Sticks and cocci in the smear: the causes of the appearance, the norm

Cocci in the smear can be detected for various reasons. They can be representatives of normal microflora, or infectious agents. Normal human microflora is a qualitative and quantitative ratio of microbial populations that colonize in norm individual, non-sterile forms and systems of a macroorganism and actively participate in supporting its biochemical, metabolic and immune homeostasis, necessary for maintaining health.

Normal microbial biocenoses are relatively stable biological structures, which remain extremely sensitive to many factors of the internal and external environment. When these factors exceed the compensatory potential of the microbial ecosystem, a pathological change occurs in the composition and functions of the endogenous microflora, the destruction of its symbiosis with the microorganism, and the development of dysbiosis of varying severity.

As pathogenic forms, microorganisms act when a normal microbiocenosis is disturbed. This often occurs against the background of hormonal disorders, reduced immunity, diseases of internal organs. Microbiota of different biotopes are formed by representatives of different genera and families of microorganisms. Among them are both rod-shaped and bacilliform forms, as well as cocci.

What does it mean?

Kokki is the designation of bacteria that have a round shape. This group includes a large species diversity of microorganisms, and combines various taxonomic units: staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, peptococci and others. They are conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, that is, they normally do not cause diseases, but perform protective functions of the body, whereas in pathology, they can become pathogens of diseases.

In most biotopes they are representatives of indigenous, that is, constant microflora, their number varies within 3-4%. In some biotopes, they are representatives of the transitory microflora, that is, the temporary, or the one that accidentally got into the body. Under the influence of unfavorable factors of the external and internal environment, dysbacteriosis develops, which leads to the fact that the amount of opportunistic microflora increases sharply, which can lead to the appearance of diseases.

Most of them can be found in the smear due to a peculiar form, color. In morphology, they are all very similar: cells of spherical and oval shape. They can be single, or arranged in pairs, or in short chains. Gram-positive, do not form a dispute. Most of them are facultative anaerobes, chemo-organotropes with fermentation-type metabolism. A variety of carbohydrates are fermented to form lactic acid fermentation as the main product. They grow within 10-45 degrees, catalase-negative.

Norm of cocci in the smear

Kokki stands out from all the biotopes in various quantities, absolutely in all strokes, in all 100% of cases. The number of them varies depending on the biotope. So, in the cavitary microflora of the stomach, intestine, it is possible to detect from 10 ⁸  to 10 ¹²  cfu / ml, in the oral cavity of cocci there is no more than 10 ⁸  cfu / ml. The vaginal microflora should not normally exceed 10 ³ -10 ⁴  cfu / ml. In the microflora of the respiratory tract, normally there is no more than 10 ² -10 ³  cfu / ml. Completely microflora should be absent in biological fluids, such as urine, blood, liquor, tear fluid, which should normally be sterile.

Smear for infection

If a bacterial infection is suspected, a smear should be taken for infection for further bacteriological examination. A lab technician takes a smear. The test material depends on the specific disease, the location of the localization of the pathological process. The laboratory worker makes a fence in sterile containers with observance of all rules of asepsis. Then the material is delivered as soon as possible to the laboratory for conducting the actual study.

First of all, primary seeding of the test material is performed on artificial nutrient media. Universal media are used. Then incubate under optimal conditions (in a thermostat) for 3-5 days. Every day, check the Petri dishes and record the growth of the microflora.

After the growth of the colonies is discovered, upon reaching a sufficiently large size, they do the re-settling of the largest and specific colonies. After being reseeded, make a separate seeding in test tubes with chamfered agar. This allows us to distinguish the pure culture of the pathogen. Incubate in a thermostat for another 3-5 days. After the culture has grown, they produce its identification, that is, determine the species and generic belonging of the pathogen, its main characteristics. This is done with the help of biochemical, immunological, serological tests. As a result of such a study, an opinion is issued that indicates the species that are causative agents of the diseases and their quantitative index.

Does it hurt when a smear is taken?

It is not painful to take a smear, as there are no invasive interventions, violation of the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. In order to take a smear, it is necessary to hold a special cotton swab, or another pre-prepared instrument on the surface of the mucosa, collect its contents. Then it is quickly placed in a sterile tube with saline or primary nutrient medium.

