Streptococcus in a smear in women, with pregnancy, men and children

Streptococci are gram-negative microorganisms, which are the causative agents of many purulent-infectious and inflammatory diseases. Streptococcus in the smear is found almost always, but this does not mean that the person is sick. Everything depends on its concentration. If the amount of this microorganism exceeds the conventionally allowed norms, the disease develops. The disease caused by streptococcal infection, according to ICD-10, belongs to the group of purulent and necrotic diseases.

[1], [2], [3]

The causes of streptococcus in the smear

Streptococcus appears in the smear due to the fact that it belongs to the representatives of the opportunistic microflora. This means that it is a representative of the normal microflora of the body, which provides protective properties of the organism, provides colonization resistance of mucous membranes, that is, prevents their colonization by pathogenic microorganisms. But under certain conditions, for example, with a decrease in immunity, a violation of the normal state of mucous membranes, there is a violation of the normal ratio of microorganisms. At the same time the concentration of streptococcus sharply increases, as a result of which it colonizes the mucous membranes of its biotope, and may even spread to other biotopes. As a result, the disease develops and progresses. This is the endogenous pathway of infection.

But there is also an exogenous pathway for the development of the disease, in which streptococcus enters from the external environment, and its further multiplication in the biotopes of the human body. How much the disease will progress depends on the state of the body. Here an important role is played by the colonization resistance of microflora, that is, the normal composition of microflora, in which "there is no place" for foreign microorganisms.

In the normal state of microflora, it prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, and does not allow the disease to develop. When penetrating from the external environment, it most often penetrates from carriers, which are people who are ill, or who have recovered from streptococcal infection.

Also a source can be streptococcus, which persists in the external environment. The hospital strains of stable streptococcus, which develops in the hospital environment, are especially dangerous in this respect. He was repeatedly subjected to mutations under the influence of disinfectant and antiseptic agents. Therefore, it causes the most dangerous diseases, which can not be treated with standard antibiotics.

Streptococcus rate in smear

In the smear, it is normal to detect up to 10 ³  cfu / ml. This means that in 1 milliliter of liquid contains no more than 10 in the third degree, that is, no more than 1000 colonies of microorganisms. If the amount of streptococcus exceeds these figures. The disease develops.

Streptococcus 10 in 3 - 10 in 6 degree in the smear

This means a degree that indicates the quantitative measurement, the content of a certain number of colonies of microorganisms in 1 ml of the material being studied. The norm is 10 ³  , which means that 1 ml of suspension contains 1000 colonies of streptococcus. Below this indicator - the norm, the indicator 10 in 3 degrees is considered a borderline state, from which the development of the disease begins. Above this indicator - certainly develops a disease of streptococcal etiology.

Risk factors

People at risk for development of streptococcal infection with reduced immunity, impaired state of microflora. An important risk factor is the ingress of various toxic substances into the body, radioactive components that undermine the body's defense mechanisms.

People who have recently undergone surgery, organ and tissue transplantation, people with chronic diseases, with immunodeficiency, anemia, impaired metabolism, lack of vitamins are at risk. Even improper diet, sedentary lifestyle, frequent stress, exhaustion, starvation, can cause the development of infection.

People who often suffer from colds and other diseases, those who have built-in pacemakers, catheters (catheter-associated infection), prostheses, temporary and permanent transplants, also fall into the risk group. People who are forced to stay in a hospital or in a hospital for a long period of time fall into the risk group. They are exposed to the nosocomial (hospital strains) of microorganisms. Also, employees of medical institutions who, due to their job duties, should come into contact with infectious patients are also at risk, are exposed to hospital strains.

Symptoms

As the main symptoms of streptococcal infection is the development of the inflammatory process in the lesion, as well as the progression of the infection. Further, it all depends on which particular strain became the cause of the development of pathology, what is its concentration, and also on the biotope in which the infection was introduced. Usually the primary focus of infection, through which the infection enters the body, is the upper respiratory tract, the skin. When penetrating through the skin, a sequence of events develops - first a surface rash, redness and irritation of the skin. As the infection progresses and spreads, dermatitis develops (infectious inflammation of the skin - the dermis), then fasciitis can develop, in which the skin, fascia, ligaments are involved in the inflammatory process.

