Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism that is found not only in human blood, but also on mucous membranes, in the stomach. Until a certain point, it is not dangerous at all, but it can begin to develop if conditions are suitable for this. In some young mothers, staphylococcus is found in breast milk, which often causes panic and inappropriate actions.
In this article, we'll talk about staphylococcus in breast milk and what to do about it. Let's talk about the ways of penetration and how to treat it.
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that, under favorable conditions, causes serious inflammatory processes in organism. These include tonsillitis, otitis media, and in lactating women - lactose deficiency occurs.
This infection is dangerous because until a certain moment it is in a dormant state, without causing any negative effects. However, there are some conditions favorable for its development:
- decreased immunity;
- various injuries, especially fractures;
- Intestinal dysbiosis;
- infectious diseases;
- surgical interventions.
The multiplication of this infection in women and children leads to toxic consequences for the body, which are manifested by the appearance of pus on the glands, on the skin, in the internal organs. Some diseases caused by such a microbe are fatal to humans.
The most dangerous of all is Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus in breast milk
In more early periods after detection in breast milk of staphylococcus medical workers weaning the infant was also recommended to avoid possible infection... Today, this behavior is considered wrong.
Staphylococcus aureus enters breast milk because it lives on mucous membranes, on the skin of the breast, on the mother's arms. This is a norm that cannot be avoided in any way. The mammary gland is not often involved in this.
The presence of this bacterium in milk does not mean that the mother or child must be infected with breast milk. He could get there if the milk was taken incorrectly from the skin of the breast, from the hands. In most cases, this is exactly the case and there is no need to worry at all. Moreover, start treatment. If mommy is not sick with infectious diseases, and the child also feels good, then taking medications will only negatively affect their immunity. If a nursing mother has chest pain during breastfeeding, then this is also not main feature the presence of an infection. This happens if the chest is very full, for example.
Breast milk in women, this is not a sterile liquid, which can contain only nutrients, vitamins, minerals and water, but a whole cocktail, where there is a place for various microorganisms that form an immune response in a child, antibodies, etc.
V medical practice until there was a case that staphylococcus, found in milk in women, caused any disease in infants. This infection is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact.
Thus, it is almost impossible to infect a child through. But this rule does not apply to some categories of babies. Here they are:
- premature babies;
- children with congenital diseases;
- little ones and babies who are weakly gaining weight;
- babies who are fed with artificial milk from the first days of life.
Penetration routes
The infection penetrates simply - through microcracks in the nipples. With frequent use of soap, the skin becomes dry and cracks may occur. A young mother does not always feel them. Therefore, this method of penetration can be considered hidden. With this method of penetration, Staphylococcus epidermidis is usually found in the culture.
If a nursing mother has cold breasts, then it is likely that the bacteria will begin to develop there.
Another way of getting into breast milk is a general infection of the whole body, that is, through the blood. If a young mother develops diarrhea during lactation, a cough, a sore throat, an inflamed glands or diseases of the female genital organs, then it is quite possible that she is infected with staphylococcus, which will surely penetrate into milk. Also important feature is the temperature during lactation.
Staphylococcus aureus settles in the thoracic duct, forming seals around itself. It can clog milk duct and become a source of infection. Such lumps in the chest are the first symptom of the appearance of the dangerous disease for mother and baby -.
Symptoms
Cold during lactation - common reason serious illnesses, therefore, special attention is paid to its symptoms. If the chest has a cold, then it is better to visit a mammologist to exclude mastitis.
A woman incubation period proceeds slowly and asymptomatically, and only after it does the breast swell, a lump is felt in the mammary gland in a nursing mother, of which there are more and more over time. The lymph node under the armpit usually increases in size.
The chest hurts during feeding, there is general weakness. If the temperature rises, then the disease has passed into an acute phase and urgent action is needed.
If the infection also affects the baby, then he will show symptoms inherent in diseases of the mucous membrane:
- elevated temperature;
- cough;
- the mucous membrane in the mouth is bloody and inflamed;
- purulent rhinitis (green snot).
When staphylococcus aureus takes root in the stomach or intestines, enterocolitis occurs. The signs are as follows:
- upset stool. There is mucus in the stool. The smell is putrid;
- the baby loses appetite. He is very capricious;
- the tummy is swollen;
- vomiting appears;
- colic intensifies;
- the temperature rises.
Most often, staphylococcus aureus in a baby's body provokes the development of conjunctivitis. Symptoms of this disease:
- eyes turn sour. Most often during the night. In the morning, the baby cannot open his eyes;
- the eyelids swell and turn red. The eye becomes inflamed;
- temperature increase.
Also, this microorganism provokes skin diseases, which are very annoying to the child.
- Phlegmon. Inflammation and small swellings appear on the skin. Touching them hurts the baby. The temperature rises at the same time.
- Abscess. A lot of pustules appear on the baby's skin with redness around. High temperature. When pressed on the abscesses, pus flows out of them.
- Pemphigus. At first, it is similar to a simple allergy, but without treatment it quickly turns into dangerous forms which are fraught with serious complications. For example, sepsis. Symptoms are rashes on the skin in the form of bubbles, fever, moodiness.
- Sepsis. Rarely caused by staphylococcus milk, but with weakening of children's immunity, this can happen. More often - this is a consequence of other ill-treated or untreated infections.
In no case can you make a diagnosis yourself. You need to see a doctor who will conduct a full examination.
Treatment and prevention
Before treating it is necessary to carry out full diagnostics to know exactly the causes of the disease. It is impermissible to make a mistake with the choice of a drug.
Baby tests:
- sowing from the nasopharynx;
- general blood analysis;
- bacterial culture of mucus.