Despite the relative simplicity of the study, it is difficult to take a smear, and only a qualified specialist can cope with it. A prerequisite is the observance of sterility. It is also necessary to do everything as quickly and accurately as possible so as not to damage either the mucous membrane of the person or the biological material obtained. It is very important to observe all the nuances and trivia, because they have the maximum impact on the result. It must be remembered that the microflora is extremely sensitive to various external influences, therefore it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of its transportation, storage, research.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

The causes of the appearance of cocci in the smear

Talk about the causes of the appearance of cocci in the smear - not entirely correct. This is due to the fact that they are representatives of normal microflora, and therefore their isolation in the smear is the norm, they are always allocated, in all 100% of cases. It is advisable to talk about the emergence of a high degree of cocci in the smear, when their quantitative indicators are significantly higher than the norm.

The reasons for the violation of the microbial status of a person can be many. In particular, the etiology of primary dysbiosis is associated with a deterioration in the reproductive health of women and men, with the artificial feeding of infants and the irrational use of drug therapy in neonatology. This is the primary stage, which is laid down initially, and on the basis of which further microecological disturbances are formed.

Of great importance is the influence on the state of microbial ecosystems of unfavorable environmental factors. Technogenic pollution, which is accompanied by an increase in the toxicity of atmospheric air, natural waters, food, has a very negative effect on the state of microflora. In particular, this applies to industrial poisons, pesticides, heavy metals, other chemical compounds that penetrate the human body with food, air, water, can cause microecological disturbances.

Toxic substances penetrating the body together with polluted air penetrate into the internal environment of the body mainly through the lungs. From there, the molecules of contaminated air are easily spread throughout the body through the blood. Normal functioning of the body implies the obligatory maintenance of the homeostasis of the whole organism, and an extremely important role is played by the mucous membranes, the skin that directly or indirectly react with the internal environment.

The protective forces of the organism are directly related to the state of these barriers, and the state of their microflora. Considering that the external environment very quickly changes the conditions for the existence of microorganisms, not only the microbiota itself but also the immune system reacts. As a result, there is a rapid evolution of microorganisms in the direction of adaptation to changing environmental conditions, as well as various dysfunctions of the immune system.

Significant factors of exogenous origin are unfavorable sanitary and hygienic living conditions, climatic and geographical changes.

Among the endogenous factors, age-related changes, antibiotic therapy, and chemotherapy are especially negatively reflected. The most adverse effects are hormonal drugs, cytostatics, expectorants.

Kokki in a smear from the nose

In the upper respiratory tract microorganisms mostly fall with dust and are suspended in its particles. They settle first of all on the ciliated epithelium of the nasal cavity, which is the first protective mechanism on the path of infection. Normally excreted by the movements of villi epithelium.

One part of the microflora is delayed by microvilli and leaves outside, the other - is killed by the secreted mucous secretion (lysozyme), which provides a high level of colonization resistance. It is due to these properties, the mucous membrane of the trachea, bronchi, alveoli, usually remain sterile. In the nasal cavity, microorganisms such as streptococci, lactobacilli, and coryneform bacteria are found. Bacteroides, peptococci, peptostreptococci, staphylococci, and other microorganisms are present in a lesser amount.

Kokki in a smear from the urethra

The microflora of the urogenital tract of a man is represented mainly by an anaerobic microflora, consisting mainly of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, propionic bacteria. Clostridia, bacteroides are much less abundant.

Anaerobic and facultative-anaerobic microflora is represented mainly by coccal forms of microorganisms, for example: peptococci, peptostreptococcus, staphylococci and streptococci. They form the basis of facultative microflora, the percentage of microorganisms in this group does not exceed 3-4%. These are conditionally pathogenic forms that, under adverse conditions, can colonize mucous membranes and cause various diseases of the genitourinary system.

Kokki in a vaginal smear

Vaginal biocenosis is given an extremely important role, since it determines not only the microecological state of the mother, but also is the basis of the primary microbiocenosis for a newborn child. Violation of the normal microflora of female genital organs primarily leads to an increase in the number of microbiotic disorders of the population as a whole.

Normal vaginal biocenosis of a woman is very specific. It is vital because it performs a wide range of protective, metabolic, regulatory functions of the body. The composition and properties of the vaginal microbiocenosis are in dynamic equilibrium with the general biological features of the female body and are determined by many internal factors. First of all, the microflora of the vagina depends on the hormonal background, because it determines the species composition of microorganisms, and determines the prevalence of a particular type of microorganism.

