Enterococci is a large family of anaerobes and aerobes. That is, these bacteria are able to live both in free oxygen and in acidic. Enterococci are very common. Among bacteria, there are strains that are safe for humans, which are used in the food and drug industries. However, certain types of them are dangerous to human health. Especially they “love” the female gender.
Enterococci used to be part of the class D streptococcus family, but recently they have been given a separate classification. Today, about 15 species of the studied bacteria of this group are known, however, scientists have not yet investigated and classified some of them to the end.
Increased enterococcus in assays
In the analyzes, doctors pay attention to enterococcus faecalis. What it is? This is a bacterium that is conditionally pathogenic and, when its norm is exceeded, can cause pathological conditions. Today we will examine enterococcal fecal matter in more detail and find out how to treat it if it is found in a smear in women.
Enterococcus faecalis is normally found in the oral cavity and in the intestines (mainly the small and large intestines) of a person. Exceeding its norm is found in both men and women, but most often it grows in expectant mothers, whose body is being rebuilt, and therefore especially vulnerable. There is also an increase in enterococcus faecalis in women with antibiotic abuse. Doctors believe that patients often become infected during treatment in a hospital, as fecal enterococcus is very stable in the external environment. Moreover, many antibiotics do not have any harmful effects on him.
Enterococcus fecal smear in women
Often, when taking a smear for analysis, an increased amount of enterococcus faecalis is found in women. What is it and what is fraught with? Relative to opportunistic pathogens, they are in any case in the body, but with an increase in their number, these bacteria can cause inflammation if they enter an environment unusual for them - for example, the urinary tract or kidneys, where they penetrate from the rectum. In this case, asymptomatic bacteriuria (elevated urinary microorganism) may be observed. In the vagina, they may be present in small quantities. If there are more, usually due to insufficient hygiene, they cause inflammation.
It was found that in urine and smear enterococci are usually found simultaneously or, after vital activity in the vagina, they begin to “settle” in the urogenital tract, causing diseases such as cystitis or even pyelonephritis.
Other reasons for the detection of enterococcus faecalis in a smear in women are unprotected sex and the use of other people's hygiene products or things of the patient. It was found that with a decrease in immunity, enterococcus, which was previously present in the body in very modest quantities, begins to grow. Typically, a decrease in immunity occurs while taking antibiotics or other drugs.
What are the symptoms?
Women who have found enterococcus faecalis in a smear are concerned about:
- Painful burning during urination, frequent urges to him.
- Decreased libido; women complain of an almost complete absence of orgasm.
- Unpleasantly smelling, plentiful vaginal discharge of various consistencies (curdled or mucous).
- Severe and frequently recurring back pain.
- Pain in the lower abdomen and in the groin.
Also, women suffer from general ill health. There is a decrease in working capacity and rapid fatigue.
Enterococcus fecal during pregnancy
Found in pregnant enterococcus faecalis - what is it? In women in position, this bacterium occurs 5 times more often, since their hormonal background decreases along with immunity. The presence of fecal enterococcus in the urine suggests that there is inflammation in the urinary tract that requires immediate intervention. Pregnant women should choose antibacterial therapy very carefully.
In the first months after birth, the baby is under the close supervision of a doctor. In a child, an increased content of enterococcus in the feces can also be detected. A young mother can infect her baby through breast milk.
How is fecal enterococcus treated?
If enterococcus faecalis is found in a smear in women, there is a specific treatment regimen that includes the following remedies.
The main therapy for enterococcal fecal, especially given its resistance to many types of antibiotics, is to use bacteriophages (literally “bacterial destroyers” that refer to viruses). They are embedded in the bacterial cell and kill it. Bacteriophages outperform antibiotics with fewer side effects and intestinal safety. They are often prescribed for children and those who have contraindications for taking more aggressive drugs.
Adult women who are not in a position are prescribed antibacterial drugs - Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin, Gentamicin. Enterococci are sensitive to these types of drugs.
Adjunctive therapy
As additional therapy, vitamin-mineral complexes and topical agents are indicated - suppositories, vaginal tablets. Women are prescribed douching and physiotherapy. Douching is recommended in solutions with the addition of hydrogen peroxide and soda to the water. They reduce unpleasant symptoms (in particular, discharge) and normalize the vaginal microflora.
The main goal of treatment is to reduce the content of enterococci to normal. If their number does not exceed it, then they are safe for the body and do not cause any unpleasant symptoms.
Today we examined enterococcus faecalis - what it is, what symptoms it causes, and how this bacterium is eliminated.