Myositis is an inflammatory process that develops with the involvement of the muscular layer in the inflammatory process. With a deep penetration of the infection in the body can develop erysipelas (erysipelas of the skin, muscle layers and bones, which is accompanied by suppuration, anaerobic processes, constant progression, involvement of new foci of inflammation).

The erysipelas are often accompanied by tissue necrosis (death). Therefore, in order to stop the further spread of infection, an amputation of the limb is often required, which helps to prevent further progression of the disease and will help to avoid sepsis. The final stage is sepsis (contamination of the blood), which can result in a fatal outcome.

With the penetration of infection through the respiratory tract, mainly develops scarlet fever, follicular or lacunar angina, pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis,

Precursors of the development of any infectious pathology is a feeling of weakness, increased fatigue, excessive sweating, palpitations occurring during walking, minor physical and emotional stress. Then there is a burning sensation in the chest, pressure in the chest area, lack of air, shortness of breath. At this time, you can take preventive measures that will prevent the development of pathology. If you do not take such measures, the disease continues to progress, the temperature is already rising, fever, chills, headache, and appetite decrease. In some cases, nausea, diarrhea occurs. Further symptoms depend on the form and severity of the disease.

Streptococcus in smear for men and women

Streptococcus in the urethral smear may indicate the development of a purulent-inflammatory or infectious disease in the area of the urogenital tract. So, this may indicate the development of cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, dysbiosis, and other forms of the disease.

Infection can enter the body endogenously (for example, if there is a chronic foci of infection in the body), or exogenously (from the environment, when in contact with the carrier of the infection). Particular danger is represented by hospital strains, which can be infected in a hospital. Catheter-associated infections that are formed with prolonged use of the catheter are also dangerous.

If the amount of streptococcus in smear of female workers exceeds the permissible values of the norm, treatment is required. If the content of this microorganism is equal to or below normal, you should not worry. Treatment can be chosen only by a doctor. Since self-medication can be dangerous to health, and even life. Incorrect treatment can disrupt normal microbiocenosis, as a result of which other biotopes can also be violated.

Streptococcus in a smear during pregnancy is a bad sign, as streptococcus can have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy. Often becomes the cause of the development of spontaneous abortions, miscarriages, premature births. It carries a risk, both for a woman and for a child. Danger represents the risk of gestosis, infectious diseases, severe kidney and liver damage, which entails miscarriage. Timely cured streptococcus will avoid infection of the child during childbirth.

The most dangerous is intrauterine infection of the child, as a result of which serious complications, underdevelopment of internal organs, various physical defects, deformities are possible. If a smear is available, the doctor selects the treatment from among those that are approved for use during pregnancy. Treatment is carried out in the event that the risk to the mother and the child exceeds the harm from the effects of the drugs. Self-medication is categorically contraindicated.

Streptococcus in a child's smear

Detection in smears in newborns and premature babies streptococcus is an alarming sign that indicates that the immunity of the child does not cope (and the mother's immunity is preserved in newborns). You may need antibiotic therapy to prevent such a serious condition as postpartum and neonatal sepsis, which ends with a fatal outcome. The main pathogen in neonatal infection is beta-streptococcus, which affects the skin, urogenital tract. Most often enters the body of a newborn in the process of childbirth. In 70% of the source of infection is the mother.

Streptococcus is especially dangerous for newborns, children of early age, since their immunity is lowered, microflora is at the stage of formation, formation. Mortality is very high - from 25 to 75%.

In older children (over 3 years old), streptococcus most often causes severe respiratory, urinal tract, gastrointestinal tract diseases. If ingested, a secondary focus of infection may develop. In 40% of cases, skin infection occurs, in 30% - pneumonia. It should be borne in mind that it often happens that the clinic is present, but the pathogen can not be isolated. Possible complications are persistence, abnormal reaction, acute glomerulonephritis. The most dangerous is bacteremia, sepsis, infectious-toxic shock.