In the vagina, the woman has an acidic environment, since it contains a large amount of lactic acid, which is in considerable quantities due to the high activity of estrogen. The acidic medium prevents the colonization of the biotope by acid-sensitive microorganisms. Lactic acid bacteria account for approximately 97% of the vaginal microbiota. They support the colonization resistance of the mucous membranes of the vagina, as a result of which they do not allow the development of pathogenic microflora in the body.

After lactic acid bacteria by quantitative indicators go bifidobacteria and propionibacteria. Their quantitative indices range from 10 ⁴  to 10 ⁷  cfu / ml.

Thus, these three groups of microorganisms form the basic, or indigenous microflora, which is the main and physiological for the woman. It is she who determines the protective mechanisms, stimulates local immunity, protects against pathogenic forms of the disease, including fungal infection.

At the same time, an obligate microflora is always present in the vaginal secret, which is represented by opportunistic microorganisms. Cocci predominates in this group. Normally, their quantity should not exceed 10 ³  cfu / ml. If their number exceeds these parameters, an infectious disease of bacterial origin may develop.

Depending on what type of cocci prevails in the smear, this or that pathology develops. For example, with prevalence of peptostreptococci, septic abortions, tubal ovarian abscesses, endometritis, postoperative infectious complications develop. If microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus predominate, bacterial vaginosis develops, sepsis, urogenital infections of different localization, toxic shock syndrome. With the development of enterococci, streptococci, develops sepsis, peritonitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, salpingitis, postoperative complications, chorioamnionitis, premature birth.

Risk factors

People with reduced immunity fall into the risk group, after recently undergone infectious, viral, somatic diseases, severe operations, organ transplantation. Negatively affects the condition of microflora and antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, treatment with hormonal drugs, cytostatics. The development of coccal infection can be observed in the postoperative, postpartum period, as the body is weakened, and nosocomial infection is present in almost all maternity hospitals and surgical departments. For the same reason, newborns, whose immune system is not yet formed, also fall into the risk group.

The risk group also includes people who, due to their professional duties, constantly face biological material, tissue cell cultures. These may be laboratory assistants who examine human analyzes, research workers, microbiologists, bacteriologists, mycologists, whose work is inevitably associated with biological material and microorganisms.

Symptoms

Symptomatology can be diverse and is determined primarily by the localization of the infectious process. If the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract is broken, and a high content of cocci is found in the smear, the person will feel nausea, a violation of the stool. There may be vomiting, pain in the stomach, bloating, heartburn. Later, the inflammatory process develops.

With the predominance of cocci in the respiratory system, nasal congestion, runny nose, and swelling in the throat develop. There is pain and swelling in the throat, an inflammatory process develops. With insufficient treatment or reduced immunity, a person may have progression of the infection. On downward paths, it can descend, causing inflammation in the area of the bronchi, lungs.

When a large number of cocci is detected in the urogenital smear, mainly urethritis and vaginitis develop. Appears white or cloudy discharge from the genitals, itching, an unpleasant odor develops. Later, pain in the perineum, rectum can develop.

Long before the level of conditionally pathogenic microflora reaches a critical limit, and bacterial disease occurs, precursors or first signs appear in the body. Their manifestation is determined by the gradual growth of microflora, the growth in the body of the antibody titer in response to a bacterial infection.

So, the increase in the number of cocci in the body can be predicted by the appearance of rapid heart rate, mild dyspnoea, chills. The temperature may rise without reason. Most often this occurs not in high ranges - up to 37.2, without any accompanying pathologies. A person feels increased fatigue, reduced endurance and performance, weakness. Quite often, weakness is accompanied by a tremor in the extremities, increased sweating.

Single cocci in the smear

Usually, single cocci in the smear indicates dysbacteriosis, in which other forms of microorganisms develop, and there is a displacement of less competitive forms. This is how the number of cocci in the smear decreases. Single cocci can also be found in those liquids that are normally sterile.

Single cocci in sterile liquids are an extremely alarming sign and indicate the development of bacteremia, in which infection from the focus of inflammation penetrates into other liquids, such as blood, urine. This pathology requires urgent treatment, as the bacteria will begin to multiply actively. The next stage will be the development of sepsis, in which sterile liquids show a high content of bacteria, blood is contaminated, the infection spreads throughout the body. A big problem is the development of intoxication with endotoxins, which are produced at the same time. If you do not take urgent measures, this pathology will end with a fatal outcome.