These indicators give a clear idea of the bacteria that caused the disease and allow you to choose the right treatment.
Breast milk is also analyzed, but it is worth considering that a positive test for staphylococcus aureus does not yet indicate an exact infection through milk.
The question arises whether to quit or not to quit breast-feeding?
Some doctors insist that an urgent need to stop if the mother shows symptoms staphylococcal infection... In fact, this is not the case. After the cessation of lactation, the baby's immunity will immediately decrease, which will lead to infection. You should not refuse feedings, says Dr.Komarovsky, because breast milk contains a large number of antibodies that form immunity in the baby. Lactation period very important for the health of the baby.
If a young mother stops feeding, then the baby's sensitivity to external threats increases.
In the event that a woman has an infectious mastitis, and the breast continues to fill with milk, then you need to stop feeding only if pus is released from the breast along with the milk. Then pumping is done every day. Breast pain in a nursing woman will go away after the disease is eliminated.
Treatment is carried out For example, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin. The latter is especially effective.
Before prescribing drugs, it is best to do an antibiogram to check the sensitivity of the microorganism to them.
For a baby, only a doctor prescribes treatment. After determining the sensitivity of staphylococcus, treatment is carried out in parallel with the treatment of the mother.
Prevention of infection in breast milk can be carried out by disinfecting the skin of the breast with antiseptics. For example, brilliant green. Personal hygiene of the mother and baby plays an important role.
It is important to avoid close contact with infected people and in any case not to trigger even mild illnesses.
Additional facts
A cold in a nursing mother often ends up in a serious illness in the baby. If it is not cured in time, then a serious staphylococcal infection will begin, which quickly enters breast milk and begins to threaten the baby.
Breast pain in a breastfeeding woman does not always indicate an infection. They appear due to improper attachment of the baby, due to the unpreparedness of the breast for frequent feedings, microtraumas.
Herpes during breastfeeding occurs when strong decline immunity of mother and baby. This may be a consequence of the postponed infectious disease... If the herpes has developed only on the lips, then you do not need to stop feeding. If it manifests itself on the chest or nipples, then an urgent need to consult a doctor. You may have to give up feedings for a while.
Rotavirus infection in a nursing mother strongly resembles staphylococcal infection. Symptoms overlap in many ways. Diarrhea, nausea, feeling unwell. Moreover, the possibility of infecting a baby is much higher than a staphylococcus infection.
In this article, we discussed the dangerous staphylococcal infection. Ways of its penetration into breast milk and the baby's body.
Breast milk is the most valuable and nutritious substance for a nursing baby. Milk contains the necessary amount of all vitamins and minerals for the full growth of a child. It should be understood that breast milk cannot be sterilized and is used as it is. Staphylococcus aureus can be caused by an infection in the mother's milk and arising from lack of hygiene, late latching on to the breast, the introduction of complementary foods and breastfeeding at the same time. Staphylococcal infection can be located on various bodies human and thus not cause any complications and diseases. If the mother has good immunity, then staphylococcal bacteria will practically not multiply in milk. And if the immune system is weakened, then the infection spreads quite quickly, poisons the body with toxins, penetrates the mucous organs and causes inflammation.
Symptoms of the appearance of staphylococcus are the presence of redness, swelling or cracks on the chest. If left untreated, infections get there and then they are passed on to the child. After giving birth, you should immediately apply the baby to the breast, this helps to improve blood circulation, the process of colostrum and then milk will be its natural phenomenon. If you do not immediately attach the baby to the breast and not express milk, this will lead to stagnation of milk, the breast will begin to harden, milk will flow out on its own and can lead to mastitis. Which can lead to infection with a staphylococcal infection.
The child may be vilified, fever and general state will get worse. If staphylococcus is detected in breast milk, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding and wait for the mother to fully recover. During this period, give the child a mixture and it is advisable not to alternate with breastfeeding. If the child is infected from the mother, then start treatment for both the mother and the child. Sterility should be observed and not mixed, if milk is sorted into one dish, it is better to use different jars.
Analysis of breast milk to check for staphylococcus.
If you doubt the quality of your breast milk and you have doubts and concerns, then hand it over for tests and checks. To do this, prepare sterile dishes or jars by boiling them for about 15 minutes. Start pouring breast milk, the first portions do not need to be immediately put into a jar, but pour it somewhere else. Then, first, start expressing one breast into one jar, then the second breast into a second jar and take it to the right laboratory to check for bacteriological culture and infections. Remember, no more than three hours should pass from the moment of expression, otherwise the result will not be accurate. Laboratory technicians scrutinize the test for any existing infections and bacteria, if any. Then they issue a certificate indicating the number of bacteria present, and then you go directly to the doctor.
How to treat a nursing mother and child from staphylococcus.
Treatment for both mother and child should be comprehensive and bring benefits and results to both. The mother of the child is treated with antibiotics and special antibacterial drugs and antiseptics. It should be borne in mind that it is not limited only to the use of drugs, among other things, the nipples should be treated with a special solution and this should be done regularly until all symptoms of the disease disappear. During treatment, you can continue to breastfeed, since the drugs themselves are completely harmless. As for the child, the doctor prescribes bifido and lactobacilli to prevent the onset of dysbiosis and of course good nutrition mother, which will raise and strengthen the immunity of not only the mother, but also the child. All procedures and methods of treatment will be the key to the success of the fight against staphylococcus.
The body of a nursing mother is weakened after childbirth. Protective barriers are not as reliable as they used to be, preventing pathogenic microbes from entering. And here is the result: the woman learns with horror that a dangerous microorganism staphylococcus has "settled" in her breast milk. Where to run, where and how to be treated - the questions of primary importance, the health of the child depends on their solution. However, before you panic, you should calmly figure out whether staphylococcus is so terrible and in all cases you need to quickly get rid of the harmful bacteria.
