistant staph strains raises significant public health concerns:

• Potential for community-wide outbreaks
• Challenges in controlling infections in healthcare settings
• Need for ongoing surveillance and research
• Importance of public education on prevention and antibiotic stewardship

How are healthcare systems adapting to address the challenges posed by staph infections? Many institutions are implementing comprehensive strategies that include:

• Enhanced infection control protocols
• Antibiotic stewardship programs
• Improved surveillance and reporting systems
• Ongoing staff education and training
• Investment in research for new treatment options and prevention strategies

The fight against staph infections, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains, requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and the general public. By understanding the nature of these infections, recognizing their symptoms, and implementing effective prevention strategies, we can work towards reducing their impact on individual and public health.

Staph infections – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria. These types of germs are commonly found on the skin or in the nose of many healthy people. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or cause relatively minor skin infections.

But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing life-threatening staph infections.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and cleaning of the infected area. However, some staph infections no longer respond, or become resistant, to common antibiotics. To treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections, health care providers may need to use antibiotics that can cause more side effects.

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Symptoms

Staph infections can range from minor skin problems to life-threatening illness. For example, endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium) can be caused by staph bacteria. Signs and symptoms of staph infections vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the infection.

Staph infection

infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses.

Skin infections

Skin infections caused by staph bacteria include:

• Boils. The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen.

  If a boil breaks open, it will probably drain pus. Boils occur most often under the arms or around the groin or buttocks.

• Impetigo. This contagious, often painful rash can be caused by staph bacteria. Impetigo usually has large blisters that may ooze fluid and develop a honey-colored crust.
• Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. It causes redness and swelling on the surface of your skin. Sores or areas of oozing discharge may develop, too.
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Toxins produced by the staph bacteria may cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Affecting mostly babies and children, this condition includes a fever, a rash and sometimes blisters. When the blisters break, the top layer of skin comes off. This leaves a red, raw surface that looks like a burn.

Food poisoning

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The bacteria multiply in food and produce toxins that make you sick. Symptoms come on quickly, usually within hours of eating a contaminated food. Symptoms usually disappear quickly, too, often lasting just half a day.

A staph infection in food usually doesn’t cause a fever. Signs and symptoms you can expect with this type of staph infection include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure

Bacteremia

Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia. The bacteria can travel to locations deep within your body to cause infections that affect:

• Internal organs, such as your brain (meningitis), heart (endocarditis) or lungs (pneumonia)
• Bones and muscles
• Surgically implanted devices, such as artificial joints or cardiac pacemakers

Toxic shock syndrome

This life-threatening condition results from toxins produced by some strains of staph bacteria. The condition has been linked to certain types of tampons, skin wounds and surgery. It usually develops suddenly with:

• A high fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• A rash on your palms and soles that looks like a sunburn
• Confusion
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is often caused by a staph infection. The bacteria often target the knees, shoulders, hips, and fingers or toes. Artificial joints may also be at risk of infection. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Joint swelling
• Severe pain in the affected joint
• Fever

When to see a doctor

Go to your health care provider if you or your child has:

• An area of red, irritated or painful skin
• Pus-filled blisters
• Fever

You may also want to talk to your provider if:

• Skin infections are being passed from one family member to another
• Two or more family members have skin infections at the same time

Causes

Many people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their nose and never develop staph infections. However, if you develop a staph infection, there’s a good chance that it’s from bacteria you’ve been carrying around for some time.

Staph bacteria can also be spread from person to person. Because staph bacteria are so hardy, they can live on objects such as pillowcases or towels long enough to transfer to the next person who touches them.

Staph bacteria can make you sick by causing an infection. You can also become sick from the toxins produced by the bacteria.

Staph bacteria can survive:

• Drying
• Extremes of temperature
• Stomach acid

Risk factors

Many factors — including the health of your immune system or the types of sports you play — can increase your risk of developing staph infections.

