Staphylococcus aureus in baby feces
Millions of microorganisms live on human mucous membranes. However, many mothers are horrified if they hear that Staphylococcus aureus has been found in the feces of infants. How dangerous can this phenomenon be? Is there a norm of the number of such bacteria in the child’s body and what actions does it require to exceed?
Causes and manifestations of infection
Microorganisms in the intestinal flora and mucous membranes of a healthy person peacefully coexist. However, with certain provoking factors, some of them (such as staphylococcus include) can become a serious health hazard. If we talk about small children, then the causes of the development of a staph infection are:
- overheating or overcooling;
- chronic pathology;
- weak labor activity;
- gestosis;
- imbalance in the process of childbirth;
- neglect of personal hygiene.
That is, if one factor or another is present in the history, immunity is reduced, and, as a result, staphylococcus is found in the feces of a child with an elevated titer (in increased amounts).
Manifestations of the infection can be of a different nature: from skin lesions (furunculosis, acne, purulent foci at the site of cuts and injuries), problems with the respiratory system (pharyngitis, purulent angina, complicated sinusitis) before the staphylococcus bacteria enter the circulatory system. In the case of the latter scenario, purulent-inflammatory processes can be localized in the bone tissues, gastrointestinal tract, brain cells and liver. Anyway, the symptoms of the disease depends on the titer of Staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureus in feces in infants: the rate and symptoms of high content
A moderate number of representatives of Staphylococcus aureus in smears and feces of infants is not a serious pathology. Different diagnostic laboratories determine their own titer indicators, but in general, the rate of presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is 10 to 4 degrees. This result of the analysis does not require therapeutic effects. However, medical opinions differ on this topic: some consider that it is necessary to treat with any titer, and others - that only an increase (even a minimal one) needs correction.
The danger of Staphylococcus aureus is that it produces the reproduction of toxins, in particular, enterotoxin, which adversely affects the digestive tract. Manifests such a dysbacteriosis poisoning. At the same time Staphylococcus aureus in the feces of infants 10 to 5 degrees is manifested by the following symptoms:
- flatulence;
- abdominal pains (usually cramping);
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea or constipation.
With an increase in titer by one value, the green color of the chair is added to this list, as well as the presence of lumps of undigested food and an unpleasant, pungent odor. Also Staphylococcus aureus in the feces of infants 10 to 6 degrees can manifest itself:
- vomiting;
- lethargy;
- temperature increase.
If the development of a staph infection is not stopped, then it can also lead to more serious symptoms - skin lesions and blood poisoning.
Treatment of staph infection
Staphylococcus aureus is quite difficult to treat. This is due to the fact that the enzyme that secretes bacteria (penicillinases), is able to resist the action of antibiotics. In any case, therapy is prescribed only after the cutaneous manifestations of infection are identified. For the treatment prescribed:
- antibacterial drugs;
- vitamins.
Such measures are taken primarily to strengthen the immune system, since it is his weakening that provokes the development of a staphylococcal infection. That is why mothers of babies who are breastfed are advised not to stop feeding, even in the hospital. After all, no drug can strengthen the crumbs' immune system as much as mother's milk does.
Staphylococcus aureus in the feces of infants is present along with other microorganisms. If the baby’s immune system failed or the health was influenced by provoking factors, there is an active reproduction of the harmful bacteria. She, in turn, can cause irreparable harm to the child's body. Therefore, it is important to detect the problem in time and start treatment immediately.