Staphylococcus aureus and its types
"Staphili" - in Greek "grapes", "cocci" - "grains". These two words give the name to one of the world's most famous microbes. Indeed, under the microscope, staphylococci resemble round or oval grains that stick to each other like bunches of grapes.
In the family of staphylococci, science identifies 27 species. Of these, 14 are related to humans, but only 3 species are considered pathogenic (capable of causing disease). It:
The vitality of Staphylococcus aureus is amazing. A separate resistant group of bacteria is not afraid of penicillin and other antibiotics, lives for 10 minutes in boiling water up to 150 °, is immune to alcohol and has adapted to feed on hydrogen peroxide.
Staphylococcus aureus has a microcapsule, with which it penetrates into living cells, and poisons that are destructive to cellular structures.
The pest has a detrimental effect on the skin, lungs, mucous membranes, digestive organs, brain and bone marrow.
Studies have shown that pathologies caused by staphylococci have affected almost every inhabitant on the planet at least once. Moreover, people who have undergone the disease do not develop immunity to the microbe.
Photo gallery: diseases caused by staphylococci
Saprophytic staphylococcus aureus causes cystitis Reproduction on the mucous membranes of epidermal staphylococcus leads to sepsis Staphylococcus aureus in breast milk - the cause of mastitis
Where does staphylococcus aureus come from in breast milk
Like other bacteria, staphylococcus aureus is ubiquitous. The habitat of the microorganism is earth, air, water, living things, including humans. No matter how carefully the premises and clothes in the maternity hospital are treated, new microbes quickly replace the old ones. For this reason, it is impossible to create a sterile environment for women in labor, even in the case of complete isolation from external contacts.
A woman can catch staphylococcus aureus through:
- poorly processed medical instruments;
- contacts with medical personnel;
- air in the ward;
- improperly cooked food.
Staphylococci also live on the dressing gown of a doctor or nurse However, such a development of events does not at all mean that the young mother will definitely get sick. The microbe can live on the skin for a long time without getting inside the body. If a woman in labor also thoroughly washes her hands and regularly treats her nipples, staphylococcus is unlikely to find its way to breast milk.
The microbe penetrates into milk in two ways:
- through cracks in the nipple - along the milk ducts;
- on lymphatic vessels- if a woman, being pregnant, has already contracted a staphylococcal infection.
The trouble with nursing mothers is cracked nipples. They are formed, first of all, from inept breastfeeding: either the baby grasps only the edge of the nipple with his mouth, while it is necessary - together with the areola, or the woman allows the baby to suck for too long, even after he is full. As a result - a wound on the nipple, which serves as a "gateway" for bacteria living on the body.
Does staphylococcus always attack
It sounds strange, but the latest medicine advises mothers who have a microbe not to grab onto antibiotics: even such a harmful microorganism in breast milk is not a symptom of the disease. Moreover, this is the norm: most often, staphylococcus aureus behaves peacefully in the human body, without disturbing the "owner". Therefore, the microbe fell into the category of opportunistic (as opposed to pathogenic).
If the mother and baby do not show signs of infection, it is premature to resort to treatment. It is also undesirable to stop breastfeeding.
With mother's milk, the child receives antibodies that strengthen him immune system... As a result, the body of a healthy baby successfully fights staphylococcus.
When children are vulnerable to infectious agents
If the infant's system of counteracting harmful microorganisms is weakened, the baby may be attacked by staphylococci.
The risk zone includes:
- premature;
- born with pathologies;
- weak, weighing less than average;
- receiving artificial nutrition from birth.
The body of a premature baby does not have enough strength to fight infections If staphylococcus aureus has found a loophole in a weakened defense system, it shows aggression, starting to infect the skin and internal organs child.
Signs of infection:
- loose stools Green colour with mucus;
- bloating;
- cough;
- runny nose with pus;
- heat;
- vomit;
- conjunctivitis;
- pustules, blistering rashes on the body.
If you find these symptoms in your baby, call your doctor immediately. The main thing is not to self-medicate: for example, do not rinse your eyes with conjunctivitis - so do not get rid of staphylococcus, but simply drive it inside.
If the bacteria gets into the child's blood, infection can begin - in which case a blood transfusion will be required. If the microbe enters the lungs, the baby is at risk of pneumonia.
When a bacteria harms a nursing mom
As long as a woman is breastfeeding her baby correctly and regularly, she is pumping, she is relieved of lactostasis - stagnation of milk in the glands. Errors in feeding technique provoke the development of this pathology - and that is only what staphylococcus needs. The bacterium begins to colonize the space, while the woman's well-being worsens, symptoms appear:
- pain and heaviness in the chest;
- redness of the skin on the surface of the chest;
- the appearance of areas of seals;
- difficulty expressing milk (the process is uneven);
- an increase in temperature (but there is no heat yet).
The baby must grasp the nipple with the areola with his mouth, otherwise the mother risks getting lactostasis If the mother manages to establish breastfeeding according to all the rules, milk stagnation will stop. It happens that the fever does not go away within two days - then there is a threat of infectious mastitis. Doctor's help is required.
At first, the symptoms of lactostasis and mastitis are similar, but with the latter, they rapidly intensify. The disease goes through several stages until it reaches the destructive phase - purulent mastitis. This condition threatens a woman's life. Signs of a purulent stage:
Further - worse: a sharp drop in hemoglobin, lack of milk in the breast, tissue necrosis. The gangrenous stage of mastitis sets in, in which, perhaps, the mammary gland will have to be removed. This is how staphylococcus works if you do not fight it.