Underlying health conditions

Certain disorders or the medications used to treat them can make you more likely to get staph infections. People who may be more likely to get a staph infection include those with:

• Diabetes who use insulin
• HIV/AIDS
• Kidney failure requiring dialysis
• Weakened immune systems — either from a disease or medications that suppress the immune system
• A transplant
• Cancer, especially those who are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation
• Skin damage from conditions such as eczema, insect bites or minor trauma that opens the skin
• Lung (respiratory) illness, such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema

Current or recent hospitalization

Despite strong attempts to get rid of them, staph bacteria stay present in hospitals, where they can infect people who are most at risk of infection. This can include people with:

• Weakened immune systems
• Burns
• Surgical wounds

Sometimes people admitted to the hospital may be screened to see if they’re carrying staph bacteria. Screening is done using a nasal swab. Treatment to get rid of the bacteria may be given to help prevent infection and decrease the spread to others.

Invasive and implanted devices

Staph bacteria can get into the body by traveling along medical tubing. These devices make a connection between the outside and the inside of your body. Examples are:

• Urinary catheters
• Tubing placed in a vein (intravenous catheters)

Also, staph bacteria are attracted to implanted devices, where they grow on the surface and cause infection. These include surgically implanted devices such as:

• Artificial joints
• Cardiac pacemakers

Contact sports

Staph bacteria can spread easily through cuts, scrapes and skin-to-skin contact. Staph infections may also spread in the locker room through shared razors, towels, uniforms or equipment.

Unsanitary food preparation

Food handlers who don’t properly wash their hands can transfer staph bacteria from their skin to the food they’re preparing. The bacteria multiply in the food and produce toxins that make you sick. Cooking can kill the bacteria. But the toxins are still in the food. Foods that are contaminated with staph bacteria do not look or taste differently.

Complications

If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock. This is a life-threatening episode when your blood pressure drops to an extremely low level.

Staph infections can also turn deadly if the bacteria invade deep into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.

Prevention

These commonsense precautions can help lower your risk of getting staph infections:

• Wash your hands. Thorough hand washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands with soap and water briskly for at least 20 seconds. Then dry them with a disposable towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren’t visibly dirty or you aren’t able to wash your hands, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, such as before, during and after making food; after handling raw meat or poultry; before eating; after using the bathroom; and after touching an animal or animal waste.

• Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores often contains staph bacteria. Keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.
• Reduce tampon risks. Toxic shock syndrome is caused by staph bacteria. Tampons left in for long periods can grow staph bacteria. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently — at least every 4 to 8 hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Try to alternate tampons with sanitary napkins whenever possible.
• Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Staph infections can spread on objects, as well as from person to person.
• Wash clothing and bedding. Staph bacteria can spread on clothing, towels and bedding. To remove bacteria, wash and dry items at the warmest temperature recommended by the items’ labels. It’s OK if you can’t use hot water, as using detergent in your wash is enough to make items clean and safe for use. You can use bleach on any bleach-safe materials.
• Take food safety precautions. Wash your hands before handling food. If food will be out for a while, make sure that hot foods stay hot — above 140 F (60 C). Make sure that cold foods stay at 40 F (4.4 C) or below. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Wash cutting boards and counters with soap and water.

Staph infections – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria. These types of germs are commonly found on the skin or in the nose of many healthy people. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or cause relatively minor skin infections.

But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing life-threatening staph infections.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and cleaning of the infected area. However, some staph infections no longer respond, or become resistant, to common antibiotics. To treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections, health care providers may need to use antibiotics that can cause more side effects.

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Symptoms

Staph infections can range from minor skin problems to life-threatening illness. For example, endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium) can be caused by staph bacteria. Signs and symptoms of staph infections vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the infection.

Staph infection

infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses.

Skin infections

Skin infections caused by staph bacteria include:

• Boils. The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen.

  If a boil breaks open, it will probably drain pus. Boils occur most often under the arms or around the groin or buttocks.