Streptococcus in a swab of throat, throat, nose

It is found in various diseases of the respiratory tract. The degree of colonization of microorganisms depends on the severity of the disease. It may indicate the development of such infectious and inflammatory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis. Requires the use of antibiotic therapy. At the same time, the optimal treatment regimen can be chosen only by a doctor. It is necessary to treat streptococcal infection, because it is dangerous complications. The most dangerous consequence of streptococcal infection is infectious-toxic shock, sepsis. It can also cause the development of osteomyelitis, meningitis, and other life-threatening diseases.

In a smear from the nose, streptococcus is often found. The cause of its occurrence is the development of a purulent-infectious, inflammatory process in the throat, nasopharynx, pharynx. Causes various invasive diseases. One of the most common causes of sinusitis.

Treatment is medicated, antibiotic therapy is used. In the absence of adequate treatment, the infection spreads to other biotopes, including the entire nasopharynx, pharynx. Upper and lower respiratory tract. Dangerous complications are penetration of the infection along the ascending airways upwards, penetration of it into the brain, which is accompanied by inflammation of the myelin sheaths of the brain, the development of meningitis. There are also complications such as acute rheumatoid fever, glomerulonephritis, kidney complications, and cardiovascular system.

When a high concentration of streptococcus is detected in the smear, it is necessary to contact the doctor as soon as possible and to carry out treatment in order to prevent the transition of the disease to a chronic form or to prevent its further spread and progression. Most often used antibiotic. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, since with incorrect treatment, therapy can not simply be ineffective, but also the resistance of microorganisms will arise.

Streptococcus in gynecological smear

Indicates the development of dysbiosis, in which the normal state of microflora is disturbed. Usually the number of representatives of normal microflora is sharply reduced, whereas the amount of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora is increased. This leads to the development of inflammatory processes.

In female reproductive organs, streptococcus is the cause of vaginitis, colpitis, vulvovaginitis. May adversely affect the menstrual cycle, violating its regularity, duration. Reduces fertility, ability to conceive and develop a child. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during labor.

• Streptococcus in a vaginal smear

Normally, the vaginal microflora contains a certain amount of opportunistic microflora, the number of which should not exceed the norm. In this case, if the amount of normal microflora decreases. Begins to grow pathogenic, including streptococcus. It can also penetrate the body from the external environment. High adaptation of microorganisms to vaginal microbiocenosis is noted, since staphylococcus is easily introduced into the mucous membrane, using pathogenicity factors, as well as invasion factors.

The main invasive factors of streptococci are capsules, M and T antigen, teichoic acids that are part of the cell wall, and provide adhesion factors. With the help of M-protein intracellular invasion of the pathogen is carried out. Mandatory treatment is required, since streptococcus can be treated without treatment in the form of a chronic infection, which is much more difficult to treat with antibiotics, and other available means. Approximately 30% of cases of chronic strep infection are not effective due to the fact that chronic infection is stable.

• Streptococcus galactia in a swab of the cervical canal

It leads to the development of the inflammatory process in the vagina, ovaries, disrupts the normal functioning of the fallopian tubes. Often leads to infertility, miscarriage. During childbirth can lead to infection of the child.

Hemolytic and nonhemolytic streptococcus in the smear

Hemolytic streptococcus is a form of streptococci that causes lysis of blood components (hemolysis). Most often, the hemolysis of erythrocytes occurs, which leads to a disruption of the ratio between the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, facilitates the release of free hemoglobin into the blood. It leads to the development of anemia. Often excreted in meningitis, endocarditis, sepsis. Isolation is carried out on blood agar, resulting in the destruction of agar. The source is a sick person, a carrier. The transmission path is aerogenic, contact.

Non-hemolytic streptococcus is a species that does not cause hemolysis of the blood. This form becomes the basis of infectious diseases, including diseases of the respiratory system, urogenital tract. It is treated with antibiotic therapy.