Kokki in a smear in a moderate amount

In fact, in bacteriology there is no such thing as a "moderate amount". Laboratory research like accuracy, and all indicators should have a clear quantitative expression. Conditionally speaking, for a moderate amount can be taken, 10 ⁴ -10 ⁶  CFU / ml cocci, in which the indicators are already significantly higher than normal, but not yet a critical indicator against which the development of bacterial infection. This indicator can be characterized as a critical level, the limit above which unconditional pathology follows.

Many cocci in the smear

Of course, the results of the analysis will not say "a lot" of cocci. Yes, and the concept is very conditional, since the only reliable indicator is the numerical characteristic expressed in CFU / ml, that is, the number of colony-forming units of bacteria in 1 milliliter of the suspended suspension. Conditionally for a large number, you can take an indicator above 10 ⁵ -10 ⁶  cfu / ml, at which the disease develops bacterial etiology. This indicator will vary depending on the biotope and the type of microorganism. In some biotopes, the norm is 10 ⁹ -10 ¹⁰. This applies, for example, to peptostreptococci, which are detected in such quantities in the intestinal microflora in a healthy person.

Kokki and elevated white blood cells in the smear

The number of leukocytes rises sharply in the presence of an inflammatory process. Against the background of any inflammation usually occurs and a violation of microflora. The number of conditionally pathogenic flora (cocci) is significantly higher than the norm. These two processes are interrelated and interdependent. Inflammation provokes an increased growth of bacterial microflora, mainly opportunistic and pathogenic. And also a high amount of bacterial microflora can lead to an inflammatory process.

Kokki and key cells in the smear

The key cells are the basic blood elements that are in the blood plasma. In the smear, cocci and leukocytes are most often detected, which indicates the development of an inflammatory, purulent-inflammatory process. The appearance of red blood cells in the smear indicates bleeding, the development of anemia and blood diseases, including cancer. Platelets in the smear appear rarely, but they can indicate the development of inflammatory process in the vessels, microcirculatory bed, increased permeability of the vascular walls.

Types of cocci in the smear

A wide variety of microorganisms can be represented in the smear. So, in spite of the fact that cocci are related to conditionally pathogenic forms of microorganisms, the percentage of which does not exceed 3-4%, the species diversity is very wide, there are more than 28 species in each of the biotopes. Consider the main representatives that occur in all biotopes, are universal.

Peptostreptococci are strict anaerobic gram-positive forms of microorganisms, which are often found in very high concentrations in the body of a healthy adult. They are almost absent from the biotopes of infants who are breastfed. They are often isolated from sources of infection in septicemia, osteomyelitis, purulent arthritis, appendicitis, gingivitis, periodontitis and other diseases. Carbohydrates are fermented to form a wide range of acids and gas.

Peptococci are spherical cells of small size, whose diameter does not exceed 1.2 microns. Are located in pairs, tetrads, groups or short chains, Gram-positive, immovable, non-spore forming.

They are chemorganorganotrophs with fermentation-type metabolism, they require enriched nutrient media. Carbohydrates are not fermented, decompose peptone with the formation of hydrogen. Concentration of peptococci in human biotopes under normal physiological conditions is insignificant. Given the increase in the population, peptococci are an etiological factor in the development of the infectious-inflammatory process.

Enterococci are the main representatives of the biotope of the large intestine. Morphologically, all representatives of the genus are very similar. Cells are oval or spherical in shape. All of them are facultative anaerobes, chemo-organotrophs with a fermentation-type metabolism. Various carbohydrates are fermented to form lactic acid fermentation as the main product. Catalazonegative, grow at a temperature ranging from 10 to 45 degrees. They differ from streptococci with high resistance to bile and sodium chloride.

Differential signs that distinguish them from other cocci, as well as from streptococci, is the ability to multiply at a temperature of 10 to 45 degrees, resistance to high concentrations of sodium chloride, resistance to penicillin, acidic environment.

Until recently, enterococci were considered exclusively as symbiotes of the human intestine, but today their etiological role in the development of infectious pathology has been established. In addition, they are permanent inhabitants of other biotopes, such as the oral cavity, the vagina, the urethra. They are highly resistant to antibacterial drugs, which tends to constant, steady growth.