• Impetigo. This contagious, often painful rash can be caused by staph bacteria. Impetigo usually has large blisters that may ooze fluid and develop a honey-colored crust.
• Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. It causes redness and swelling on the surface of your skin. Sores or areas of oozing discharge may develop, too.
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Toxins produced by the staph bacteria may cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Affecting mostly babies and children, this condition includes a fever, a rash and sometimes blisters. When the blisters break, the top layer of skin comes off. This leaves a red, raw surface that looks like a burn.

Food poisoning

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The bacteria multiply in food and produce toxins that make you sick. Symptoms come on quickly, usually within hours of eating a contaminated food. Symptoms usually disappear quickly, too, often lasting just half a day.

A staph infection in food usually doesn’t cause a fever. Signs and symptoms you can expect with this type of staph infection include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure

Bacteremia

Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia. The bacteria can travel to locations deep within your body to cause infections that affect:

• Internal organs, such as your brain (meningitis), heart (endocarditis) or lungs (pneumonia)
• Bones and muscles
• Surgically implanted devices, such as artificial joints or cardiac pacemakers

Toxic shock syndrome

This life-threatening condition results from toxins produced by some strains of staph bacteria. The condition has been linked to certain types of tampons, skin wounds and surgery. It usually develops suddenly with:

• A high fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• A rash on your palms and soles that looks like a sunburn
• Confusion
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is often caused by a staph infection. The bacteria often target the knees, shoulders, hips, and fingers or toes. Artificial joints may also be at risk of infection. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Joint swelling
• Severe pain in the affected joint
• Fever

When to see a doctor

Go to your health care provider if you or your child has:

• An area of red, irritated or painful skin
• Pus-filled blisters
• Fever

You may also want to talk to your provider if:

• Skin infections are being passed from one family member to another
• Two or more family members have skin infections at the same time

Causes

Many people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their nose and never develop staph infections. However, if you develop a staph infection, there’s a good chance that it’s from bacteria you’ve been carrying around for some time.

Staph bacteria can also be spread from person to person. Because staph bacteria are so hardy, they can live on objects such as pillowcases or towels long enough to transfer to the next person who touches them.

Staph bacteria can make you sick by causing an infection. You can also become sick from the toxins produced by the bacteria.

Staph bacteria can survive:

• Drying
• Extremes of temperature
• Stomach acid

Risk factors

Many factors — including the health of your immune system or the types of sports you play — can increase your risk of developing staph infections.

Underlying health conditions

Certain disorders or the medications used to treat them can make you more likely to get staph infections. People who may be more likely to get a staph infection include those with:

• Diabetes who use insulin
• HIV/AIDS
• Kidney failure requiring dialysis
• Weakened immune systems — either from a disease or medications that suppress the immune system
• A transplant
• Cancer, especially those who are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation
• Skin damage from conditions such as eczema, insect bites or minor trauma that opens the skin
• Lung (respiratory) illness, such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema

Current or recent hospitalization

Despite strong attempts to get rid of them, staph bacteria stay present in hospitals, where they can infect people who are most at risk of infection. This can include people with:

• Weakened immune systems
• Burns
• Surgical wounds

Sometimes people admitted to the hospital may be screened to see if they’re carrying staph bacteria. Screening is done using a nasal swab. Treatment to get rid of the bacteria may be given to help prevent infection and decrease the spread to others.

Invasive and implanted devices

Staph bacteria can get into the body by traveling along medical tubing. These devices make a connection between the outside and the inside of your body. Examples are:

• Urinary catheters
• Tubing placed in a vein (intravenous catheters)

Also, staph bacteria are attracted to implanted devices, where they grow on the surface and cause infection. These include surgically implanted devices such as:

• Artificial joints
• Cardiac pacemakers

Contact sports

Staph bacteria can spread easily through cuts, scrapes and skin-to-skin contact. Staph infections may also spread in the locker room through shared razors, towels, uniforms or equipment.