- pus contains dead bacteria;
- the baby's body is able to produce antibodies that will “fight” harmful microbes.
Not everyone likes the radical position of WHO: more careful doctors advise to stop breastfeeding during the destructive phase of mastitis.
Diagnostics of the staphylococcus
If a nursing mother suffers from lactostasis and suspects the onset of an infection, she will think about getting tested for the presence of staphylococcus in breast milk. Prepare milk for the laboratory in a hygienic manner so that particles from clothing do not enter the liquid for analysis. You can use a sterilized breast pump.
The procedure looks like this:
- Find two disposable jars (plastic or glass) separately for the right and left breasts.
- Boil glass containers for 10-12 minutes, wash plastic containers thoroughly.
- Label each jar so that it is clear from which gland the milk is in it.
- Wash hands and both breasts with baby soap.
- Strain 10 ml of milk from each breast - and pour out: the first portion is not suitable for sowing.
- Wash the glands again and dry with a napkin.
- In each jar, pump 10-15 ml from the corresponding breast; close containers tightly with lids.
- Take the jars with the contents to the laboratory. The main thing is time: the laboratory assistant does the sowing of breast milk a maximum of 3 hours after expressing. Later, the material will become unusable.
The breast pump will help prepare breast milk for analysis In the laboratory, staphylococci are waiting for a nutritious soil on which they quickly grow. After a week, the result is ready. Determine the type and number of microbes, as well as antibiotic resistance (after which it will be useful in treatment).
Possible analysis results
Sterile breast milk modern conditions is extremely rare, doctors say.
In 80% of cases, the detection of bacteria becomes the result of an incorrect sampling of the analysis. Staphylococcus aureus is present everywhere. It is impossible to create complete sterility for collecting the analysis. It can get into milk from the skin of the chest, palms, even from the air.
Kyshtymov Mikhail, head of the department of the Children's Hospital named after Filatova
http://kids365.ru/stafilokokk-v-grudnom-moloke/
Therefore, the following results of bacteriological inoculation are most likely:
- staphylococci were found, and in small quantities - there is no reason for panic, since these microbes also live in a healthy body;
- a larger congestion is found - it is too early to worry: the microbe is conditionally pathogenic, and until conditions favorable for its reproduction are created, it will not attack;
- found many colonies of staphylococcus aureus type - the most dangerous.
It would seem that in the latter case, the mother should be advised to immediately stop breastfeeding the baby. However, the opinion of many modern doctors, including the well-known children's doctor Komarovsky, - continue feeding. Because there cannot be such a concentration of staphylococci in breast milk, at which it becomes dangerous to breastfeed.
A little about the norm
There are certain standards for the content of staphylococcus on objects, skin and mucous membranes. Depending on how the microbe grows, 4 degrees are distinguished:
- Weak growth - only in liquid medium, there is no danger to the body.
- Growth up to 10 colonies of the species - no danger.
- Growth from 10 to 100 colonies is the onset of the disease.
- Growth over 100 colonies is a pronounced pathology.
If, according to the results of the analysis, staphylococcus 10 is 3 degrees - this is a variant of the norm. 
Not all scientists agree that big number staphylococci in breast milk requires stopping breastfeeding
However, a number of doctors assert: there is no concept of "the rate of staphylococcus in breast milk". And although it is determined during the analysis, 150 CFU / ml or 200 CFU / ml (colony-forming unit, shows the number of microorganisms per unit volume), it is not important. The main thing is the condition of the baby. A healthy baby will fight germs with antibodies. A person infected with a staphylococcal infection can be treated without lifting from the breast. In a mother, the presence of a microorganism in milk is only important if there is a suspicion of purulent mastitis.
To determine if a child has staphylococcus, they first go to a neonatologist. Most likely, the doctor will send for such tests:
- sowing from the nasopharynx;
- scraping the skin;
- blood test;
- bacteriological culture of feces;
- bacteriological culture of mucus.
The danger to the health of the baby begins from the staphylococcus indicator in the feces of 10 to the 4th degree. And with an indicator of 10 to the 6th degree, the child, as a rule, is already noticeable purulent infection, therefore, it is necessary to urgently take up treatment.
Video: Dr. Komarovsky about tests for staphylococcus
Treatment of staphylococcal infection in a nursing mother
At the stage of lactostasis and non-infectious mastitis, a woman can limit herself to folk remedies. With purulent inflammation, drug treatment is required.
Folk remedies for the disease
So that milk stagnation does not end with an infection, it should be done with early stages... In the fight against cracks in the nipples and breast inflammation, "grandmother's recipes" will help. 
Cabbage leaf will ease the symptoms of lactostasis
To soften the chest, use regular ice from the refrigerator. It is wrapped in a cloth, placed on a reddened place and kept for 20 minutes. Repeat the procedure every 3 hours. The main thing is not to get carried away, otherwise hypothermia is possible.
Assign yourself folk remedies you should not - you always need the help of a doctor, otherwise you risk provoking mastitis.
Table: folk remedies against lactostasis
| Name | How to cook | How does it work |
| Apples with butter |
| heals cracked nipples |
| Kalanchoe juice | juice a sore spot on the chest or apply a liquid-soaked bandage |
|
| Cabbage leaf |
|
|
| Honey cake |
|
|
| Salt compress |
|
|
Herbal antiseptics
A number of doctors advise patients to get rid of cracked nipples with herbal preparations that are sold in pharmacies.