Streptococcus fecal in smear

Transmitted by oral-fecal route. Isolated from the intestine of an infected person, enters the body through the mouth with food, dirty hands. It causes the most important diseases of the digestive tract, poisoning, kidney disease, liver, urinary tract. Often becomes a cause of poisoning (internal intoxication, autointoxication). This leads to the fact that infection and bacterial toxins quickly spread by blood, form new foci of infection. Also, the danger is that rapid colonization occurs, the infection spreads rapidly throughout the body, and leads to the development of bacteremia, sepsis. May cause severe poisoning, accompanied by intoxication, development of dehydration, water-salt balance violations.

Streptococcus anginosus in the smear

It is a cluster of representatives of the genus Streptococcus, which are the causative agent of angina. Most often, they cause the development of lacunar and lympholular angina, in which there is a congestion of purulent mass in the follicles or lacunae. It is accompanied by an intensive inflammatory and infectious process.
First, adhesion (attachment) of the microorganism to the walls and mucous membranes of the throat and respiratory tract occurs. Then it multiplies, colonizes the respiratory tract, throat. This is accompanied by an inflammatory process, the peak of which is about 2-3 days. With follicular angina develop follicles.

Approximately on 3-4 days there is a violation of the integrity of the follicles, and their contents fill lacunas, a raid is formed. Develops lacunar tonsillitis. In addition, streptococcus during its life is able to produce erythrocyte toxin, which causes an intoxication of the body, respiratory tract spasm.
Requires antibiotic treatment. Only a doctor can choose a treatment regimen, because it is based on the results of laboratory tests. Before the start of therapy, it is advisable to perform an antibiotic susceptibility test, by means of which it is possible to select the optimal dosage of the drug, and also to select the drug that will be effective. This is due to the fact that streptococci can have resistance to many antibiotics. In addition, many of them have multiple persistence.

Epidermal streptococcus in the smear

Indicates the development of skin diseases. It can be the cause of bacterial rash, skin dermatitis, and other skin and venereal diseases. Also often leads to the development of inflammation of subcutaneous fat (cellulite). It can affect deeper layers of the skin, and even the muscle layer, causing bursitis, fasciitis, myositis. With a deep penetration, toxin can enter the blood, resulting in bacteremia, sepsis. Is able to produce toxins that cause intoxication of the body. In the absence of treatment may cause the development of infectious-toxic shock, sepsis (blood infection).
One of the most dangerous complications is erysipelas, which is a chronic relapsing disease, which is accompanied by the development of fever, intoxication.

At the same time, the focus of inflammation and the zone of infection of the skin are clearly restricted. This is preceded by sensitization of the skin, a violation of the integrity of the skin. Most often it develops in the elderly, in people with impaired blood and lymph flow, in individuals with reduced immunity.
It flows heavily, with severe intoxication and progression of the inflammatory process. Erosions and ulcers develop. The erosion site is inhabited by another microflora, in particular, anaerobic, which leads to the progression of the infection. Often ends amputation of the affected area, the limb in order to prevent the progression of the disease.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Streptococcus viridans in the smear

Representative of the normal microflora of the urogenital tract. Colonizes the female genital tract, in lesser amounts found in the genitourinary system of men. Conditionally pathogenic microorganism, which in conditions of reduced immunity, dysbacteriosis primarily causes the development of vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, colpitis, and other diseases of the female genitourinary system. With the progression of the disease, the infection rises up the ascending genitourinary tract, resulting in the development of cystitis, pyelonephritis, nephritis, and other diseases of the kidneys, bladder. Often as a result of the progression of the infectious process and the excessive multiplication of streptococci, new foci of infection develop. The most dangerous complication is sepsis.

Staphylococci and streptococci in the smear

Both microorganisms are representatives of normal human microflora and are characterized by the ability to cause disease, if their number exceeds the maximum permissible standards. It should be noted that they normally live in many human biotopes and are factors of colonization resistance, that is, they provide resistance to pathogenic microorganisms.
May cause diseases of the upper tracts, or diseases of the genitourinary system, intestinal disorders. The most dangerous complication of both forms is sepsis and bacteremia. Both produce pathogenicity factors, various types of bacterial toxins that can cause an infectious-toxic shock. For treatment, antibiotics are used.