Unsanitary food preparation

Food handlers who don’t properly wash their hands can transfer staph bacteria from their skin to the food they’re preparing. The bacteria multiply in the food and produce toxins that make you sick. Cooking can kill the bacteria. But the toxins are still in the food. Foods that are contaminated with staph bacteria do not look or taste differently.

Complications

If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock. This is a life-threatening episode when your blood pressure drops to an extremely low level.

Staph infections can also turn deadly if the bacteria invade deep into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.

Prevention

These commonsense precautions can help lower your risk of getting staph infections:

• Wash your hands. Thorough hand washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands with soap and water briskly for at least 20 seconds. Then dry them with a disposable towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren’t visibly dirty or you aren’t able to wash your hands, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, such as before, during and after making food; after handling raw meat or poultry; before eating; after using the bathroom; and after touching an animal or animal waste.

• Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores often contains staph bacteria. Keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading.
• Reduce tampon risks. Toxic shock syndrome is caused by staph bacteria. Tampons left in for long periods can grow staph bacteria. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently — at least every 4 to 8 hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Try to alternate tampons with sanitary napkins whenever possible.
• Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Staph infections can spread on objects, as well as from person to person.
• Wash clothing and bedding. Staph bacteria can spread on clothing, towels and bedding. To remove bacteria, wash and dry items at the warmest temperature recommended by the items’ labels. It’s OK if you can’t use hot water, as using detergent in your wash is enough to make items clean and safe for use. You can use bleach on any bleach-safe materials.
• Take food safety precautions. Wash your hands before handling food. If food will be out for a while, make sure that hot foods stay hot — above 140 F (60 C). Make sure that cold foods stay at 40 F (4.4 C) or below. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Wash cutting boards and counters with soap and water.

staphylococcus, salmonellosis – symptoms, treatment

Intestinal infections are caused by the spread of harmful bacteria. Most often, they develop in children, but can often cause ailments of any family member. In this article, we will talk about what types of intestinal infections are, how they appear in the human body and how to treat them correctly and effectively.

Despite the similar symptoms and method of infection, each species has its own distinctive features and poses a different danger to humans.

Types of intestinal infections

The pathogen appears and parasitizes in the gastrointestinal tract. The mucous membrane of the stomach can become inflamed, digestion processes are disturbed, and the general well-being of a person worsens.

Viral infections

When viral infection affects the walls of the stomach, intestines, respiratory organs, in rare cases, other organs may be affected. The infection can be transmitted in several ways: fecal-oral, airborne, contact-household.

The infection can be cured in as little as one week, but a person can continue to be a carrier for another 3-4 weeks. It is important to adhere to a strict diet during treatment, drink plenty of clean water and use antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing the body.

Bacterial infections

Such a disease is considered more dangerous, since there is a high probability of complications. You can get infected by the fecal-oral and contact-household route. The infection affects the gastrointestinal tract, urinary canals.

Bacteria, spreading in the gastrointestinal tract, release toxic substances. With a large number of such substances entering the body, toxic shock can occur.

The patient will need complex treatment. It is necessary not only to get rid of harmful microorganisms, but also to cleanse the body of toxic substances, as well as eliminate symptoms. In such cases, antibiotics are prescribed.

Protozoan infections

They are considered less common, but very dangerous. They are transmitted not only by the fecal-oral and contact-household route, but also during sexual intercourse. Despite the active spread in the stomach and intestines, the disease may not make itself felt for a long time, which will further complicate the treatment process.

Symptoms of intestinal infection in adults

The first symptoms make themselves felt quite quickly – it takes from 6 to 48 hours after the pathogen enters the body. An intestinal infection can also begin as a cold: with a sore throat, low temperature, up to 37.5.

Characteristic signs appear:

• fever
• vomiting, diarrhea
• lower abdominal pain
• discomfort, sometimes a sharp increase in body temperature (up to 38-39 ° C)
• Weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, may be heart failure
• the most dangerous thing in this case is fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea

If the disease is mild, then these symptoms may not be observed, and with an acute intestinal infection, the symptoms may become pronounced.