It is not necessary to treat the disease with antibiotics. Good effect provides treatment of the mammary glands with herbal antiseptics - Chlorophyllipt or Rotokan for two to three weeks. During this time, the wounds on the nipples will disappear, and with them the microbes.
Yuri Kopanev, Candidate of Medical Sciences
Both drugs, as written in the instructions, have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect:
- Chlorophyllipt is a natural preparation with eucalyptus extract, contains vitamin C. Oil solution lubricate cracked nipples. The sores should disappear within 2-3 weeks. Dispensed by prescription, the price of the drug is from 103 to 137 rubles;
- Rotokan is an extract of pharmaceutical herbs with alcohol. In 1 glass of water, 1 teaspoon of Rotokan is diluted, applied to the wounds. It is dispensed without a prescription, the price is 33 rubles.
Antibiotic treatment
The turn of bactericidal drugs comes when other means do not help. So, if the high temperature does not go away, the woman feels that the condition is worsening, which means that antibiotics cannot be dispensed with.
The choice for the attending physician is difficult: medicines should kill pathogenic microflora and not harm the baby, and most of the antibiotics pass into breast milk. Drugs of 3 groups are recognized as relatively safe:
- penicillins (pass into milk in small quantities);
- cephalosporins (initially little in milk, but with chest inflammation becomes more);
- macrolides (better than others penetrate into milk, but less toxic and allergenic).
From the group of cephalosporins, the drug Cephalexin can be mentioned. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, however, when prescribing the remedy, doctors recommend temporarily stopping breastfeeding. 
Cephalexin has an antibacterial effect, during treatment you will have to stop breastfeeding
It must be remembered that most antibiotics, when fighting infectious agents, do not cure the mastitis itself.
Some experts even doubt that similar drugs capable of killing a bacterium that lives for 10 minutes in boiling water and digests hydrogen peroxide.
Table: antibiotics for breastfeeding
Bacteriophages as a possible replacement for antibiotics
Live bacteria or viruses natural origin called bacteriophages. They are designed to "invade" the pest's cell and kill it. To combat Staphylococcus aureus, several "groups" of so-called staphylococcal phages are used at once.
Live culture is contained in a bottle. In case of infectious mastitis, the agent is used orally 1 hour before meals 3 times a day. This must be done according to the rules:
- do not dilute the contents of the bottle;
- wash your hands before taking the drug;
- process the cap of the bottle with an alcohol solution;
- close the bottle immediately after use;
- store the opened container at a temperature of 2–8 ° for 2 years.
The course of phage therapy is 1-3 weeks. The dosage is determined by the doctor.
Opinions differ regarding the effectiveness of staphylococcal phages. For many Russian specialists, live bacteria are the best substitute for antibiotics. And foreign doctors do not particularly trust bacteriophages, believing that more power is needed against Staphylococcus aureus. They prescribe drugs only as "helpers" to antibiotics.
Staphylococcus aureus in breast milk can appear at any time during feeding. If a woman found out about him, then you should not immediately panic. Self-medication will also not give the desired result. Only qualified in this issue the doctor will be able to schedule a further course of treatment and advise on all issues of interest. It is necessary to recognize the symptoms in time and begin to eliminate them.
Features of the disease
The cocci group of bacteria includes spherical cells that are harmful to the body. When they multiply, you can see the connection with each other and the association in bunches. The following cocci can have a negative effect on the human body: golden, saprophytic and epidermal. The first of these is considered the most dangerous. Unfortunately, Staphylococcus aureus is found in breast milk quite often.
Features of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus:
- This kind the infection cannot be damaged by the action external factors... The bacteria continue to exist and multiply in the sun. Even drying out cannot lead to their death. It was scientifically established that staphylococcus dies only when the air temperature rises to 150 degrees. Even alcohol and hydrogen peroxide cannot destroy it.
- The microbe dies only under the influence of coagulase. This enzyme acts on the bacterium and makes it clot, along with the surrounding blood. Unfortunately, such formation can travel throughout the body and cause purulent formation in any organ or blood clot. Scientists managed to establish that it is under the influence of staphylococcus that a woman begins purulent mastitis.
- For a nursing mother, the situation is dangerous due to the appearance of a large amount of poison in the body. Subsequently, this can lead to skin diseases in the baby. It becomes covered with large blisters that superficially resemble burns.
- The bacteria are difficult to destroy because they can develop antibiotic resistance.
- For a woman, the most dangerous is an infection that was received in a hospital. This option is difficult to treat, so you will have to go through a long course.
- The transmission of bacteria occurs not only by contact, but also by airborne droplets. For the baby, there remains the risk of becoming infected while still in the womb.
- The body of a healthy person can easily cope with Staphylococcus aureus on its own. It can be found on the skin 80% healthy people... The danger is a weakened immune system. A woman's body is weakened after childbirth, so the microbe can easily begin to spread and multiply. The likelihood of spreading infection is increased by malnutrition and disrupted sleep patterns.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria under a microscope
It is important for a woman to be attentive to herself. In this case, staphylococcus is not detected in breast milk. That is why it is necessary to do everything in order to quickly get yourself back in shape.
Research and diagnosis of staphylococcus
If the child or mother has no complaints, then there is no reason to take the test either. For the correct collection of all the necessary information, it is necessary to take into account a large number of factors. It should be noted that even while washing your hands, the harmful bacteria cannot be completely destroyed.
When breastfeeding, milk can also be collected using a breast pump. However, at home, it is impossible to completely destroy harmful bacteria even by boiling. The disease can also be transmitted to the baby through direct contact with the nipple. Staphylococcus aureus constantly lives on the skin and can penetrate into milk at any time. It should be noted that if a bacterium was found in a lactation product, this does not at all mean that it lives inside the breast. To pass the tests, you must adhere exactly to a certain scheme.
