Characterization of staphylococci and their role in pathology of children

Abstract

The problem of human staphylococcal infection in the world has been considered. It is known that there are 27 species of staphylococci, 14 of them colonize the skin and mucous membranes of humans, and 3 of them may cause diseases. They are Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. saprophyticus. Staphylococci are causative agents of the large part of community-acquired and nosocomial bacteremia, pneumonia, infections of skin and soft tissues, bones and joints. Of all cases of nosocomial infections, S. aureus accounts for 31%. During the identification of 65 strains of bacteria isolated from people with respiratory tract lesions, it was found that 58.5% of cases were connected with presence of staphylococci. 86.8% of isolates identified belong to species S. aureus and 13.2% to S. saprophyticus. Study of pathogenicity factors manifestation revealed that all strains identified as S. aureus had plasmocoagulase; lipase and lecitinase were simultaneously detected in 78.3% of them, among S. saprophyticus strains in 20%. Presence of haemolysins was determined for 82.1% of strains of staphylococci. Ability to film formation was detected in 21 (63.6%) strains of S. aureus and 2 (40%) of S. saprophyticus strains. Given high frequency of carriers of staphylococci among healthy individuals, they should be considered as potentially pathogenic microorganisms and opportunistic pathogens. Due to their pathogenicity factors (adhesins, capsule, cell wall components, enzymes and toxins), staphylococci may cause diseases such as sepsis, meningitis, peritonitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and in young children they may result in serious Ritter illness (“babies scalded syndrome”), foodstuff infection and staphylococcal enterocolitis, in lactating women – mastitis, toxic shock syndrome. To solve the problem of staphylococcal infection prevention, it is necessary to use the following prophylaxis methods: to avoid decrease in immunity, to observe the rules of hygiene, sterility, disposability, disinfection, strict control of sanitary and epidemiological profile of healthcare institutions, to ensure monitoring of pregnant women, infants and early diagnostics and treatment of the inflammatory diseases at their initial stages. Furthermore, there is a need in monitoring of these bacteria spreading.