Staphylococcus

The disease is caused by opportunistic microbes that are dangerous to human health. Living in the body constantly, they are under the control of immunity. But when the protection is weakened, they can provoke an inflammatory process.

Staphylococcus aureus is a non-motile Gram-positive spherical microorganism that forms numerous colonies. It can develop and parasitize in the body without the participation of oxygen in a closed environment. There are more than twenty strains of bacteria. Some of them are quite harmless, while others cause powerful pathological reactions in the human body.

Pathology most often appears on the skin, mucous membranes, connective tissue, subcutaneous tissue, heart muscle. Affecting them, microbes produce toxic substances, provoke inflammation, in severe cases leading to sepsis, irreversible changes in structures.

The most common variety is Staphylococcus aureus. The name was given because of the characteristic yellow pigment on the surface. Penetrating into the body, it synthesizes the enzyme coagulase, can cause purulent inflammation of almost any internal organs.

Symptoms of staphylococcal infection

The two main signs that can be observed in the body of an infected person are intoxication and inflammation. Painful raised nodules filled with pus may appear. The defeat of the sinuses of the nose by staphylococcus is manifested by a banal runny nose with viscous yellowish or green discharge. The following symptoms may also appear:

• nasal congestion
• feeling of heaviness, fullness on the affected side
• shortness of breath
• thick purulent nasal discharge
• fever above +37°C

Often, the infection spreads to the middle ear, causing otitis: sharp shooting pains, hearing loss. With the defeat of the mucous eyes, suppuration of the conjunctiva develops, the sclera turn red and swell. Staphylococcus often occurs in children under 12 years of age and manifests itself in the same way as in adults.

To quickly suppress the activity of pathogens, combinations of various groups of drugs are used. Relatively new and effective: macrolides and fluoroquinolones. Drugs in these categories break down and destroy the protein coats of bacteria, giving them no time to develop resistance. The course of treatment for staphylococcus should be carried out according to the clear instructions of the doctor and should not be interrupted.

Salmonellosis

Another type of bacterial infection that affects humans and animals is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, usually affecting the stomach and small intestine. The nature of the course of the disease differs in each case, from asymptomatic lesions to severe forms with toxic and dehydration shock.

The cause of the disease is Salmonella bacteria. They keep well and live long in the environment. They are not afraid of the cold, so freezing food does not prevent infection. But when boiled, these bacteria die instantly.

Salmonella enters the gastrointestinal tract with food, water or through contaminated hands, freely passes the acid barrier of the stomach and colonizes in the small intestine. In the fight against immune cells, they produce a toxin that is dangerous for human life. With the blood flow, they enter other internal organs: the liver, spleen, lungs, bones.

Symptoms of salmonellosis:

The incubation period lasts from several hours to 2 days. The body temperature rises sharply, there is a pronounced pain syndrome, heaviness in the head, weakness. An upset stool with salmonellosis is one of the main symptoms. The stool becomes watery, frothy and extremely offensive. Defecation is accompanied by the urge to vomit. The mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue are covered with a white coating, become excessively dry.

Patients suffering from a severe form of salmonellosis or complications are subject to hospitalization. Adults and children who experience a mild infection are treated at home. Treatment of salmonellosis begins with a basic gastric and intestinal lavage procedure.

Then the restoration of the balance of electrolytes in the patient’s body and the correction of the water-salt balance. This is done by ingesting a saline solution by mouth. In severe dehydration, intravenous infusion therapy is performed, which includes polyionic solutions.

Treatment of intestinal infections

If signs of infection appear, you should consult a doctor. Many diseases have similar symptoms. Therefore, in order to conduct competent therapy, it is necessary to undergo a complete diagnosis. Only laboratory diagnostic methods will show the correct result.

What to do if there is a sick person in the family?

• The sick person should stay in bed. It is advisable to lie in a separate room where children should not be allowed. If you feel sick, bring a bowl.
• If the infected person is sick, cover him with a blanket. Preferably one that is easy to wash afterwards.
• Give the sick person a separate container for drinking.