The bacteria can be passed on through cracks in the nipples.
Staphylococcus aureus during lactation
To date, there is no consensus on whether it is possible to breastfeed in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. It all depends on individual characteristics organism of mother and child. Most often there is no need to produce special treatment... It is important to monitor your baby's reactions. If no sign appears, then feeding can be safely continued. The baby's condition is the main landmark.
Only on rare occasions staphylococcal analysis shows high concentration... Breast milk is still considered the best food for a baby. No artificial compound can replace it. Lactation enables the baby to develop immunity to a large number of diseases. In the future, they will protect his body from external negative factors and diseases.
To prevent the development of allergies, problems at work digestive system and other diseases, it is necessary to attach the baby to the breast and feed it with milk in the first minutes of life. GW specialists advise to minimize supplementation and supplementation in the first months of life. In this case, a healthy and strong baby is guaranteed to grow up, which will delight parents throughout their lives.
For the treatment of dysbiosis in infants, "phages" are used. While taking them, it is not at all necessary to give up breast milk. The mother's treatment also consists of taking drugs which are fully compatible with lactation. Modern pharmacology offers a wide range of products that will quickly restore health. Only in some cases is it necessary to express. In this case, it remains possible to continue feeding after the end of the treatment period.
In medical practice, cases have been recorded when a child was infected directly through milk. However, in such a situation, the baby was guaranteed to have a decrease in the level of immunity. A newborn can bring an infection into the body through the umbilical cord. Also, a situation can arise if the rules are not followed during the generic process. The likelihood of spreading the infection increases even with mild prickly heat.
Treatment of the disease
Not in all cases with an ailment it is possible to fix explicit clinical manifestations... Analysis of breast milk for staphylococcus aureus will reveal the concentration of bacteria and make a decision on the appropriateness of treatment.
If there are cracks in the chest, attention should be paid to their removal. In this case, babies are guaranteed not to get bacteria when feeding. Cracks contribute to the rapid penetration of staphylococcus into the body. If the breast is completely healthy, then the likelihood of infection is reduced to zero.
In the presence of mastitis, its treatment should be carried out in a timely manner. An antibiotic susceptibility test should be performed to select antibiotics. In this case, it will be possible to choose the most effective drug. Only in the case of an abscess will it be necessary to stop breastfeeding for a while.
A woman's mastitis goes away with following symptoms:
- increased body temperature;
- strong pain in the breast area and during feeding;
- an increase is felt lymph nodes in the armpit.
For treatment, drugs are used that are selected depending on the individual characteristics of the woman's body. You should know the basic rules of admission in advance. For example, Bromcriptine should not be consumed for more than four days. Otherwise, you will have to stop breastfeeding for a while. Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor. Pre-sowing is carried out on the sensitivity of the body to them.
Chlorophyllipt helps to achieve quick results. It can be used in almost all possible localizations bacteria. It is allowed to drink it only after a doctor's prescription. Before that in mandatory a check is carried out for the presence of allergies to individual components of the drug.
Drugs such as Bromocriptine are used only as directed by a physician
ethnoscience
The norm in a woman's condition can be achieved using the recipes of our grandmothers:
- To eliminate cracks in the nipples, you can use apple gruel and butter.
- It is allowed to spread the cracks with celandine. With its help, healing will take place in just a few days.
- You can also mix tangerine peels with licorice. This broth is used for external lotions.
Today there are a large number of staples of Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are regularly modified and become resistant to antibiotics. That is why all relatives are recommended to visit the woman in the hospital. In this case, it will be possible to prepare the baby's body for discharge. Only in some branches it is not allowed to visit them. If bacteria are introduced in small quantities, then the organisms of the baby and the mother are gradually prepared to meet an aggressive environment.
The maternity hospital regularly decontaminates all surfaces. This prevents the development of intrauterine infections. This process is called washing. That is why a woman is advised to go to the department, which should soon be closed to complete the process.
Staphylococcus aureus is constantly present in human life. He cannot have a negative impact if he leads correct image life, observe all the requirements of hygiene and breastfeeding. In this case, the mother and the child will not be in any danger.
Staphylococcus aureus in breast milk sounds threatening. Is staphylococcus really dangerous, is it possible to breastfeed when bacteria are found in breast milk and how to treat staphylococcal infection, we will consider below.
What is staphylococcus aureus and where is it from in breast milk
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium belonging to the type of motionless cocci that has a spherical shape and accumulates in a colony. It is precisely because of its shape and accumulation of families that the bacterium received the name - staphylococcus, which is translated from Greek as "staphili" - grapes and "cocci" - grains.
Like any bacteria, staphylococcus is everywhere: on household items, on our clothes, in the air, on food, in addition, staphylococcus lives on us and in us. It is impossible to get rid of this bacteria completely.
In the maternity hospital, staphylococcus is found on the clothes of the medical staff, on the instruments, on the floor of the wards, and just in the air. Despite the fact that thorough sanitation is regularly carried out in the maternity hospital, new staphylococci colonize at great speed in their favorite places. Bacteria can be brought on clothes by visitors to the hospital or by the medical staff themselves, passed on to the woman in childbirth along with the parcel of food and things.
You can become infected with staphylococcus in the following ways:
- through food;
- through household items;
- by airborne droplets;
- through tactile contact.
Bacteria live well and multiply on the body of women in labor. In order to completely get rid of them, a newly-made mother should wash and change clothes 1-2 times a day. In addition, the clothes that a woman puts on must be thoroughly boiled, dried and ironed. It is not possible to imagine such behavior of a woman giving birth. And such sterility, because of the desire to get rid of staphylococcus, does not make sense. After all, staphylococci are conditionally pathogenic bacteria, so you should not be afraid of infection with them, they do not always cause diseases.