Leptotriks and streptococci in the smear

Represent a biofilm complex, which includes leptospira and streptococci. Both representatives refer to gram-negative microorganisms (under laboratory conditions in violet color according to the Gramm method are not stained). A biofilm is formed, which acts as an additional virulence factor. It provides reliable protection of microorganisms and its constituent matrix, from the external environment for the cell environment, other harmful factors such as antibiotics, antibacterial drugs. Biofilm helps to ensure that antibiotics are less effective, or completely ineffective due to the fact that they either break down in the biofilm, or are unable to penetrate it. Also, a complex of microorganisms is able to synthesize various substances that increase the resistance of microorganisms. Cause various inflammations of the skin. Causes intoxication.

Consequences and complications

As a result of the development of bacterial infection, including streptococcal, various complications arise. First of all, the persistence is dangerous, in which active and resting forms of microorganisms, or their toxins, the products of vital activity persist in the blood. In this condition, they can cause a new foci of infection, and may also lead to infection of another person (that is, a person who has become infected with an infectious disease becomes a carrier). Many of them cause tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and even diseases of the lower respiratory tract - pneumonia, bronchitis, sometimes even pleurisy. In severe illness, which is accompanied by signs of intoxication, it is necessary to do bacteriological digestion of rye.

When detecting more than 8-14% of bacteremia in the blood, we can talk about the likelihood of developing a toxic shock, which is represented by an acute complex of symptoms, intoxication, and often ends in a fatal outcome.

When ingested, it can become a secondary focus of infection. In 40% of cases it causes severe blood infections, including septicemia. In 30% there is secondary pneumonia, which is hard to treat and often results in pulmonary edema or pulmonary insufficiency. A frequent complication is nephritis, glomerulonephritis, and other severe kidney lesions, which can result in the development of renal failure. All this can cause a disruption of homeostasis, swelling, a violation of the excretory function eventually progresses up to renal failure. Also the consequence may be hypersensitivity, increased sensitivity of the organism, autoimmune and allergic reactions, and other abnormal reactions of the immune system.

Sebaceous and epidermal staphylococci often cause inflammatory diseases of the digestive and respiratory tract, can provoke endocarditis, meningitis, sepsis. The danger for women is that microorganisms can colonize birth canals, and reproductive organs, while becoming a source of infection of the sexual partner.

The greatest danger is the impossibility of conceiving a child, infertility, the development of severe gynecological diseases. During pregnancy, they cause miscarriages, abortions, premature births, and can provoke intrauterine infection of the fetus, which results in stillbirth, intrauterine death of the child. Often children are born with congenital defects, malformations and anomalies. Death can come from an infectious-toxic shock, high bacteremia, sepsis.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Treatment

The main treatment for bacterial infection is antibiotic therapy. Prescribe antibiotics directed against gram-negative microorganisms. Also, broad-spectrum antibiotics that are active against various types of microorganisms, including gram-positive, gram-negative, aerobic, anaerobic forms, and even certain types of fungal infection, may be suitable. Details on how to treat streptococcus, if it is found in a smear, read in this article.

Prevention

It is important to limit the foci of infection: timely reorganization of the oral cavity, timely treat infectious diseases, not allowing their transition into a chronic form. If possible, it is necessary to eliminate all foci of infection, cure the chronicle. The basis of prevention is also the timely diagnosis of diseases, timely action on their treatment. It is important to identify any pathology at an early stage of its formation and to take the necessary measures. This will prevent the progression of the disease.

A good prevention is massage, adequate nutrition, taking the necessary vitamin, carrying out preventive vaccinations. In the period of epidemics, avoid places of mass gatherings of people, provide individual prophylaxis, exercise, and temper the body.

It is necessary to perform physical exercises, eat right and observe the regime of the day. To avoid the development of epidermal forms of infection, clothing should be natural, should not irritate the skin and cause excessive compression and squeezing of the skin. You need to consume enough vitamins and fluids.

Forecast

If  streptococcus in the smear  significantly exceeds the norm, you need to take measures to normalize this indicator. With proper and timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable - streptococcal infection can be successfully cured. In the absence of treatment, there can be various complications - from prolonged and difficult current inflammatory and infectious processes to bacteremia and sepsis.

[14], [15], [16]