Medicines are prescribed for treatment. Activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of weight) and other sorbents, rehydron (prescribed for large fluid loss, especially for underweight people, with dehydration), antipyretics. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water, you can mineral without gases.

You should remove all dairy products from the diet and follow a diet for several days. Porridge on the water (preferably rice), crackers from white or gray bread, exclude vegetables and fruits that cause fermentation – grapes, cabbage, black bread, legumes.

With an intestinal infection, the patient is prescribed a warm drink. It can be:

• fruit drinks (from fresh or frozen berries)
• unsweetened tea, can be herbal
• juice (preferably diluted)
• jelly is especially good – because of its astringent properties

Prevention of intestinal infection in adults and children

• Separate knives and cutting boards should be provided in the kitchen for raw meat and fish. It is impossible to cut raw meat (fish) and vegetables with the same tools.
• Hot meals must be cooked above 70 degrees. This temperature is deadly for germs.
• Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Do not thaw food at room temperature. Better in the fridge.

Where to treat intestinal infections in Krasnoyarsk?

During the pandemic, the Medunion Medical Center provides all medical services according to the mask regimen. The distance between patients and clinic workers is maintained, all work surfaces are processed every hour. Our patients can use masks and hand sanitizers.

The cost of diagnostics and treatment will depend on the procedures performed. To find out more information, make an appointment with the right specialist who will conduct an examination, prescribe tests and treatment. To sign up, call +7 391 201-03-03 or fill out the online form. Specify the procedure you need and leave your details – our specialist will call you back and discuss a convenient time for the procedure.

Staphylococcal infection

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Staphylococcal infection. Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcal infection is the general name for diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus. Due to the high resistance to antibiotics, staphylococcal infections occupy the first place among purulent-inflammatory infectious diseases. Staphylococcus is able to cause an inflammatory process in almost any organ. Staphylococcus can be the cause of purulent diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue: boils, felons, abscesses, hidradenitis, pyoderma. Affecting internal organs, staphylococcus can cause pneumonia, tonsillitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, abscesses of internal organs. Enterotoxin secreted by staphylococcus can cause severe food intoxication with the development of enterocolitis (inflammation of the small and large intestine).

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The genus of staphylococci includes three species: Staphylococcus aureus (the most harmful), Staphylococcus epidermidis (also pathogenic, but much less dangerous than aureus) and Staphylococcus saprophyta – practically harmless, however, also capable of causing diseases . In addition, each of the types of staphylococcus has several subspecies (strains) that differ from each other in various properties (for example, the set of toxins produced) and, accordingly, cause the same diseases that differ in clinic (manifestations). Under a microscope, staphylococci look like clusters of something similar to a bunch of grapes.

Staphylococci have a fairly high viability: up to 6 months they can be stored in a dried state, do not die when frozen and thawed, and are resistant to direct sunlight.

The pathogenic effect of staphylococci is associated with their ability to produce toxins: exfoliatin that damages skin cells, leukocidin that destroys leukocytes, enterotoxin that causes a food poisoning clinic. In addition, staphylococcus produces enzymes that protect it from the effects of immune mechanisms and contribute to its preservation and distribution in body tissues.

The source of infection can be a sick person or an asymptomatic carrier, according to some reports, up to 40% of healthy people are carriers of various strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Entrance gates of infection can be microdamages of the skin, mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. A significant factor in the development of staphylococcal infections is the weakening of the immune system against the background of the use of medications (for example, immunosuppressants, antibiotics), chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease), and exposure to adverse environmental factors. Due to the characteristics of the immune system, staphylococcal infections are most severe in young children and old people. Immunity after an infection is unstable and, in general, insignificant, since when meeting with a new subspecies of staphylococcus that produces other toxins, all previous immune “acquisitions” do not carry a significant protective role.