Gram-positive cocci in the smear

Gram-positive cocci are rounded or spherical microorganisms, which, when stained using the Gramm method, give a positive result. They are normal representatives of microflora, but under unfavorable conditions, can become agents of many infectious diseases.

Most often they cause the development of diseases of the liver, kidneys, blood, abdominal cavity and genital organs, soft tissues and mucous membranes. They cause postoperative complications, postpartum infections, purulent-inflammatory and septic diseases of newborns. Are dangerous nosocomial infections, the stability of which is constantly progressing.

Gram-positive microorganisms are well adapted to life in various biotopes of the human body, and also possess a wide range of aggression factors, which allows them to migrate to the external environment of the organism under certain conditions, causing infectious and inflammatory diseases, and in people with immunodeficiency - bacteremia, sepsis and septicopyemia. It is known that in 21% of cases are the cause of neonatal infection, almost half of which end in a lethal outcome. In 5-10% of cases are the causative agents of gynecological diseases.

It is known that under the influence of individual antibiotics, many Gram-positive microorganisms can increase the natural ability to inhibit phagocytosis and protect against immunoglobulins. In addition, cells of Gram-positive cocci can be transformed into resistant L-forms, which allows them to persist for a long time in the human body.

Numerous studies have shown that most cases of microecological disorders are accompanied by an increase in the level of Gram-positive microflora. Especially dangerous are such changes for newborns, since the danger of development of defective microbiocenoses, biofilms, associations with a predominance of opportunistic microflora and altered functions is substantially increased. In newborns, such conditions are characterized by a high rate of development and rapidly lead to the development of bacteremia and sepsis.

In 35% of cases, bacteremia in newborns is fatal. Given the ever-increasing amount of data on the role of Gram-positive cocci as a dangerous nosocomial pathogen with increasing multiple drug resistance, the aggressive potential of these microorganisms can not be underestimated. Among the representatives of gram-positive flora, the most dangerous are staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fecal enterococcus.

A high risk of infection is associated with increased resistance of microorganisms to drugs. A rapid mutation promotes the accelerated acquisition of artificial stability, which supplements the natural. No less dangerous are such virulence factors as the synthesis of cytolysins. Very important from the point of view of genetics of microorganisms, is the mechanism of protection from the immune system of the host. The ability to protect against neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis and killing is described, as well as the cytotoxic effect on polymorphic neutrophils and macrophages.

They are able to protect themselves from the effects of molecular oxygen and peroxide by synthesizing certain enzymes. Due to these properties, they can persist for a long time in the lesion. Amplification occurs due to the presence of a mechanism for the production, accumulation and transmission of extrachromosomal elements.

Thus, the excess in the smear of gram-positive microflora, above physiological norms, indicates the development of dysbacteriosis, which is a dangerous condition that requires treatment. The most effective are probiotic drugs.

Gram-negative cocci in the smear

Gram-negative microorganisms are mostly aerobic or facultative-anaerobic representatives of the normal microflora of the large intestine. But they can be found in other biotopes. Individual representatives are able to synthesize vitamins, in particular, groups B and K, antibacterial substances, fatty acids. However, with a decrease in the population and a weakening of the protective properties of obligate microorganisms, their number sharply increases, resulting in the development of numerous pathological phenomena.

Microorganisms are round, of small size. Many of them move at the expense of peritrichous flagella. They have a wide spectrum of enzymatic activity. They are able to ferment a large amount of alcohols with the formation of pyruvate, which is then converted into acids.

One of the most dangerous complications caused by gram-negative flora is the ability of these microorganisms to migrate, which is accompanied by infection of the parenchymal organs with the development of numerous extraintestinal infections such as sepsis, meningitis, pyelonephritis, peritonitis and others.

It should be noted that the infectious complications that are caused by gram-negative forms today are one of the most serious problems. Usually this is observed with a decrease in the colonization resistance of the macroorganism through a decrease in the concentration of obligate microflora representatives and a deficiency in the immune system. Under such conditions, the level of the aerobic population of the biocenosis and its aggressive properties usually increase which allow this microflora to overcome the barrier of the epithelial layer and promote the translocation of their cells into the internal environment of the organism. The process is observed with massive antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, which inhibit the indigenous flora and promote the selective proliferation of bacteria with high drug resistance.

Mushrooms and cocci in the smear

Any growth of the fungal microflora occurs against the background of dysbiosis, which is inevitably accompanied by an increase in both bacterial microflora. First of all, there is an active growth of cocci.