In order to avoid contamination of breast milk with staphylococcus and the ingress of bacteria along with milk, the child should take precautions. Hands and breasts should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before each feeding. It used to be the practice of wiping each breast with a Furacilin solution to kill bacteria. Particular attention should be paid to the hygiene of cracked nipples, through which staphylococci can easily penetrate into milk.
The main reason for the appearance of staphylococcus in breast milk is the wounds and cracks in the nipples, through which bacteria enter.
Another reason why staphylococci enter breast milk is the presence of an untreated infection in a woman's body. In this case, the bacteria can also enter the milk through the lymphatic vessels. Most often, a young mother does not even notice that staphylococcus is present in her milk, because with good immunity, the body fights bacteria well, preventing staphylococcal infection from developing.
Types of staphylococcus
As mentioned earlier, staphylococcus aureus surrounds a person everywhere. There are 27 known species of this bacterium, 14 of which colonize on mucous membranes and human skin. Conditionally pathogenic (capable of leading to disease) are only 4 types of staphylococci:
- Staphylococcus aureus. It is most often found in breast milk and in infants. The most pathogenic of all types of staphylococcus, it can cause about a hundred different diseases.
- Epidermal staphylococcus. It can also be found in breast milk, but is usually found on the skin and mucous membranes. May cause skin problems.
- Saprophytic staphylococcus. It is very rarely found in breast milk and affects infants. Most often due to this bacteria suffer genitourinary tract women and men (cystitis, urethritis).
- Hemolytic staphylococcus aureus. Causes disease respiratory tract, development purulent inflammation different types.
Most often they are found in breast milk, affecting infants - aureus and epidermal staphylococci. Risk of being attacked by bacteria and contracting a staphylococcal infection:
- babies with weak immunity;
- premature babies;
- children with congenital abnormalities;
- babies receiving artificial feeding from birth;
- low birth weight children;
Staphylococcus aureus, symptoms of infection and its consequences
Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous and tenacious of all staphylococci. The bacteria are round and golden in color. The harmful effects are not exerted by the staphylococci themselves, but by the substances they release, for example: coagulase. Coagulase contributes to the destruction of cells and the occurrence of dangerous diseases.
In addition to the huge number of diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the danger lies in the resistance of bacteria to living conditions and medicines. This type of microorganism can produce penicillinase and lidase - substances that help bacteria to protect themselves from the effects of many antibiotics. In addition, Staphylococcus aureus can survive exposure to various anti-inflammatory drugs, tolerate desiccation, and long time does not die when frozen and boiled. Therefore, it is very difficult for a person who has contracted a Staphylococcus aureus infection to fight it.
Staphylococcus aureus is able to withstand boiling at a temperature of 70 ºС for up to 30 minutes, and dies almost immediately only at a temperature of 150 ºС or more.
Table: Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Mother and Child
Staphylococcus aureus can be found on household items, on children's toys, in breast milk. Also, the bacterium can colonize anywhere on the body of an adult and a child. But the favorite habitat of staphylococcus is the nasopharynx. According to research, the bacterium is found in the nasopharynx in more than 15% of the population.
Staphylococcus aureus more often causes diseases in babies (especially in infants) than in adults, since in young children the immunity is not yet strong enough. Staphylococcus aureus produces harmful substance- endotoxin, accumulating in the human body, which can lead to poisoning of the body, and in severe cases, cause an infectious-toxic shock. However, if a person's immunity is high, the body's antibodies successfully fight bacteria, preventing their reproduction and the development of infection.
According to the results of the study, it turned out that almost every inhabitant of the earth fell ill with an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus at least once in a lifetime. Moreover, after the illness, immunity to this bacterium was not developed.
Possible consequences of Staphylococcus aureus infection:
- infectious toxic shock;
- blood poisoning;
- coma;
- death.
In a healthy strong baby, Staphylococcus aureus rarely causes illness. Premature and weak children, whose immunity is low, are more often exposed to diseases.
Currently, there is no consensus among experts on the prohibition or permission of breastfeeding when infected with staphylococcal infection through milk. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the child's body and the course of the disease. If the baby's well-being is generally normal and the symptoms of infection appear insignificantly, breastfeeding it is recommended to save. In addition, the mother's milk contains antibodies that help the baby's body fight not only Staphylococcus aureus, but also other bacteria.
Epidermal staphylococcus
Epidermal staphylococcus aureus is not such a dangerous causative agent of the disease as the previous species, since it is an integral part of the human microflora and usually lives on the skin of every person. Thus, the presence of a small amount of this bacteria on the skin infant is normal and does not cause illness in healthy baby... Premature babies and babies with weak immunity are again at risk.
Epidermal staphylococcus aureus is mostly transmitted through air and dust that has come into contact with the carrier of the bacterium. Therefore, in order to prevent diseases of newborns and nursing mothers, it is necessary to carry out daily wet cleaning in maternity hospitals.
Since the natural habitat of Staphylococcus epidermidis is human skin, finding bacteria in breast milk is likely to raise questions. In most cases, the microorganism ends up in milk due to a non-sterile test. Less commonly, like Staphylococcus aureus, epidermal staphylococcus aureus can enter breast milk through microcracked nipples. However, if an unpleasant bacteria has been detected, and the child or mother has painful symptoms, local treatment is most often prescribed.
Symptoms of epidermal staphylococcus aureus in a nursing mother:
- an increase in body temperature;
- redness of the chest;
- the presence of painful lumps in the mammary glands;
- weakness;
- skin damage.