Symptoms of a staph infection

Specific manifestations of staphylococcal infection are determined by the site of introduction, the degree of aggressiveness of the staphylococcus species and the degree of immunosuppression.

Pyoderma is one of the most common purulent skin diseases. Staphylococcal pyoderma is characterized by a skin lesion in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mouth of the hair. With superficial lesions, the so-called folliculitis develops – a small abscess, penetrated by hair in the center. With deeper lesions, a furuncle develops – a purulent-necrotic inflammation of the hair follicle and surrounding tissues, or a carbuncle – inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue around a group of hair follicles. Most often, boils and carbuncles appear on the back of the neck, thighs, buttocks. The appearance of boils and carbuncles on the face is especially dangerous – due to the peculiarities of blood circulation, staphylococcus aureus can be brought into the brain, with the development of purulent meningitis or brain abscess.

occurring mainly in newborns and young children. In its manifestations, the disease can resemble scarlet fever (a similar rash) or erysipelas (a focus of red, inflamed skin with even borders) that occurs with streptococcal infections. One of the forms of the disease – epidemic pemphigus, is a clear example of the action of staphylococcal toxin – exfoliatin. The superficial layers of the skin with pemphigus exfoliate in large layers, large blisters appear under them.

Abscesses and phlegmons are a form of deep lesions of subcutaneous tissues with their purulent fusion. The difference between an abscess and phlegmon is that in the first case, inflammation is limited by a capsule that blocks the path for the further spread of the process, and with phlegmon, purulent inflammation spreads through the tissues (that is, it is a more dangerous form).

Staphylococcal pneumonia is a rare occurrence, but due to the peculiarities of the course and resistance of staphylococci to a number of antibiotics, it is of great importance among bacterial pneumonias.
Pneumonia caused by staphylococcus is characterized by a severe course, with severe intoxication, chest pain (pleural damage), shortness of breath. Multiple foci appear in the tissues of the lungs, followed by purulent fusion, the formation of abscesses. Such abscesses can break into the pleural cavity: a so-called empyema is formed.

Getting from the focus of infection on the face, in the sinuses or other places with blood flow to the brain, staphylococcus aureus causes the appearance of brain abscesses and purulent meningitis. Brain abscesses are usually small, scattered throughout the tissue. Meningitis is often secondary to a brain abscess, or may occur on its own when a large number of staphylococci appear in the blood (bacteremia). Damage to the brain and its membranes is manifested by headache, impaired consciousness, neurological disorders, epileptic seizures.

Staphylococcal infection can also cause thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the brain, accompanied by severe neurological disorders.

Staphylococcus is the main cause (up to 95%) of purulent inflammation of the bone marrow – osteomyelitis. In the process of inflammation, all layers of the bone are affected and destroyed, often the purulent focus breaks out. The main symptom of osteomyelitis is pain in the affected area. Later, tissue edema appears over the site of inflammation, and purulent fistulas form. When the joints are affected, purulent arthritis occurs, while the hip and knee joints are most often affected.

Staphylococcal disease of the valves and the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) endocarditis is a serious disease with a high (40-60%) mortality rate. Entering with the blood stream, staphylococcus destroys heart valves in a short time, causing serious complications in the form of embolism (blockage) of peripheral arteries, myocardial abscess, heart failure.

Diseases caused by exposure to a large number of staphylococcal toxins are sometimes distinguished into a separate group – intoxication. These include toxic shock and food poisoning. Toxic shock occurs when particularly aggressive types of toxins enter the bloodstream, causing a sharp drop in blood pressure, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, impaired consciousness, and later a characteristic spotted rash appears. Food toxicosis occurs 2-6 hours after ingestion of food contaminated with staphylococcus aureus, and is manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases of food intoxication, the manifestations of enterocolitis may resemble those in a particularly dangerous infection – cholera.

Sepsis is the most severe form of staphylococcal infection, in which a huge amount of bacteria is carried by the blood throughout the body with the formation of multiple secondary foci of infection in the internal organs.