Of fungi in the human body, Candida albicans and Candida tropicales are most often found. The main biotope is the intestine. A healthy person shows no more than 104 CFU / ml. An increase in the concentration of fungi, especially in immunocompromised individuals, may be accompanied by the development of fungal infections.

Candida is widely distributed in the environment. Viable cells of these microorganisms can be found in soil, drinking water, food, skin, mucous membranes of a person. That is, the constant contact of a person with representatives of the genus Candida is inevitable, but the result of this contact is not the same for different individuals and is determined by the state of the system of colonization resistance in the body.

In recent years, mycoses caused by excessive growth in the biotopes of the fungi of the genus Candida, have acquired the status of a serious clinical problem. More and more widely spread oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis, candidiasis of the intestine, mouth and lungs. A serious problem is the increase in cases of visceral candidiasis, which affects the lungs, intestines, liver, pancreas and other organs, which leads to the development of candidal sepsis, which often ends lethal.

Actinomycetes are also often found in the smear. These fungi are widely distributed in nature, because they constantly fall into the human digestive tract. Some in the course of phylogenesis and ontogeny have adapted to existence in individual biotopes. Especially often representatives of actinomycetes are released from the oral cavity.

By the level of organization, they occupy an intermediate position between bacteria and fungi. Morphologically they are extremely polymorphic. Cells are straight, slightly curved sticks, rzhe - threads with pronounced branching. Often form clusters. In many respects similar to propionokislymi bacteria. They are Gram-positive, immobile, asporogenous, facultative or obligatory aerobic, with different acid sensitivity.

They differ in their low demand for the composition of the environment due to their high biosynthetic capabilities. Enzymatic activity is quite diverse. Among these microorganisms, there are saccharolytic forms that ferment a wide range of carbohydrates, using various ways of anaerobic metabolism and combinations thereof. It is known that among actinomycetes there are superproducers of antibiotics, which are quite successfully used in industrial microbiology.

Despite the useful properties of many actinomycetes, an increase in their concentration in human biotopes must be considered as pathological changes in the composition of the microbiota, since there are many pathogenic forms among the actinomycetes, especially their obligate anaerobic groups. The danger of a pathological increase in the populations of actinomycetes in human biotopes is the high viability of these organisms, which is not inferior to the resistance of sporiferous pathogens to adverse changes in environmental conditions.

Polymorphic cocci in the smear

Almost all cocci have polymorphism - the ability to change their form in the process of adaptation to conditions of existence. In general, their shape varies from round to spherical. Some of them can be combined into complexes, forming at the same time diplococci, chains, threads and even congestions.

Sticks and cocci in the smear

In the smear can be found cocci, the number of which sharply increases with the development of the inflammatory process, against a background of reduced immunity. They have a round or oval shape. Normally they are representatives of normal microflora, with pathology - cause various infectious diseases.

An increase in the number of cocci is often accompanied by an increase in other conditionally pathogenic flora, in particular, rods. This name is given to these forms of microorganisms due to the fact that they have the form of rods. Can be of different sizes, density, color. A typical representative of rod-shaped forms is E. Coli Escherichia coli. Also here include representatives of the genus Bacillus. Normally present in the large intestine, are part of the normal microflora. They are facultative-anaerobic forms.

In the treatment and diagnosis of intestinal dysbacteriosis, the primary role is assigned to the determination of quantitative and qualitative indicators of Escherichia coli. Normally it stimulates immunity, normalizes peristalsis and intestinal motility, normalizes digestive processes, improves absorption and assimilation of nutrients, synthesizes hormones and other active components.

Rods, as a rule, are mobile, move by means of peritrichous flagella, Gram stain negatively. Are located separately or in pairs. They have a wide spectrum of enzymatic activity.

If the concentration exceeds the permissible level, infectious diseases develop: diseases of the external, internal organs, kidneys, liver, spleen. With massive damage or infection, serious infections are possible, which often end in a fatal outcome. Many representatives of this group are able to synthesize toxins that are released into the internal environment, as well as into external space.

Kokki and diplococcus in the smear

Cocci in the smear often combine to form pairs. Such double cocci are called diplokokki, where the prefix "diploma" means two, that is, two cocci. From this their properties do not change. They still remain representatives of normal microflora, providing reliable protection of the corresponding biotope. When the norm is exceeded in quantitative terms, an infectious disease develops.