Symptoms of staphylococcus epidermidis in a baby:
- an increase in body temperature;
- frequent and loose stools;
- damage to the skin;
- conjunctivitis;
- colic.
Finding staphylococcus epidermidis in breast milk in most cases does not exclude lactation. Weaning is used only in cases of very feeling unwell mother and the need to treat her with antibiotics. Usually Staphylococcus epidermidis does not bring serious consequences and is easily treatable.
How to determine the presence of bacteria in milk: we pass the analysis
In order to determine the presence or absence of staphylococcus in breast milk, it is necessary to pass the same milk for analysis. Collect milk for analysis very carefully so that staphylococci located on the skin and in the air do not get into it. If possible, it is best to collect milk directly in the laboratory. If this is not possible, it is necessary to provide material collected at home for research within three hours. This will allow you to achieve a more accurate research result.
To collect milk, you need to take two sterile jars in the laboratory or buy them at the pharmacy. Milk must be collected from each breast.
In order to correctly collect analyzes, you must:
- Wash hands and breasts thoroughly with soap and water.
- Using cotton pads with alcohol, wipe the nipples and areolas.
- Skip the first drops of milk.
- Collect about 15 ml of liquid from each breast in a separate jar.
The research results are being prepared for several days. The laboratory will determine not only the presence of staphylococcus in milk, its type and quantity, but also the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, bacteriophages (viruses that selectively kill harmful bacteria) and anti-inflammatory drugs. This data will help you choose the most efficient way treatment.
Dr. Komarovsky says that in any case it will not be 100% correct for the presence of staphylococcus, because it is almost impossible to sterile milk for research. Another thing is how much staphylococcus was found. If there is little staphylococcus, the mother and baby are doing well, no measures need to be taken to get rid of the bacteria.
Treatment of staphylococcus
Treatment is prescribed only when a certain type of bacteria is not only found in the body, but symptoms of the disease appear and we are talking about a staphylococcal infection.
The most aggressive type of staphylococcus is golden, which is not afraid of many antibiotics and antiseptics. However, scientists have found that the bacterium is afraid of the usual Zelenka, which is found in almost every medicine cabinet. Therefore, all skin diseases caused by staphylococcus can and should be treated with Zelenka.
Staphylococcus aureus is afraid of ordinary brilliant green
Treatment of staphylococcal infection is prescribed depending on the severity of the symptoms of the disease:
- In severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. Breastfeeding mothers are usually prescribed Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin for oral administration for 12-14 days. During the period of taking antibiotics, a woman is advised to refuse breastfeeding. With a severe infection in a baby, antibiotics allowed for children can be prescribed for him.
- Chlorophyllipt (bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent) is prescribed to treat the nipples.
- Staphylococcal bacteriophages and probiotics. They can be prescribed for both mother and child to reduce the number of bacteria and normalize the intestinal microflora.
- Enterosgel and Smecta are prescribed for loose stools. The drugs help to normalize the stool and neutralize the negative effects of substances secreted by staphylococci.
- For vomiting and diarrhea, oral rehydration agents may be prescribed to avoid dehydration. These include - Rehydron, approved for use during lactation. Babies can be prescribed the drug Hydrovit.
- Vitamins are often prescribed to strengthen the immune system.
A woman who continues to breastfeed during illness and experiences painful sensations in the nipple area, you can use special silicone pads that reduce unpleasant symptoms and protecting the child from bacteria.
Breast pads help relieve pain during breastfeeding
If you or your child is diagnosed with staphylococcus, but there are no signs of the disease, do not panic and start taking various medications. However, it should be remembered that these microorganisms begin to activate when weak immunity so take steps to strengthen it.
Prevention of staphylococcal infection
Prevention of staphylococcal infection involves simple steps:
- strengthening immunity with vitamin complexes;
- careful personal hygiene. Washing hands and breasts before each feeding, washing baby's hands after a walk, changing underwear frequently;
- hygiene of household items. Regular washing and drying of breast pumps, nipples, bottles and other items;
- the use of silicone breast pads;
- timely treatment of cracks and wounds of the nipples with modern safe antiseptics Miramistin type;
- restriction in the use of fatty, sweet, flour, spicy. Such products create favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.
Opinion of doctors
Pediatrician Komarovsky E.O., when staphylococcus is detected in breast milk, recommends that nursing mothers first of all remain calm and remember that better feeding for little child breast milk remains. To be guided in weaning or not weaning a baby from the breast is primarily on the state of health of the baby and mother. If the condition is normal, there is no point in stopping lactation.
Komarovsky considers the strengthening of immunity to be the best prevention of staphylococcal infection, active image life, proper nutrition- then no staphylococcus will be scary for either an adult or a child.
Hygiene is also important in maintaining a healthy and healthy microflora. However, no one will give guarantees that a new microorganism will not immediately settle on freshly washed hands and other parts of the body. Staphylococci spread quickly and in a huge number of ways: from airborne droplets to contact.
However, if a staphylococcal infection nevertheless overtook you, Dr. Komarovsky warns that you need to see a doctor, and treatment with alternative methods may not only not help, but also worsen the child's condition. Because folk methods in the treatment of this bacteria are ineffective, time passes, and bacteria continue to multiply, poisoning health.
Video: pediatrician Konstantin Zabolotny about staphylococcus
The main method of combating staphylococcus is the prevention of the development of staphylococcal infection, which requires strengthening the immune system. It is not always necessary to take pills and stop breastfeeding when infected with this microorganism. If the baby and the nursing mother are doing well, the body's antibodies fight the bacteria well on their own.
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