Diagnosis of a staphylococcal infection

Diagnosis of staphylococcal infection is based on clinical signs of the disease. To identify the pathogen, crops are made discharged from wounds, biological fluids. The basis for the diagnosis of food intoxication can be the isolation of staphylococcus from food. When establishing a diagnosis, the doctor has to differentiate staphylococcal diseases from infections caused by streptococcus, allergic skin lesions, cutaneous anthrax (carbuncle), intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery).

Treatment of staph infections

Treatment of staphylococcal infections should be aimed at suppressing the pathogen, restoring immunity components, and treating concomitant diseases that reduce the body’s reactivity.

Surgical treatment of foci of staphylococcal infection with purulent fusion (boils, abscesses) has been considered the main one since ancient times and remains so until now.

The use of antibiotics for staphylococcal infections should be well thought out and justified, since the irrational use of antibiotics, at least, will not bring any benefit and, given the high resistance of staphylococci to some antibiotics, in some cases is harmful, leading to a worsening of the course of infections. For the treatment of staphylococcal processes, semi-synthetic penicillins (ampicillin, oxacillin), penicillins combined with clavulanic acid (amoxiclav) or another group of antibiotics – aminoglycosides (gentamicin) are more often used.

Bacteriophages in staphylococcal infections

Bacteriophages, viruses with a selective ability to defeat staphylococcus, can be used to combat staphylococcus. For external treatment, ointments containing antibacterial components that have an antiseptic and regenerating effect are used. In purulent processes, it is not recommended to use ointments that have a fatty base (for example, the popular Vishnevsky liniment) since fats prevent the outflow of discharge from the wound, thereby worsening the course of the process.

Increased immunity with staphylococcal infection

Methods for increasing immunity can be chosen from a variety of herbal preparations – adaptogens (ginseng, eleutherococcus) to complex combinations, including synthetic immunomodulators, the introduction of ready-made immune preparations: antistaphylococcal plasma or immunoglobulin. Often a simple method of immunostimulation is used called autohemotherapy (intramuscular injection of the patient’s own blood).

To improve recovery processes, with a general strengthening purpose, multivitamins are prescribed. In diseases accompanied by high intoxication, fever, it is advisable to drink plenty of water.

The diet, as for any patient, should be easily digestible with a sufficient amount of vitamins. A varied healthy diet plays a significant role in maintaining the body’s defenses and quick recovery after illness.

Folk remedies for the treatment of staphylococcal infections

Folk remedies can be used as the only independent method for non-severe forms of staphylococcal infection. These methods are based on the use of infusions and decoctions of herbs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (chamomile, string, St. John’s wort, calendula) both in the form of rinses and lotions, and for oral administration. Infusions of berries rich in vitamins (raspberries, cranberries, currants, rose hips) help to eliminate bacterial toxins and restore the body. Thermal procedures are recommended to be used locally and only during the recovery period. It is not advisable to use heat to accelerate the maturation of abscesses, a bath, a sauna, and even more so hot baths, because of the danger of weighting and further spread of infection.

Prevention of staph infection

Prevention of staphylococcal infection includes: maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding bad habits, eating healthy and getting enough sleep. It is necessary to avoid general hypothermia and overheating, to treat microtraumas of the skin with antiseptics (iodine, brilliant green) in a timely manner. It is necessary to identify and treat carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, especially those working in health care and public catering institutions, for the duration of treatment such persons are not allowed to perform their duties.

Doctor’s consultation on staphylococcal infection

Are there vaccines for streptococcal infections?

Answer: there is a so-called staphylococcal toxoid, which, after administration, causes the formation of antitoxic antibodies; there are no vaccines that stimulate the production of antibacterial immunity.

I often get boils (carbuncles, pimples, etc.). What do you need to drink to pass?

Answer: in case of manifestations of chronic staphylococcal infection, self-treatment is not allowed. It is necessary to consult a doctor – the treatment of the infection should be prescribed individually after a detailed examination, it is also necessary to undergo treatment under the supervision of a doctor.