Enterococcus faecalis - what is it? Symptoms and Treatment

Enterococcus is a large family of anaerobes and aerobes. That is, these bacteria are able to live both in a free oxygen environment and in an acidic one. Enterococci are very common. Among the bacteria, there are strains safe for humans, which are used in the food and drug industry. However, certain types of them are dangerous for human health. Especially they "love" the female sex.

Earlier, enterococci were a member of the class D streptococcus family, but recently they were given a separate classification. Today, about 15 species of bacteria of this group are known, but scientists have not yet investigated or classified some of them to the end.

Increase of enterococci in analyzes

In the analyzes, doctors pay attention to enterococcus faecalis. What it is? It is a bacterium that is conditionally pathogenic and, if exceeded, can cause pathological conditions. Today we will examine enterococcus fecal 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 intestine (predominantly the small and large intestine) of a person. Excess of its rate meets both in men and women, but most often it grows in expectant mothers, whose body is reconstructed, and therefore is particularly vulnerable. There is also an increase in enterococcus faecalis in women with antibiotic abuse. Doctors believe that patients are often infected and treated in hospital, as enterococcus fecal is very stable in the external environment. Moreover, many antibiotics do not have any harmful effect on it.

Enterococcus fecal in a smear in women

Often in women, when taking a smear for tests, an increased amount of enterococcus faecalis is found. What is it and what is fraught with it? Although they are conditionally pathogenic, they are in any case in the body, but with an increase in their quantity, these bacteria can cause inflammation if they get into an environment unusual for them - for example, the urinary tract or kidneys where they enter from the rectum. In this case, asymptomatic bacteriuria (increased urine microorganism content) can be observed. In the vagina they can be present in a small amount. If there are more, usually because of insufficient hygiene, they cause inflammation.

It has been established that both in the urine and in the smear, enterococci are usually found simultaneously or, after the vital activity in the vagina, they begin to "live" and urinary 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 amounts, begins to grow. Usually a decrease in immunity occurs when taking antibiotics or other drugs.

What are the symptoms?

Women who have found enterococcus faecalis in the smear worry:

1. Painful burning with urination, frequent urge to it.
2. Decreased libido; Women complain about the almost complete absence of orgasm.
3. Unpleasantly smelling, copious discharge from the vagina of different consistency (curdled or mucous).
4. Strong and often repetitive pain in the back.
5. Pain in the lower abdomen and in the groin.

Also, women suffer from a general poor state of health. There is a decrease in working capacity and rapid fatigue.

Enterococcus fecal during pregnancy

Detected in pregnancy, enterococcus faecalis - what is it? In women in the situation, this bacterium is found 5 times more often, as their hormonal background decreases along with immunity. The presence of fecal enterococcus in the urine suggests that there is inflammation in the urinary tract, which requires immediate intervention. Pregnant women should carefully select antibiotic therapy.

In the first months after childbirth, the baby is under the careful supervision of a doctor. The child may also have an increased content of enterococcus in the stool. A young mother can infect a child and 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 Enterococcus fecal, especially given its resistance to many types of antibiotics, is the use of bacteriophages (literally "bacterial killers" that are related to viruses). They are built into the cell of the bacteria and kill it. Bacteriophages surpass antibiotics with fewer side effects and safety for the intestines. They are often prescribed to children and those who have contraindications to taking more aggressive means.

Adult women who are not in the position are prescribed antibacterial drugs - "Ceftriaxone", "Ampicillin", "Gentamicin". Enterococcus are sensitive to these types of medications.

Additional therapy

As an additional therapy, vitamin-mineral complexes and agents for topical application are shown-suppositories, vaginal pills. Women are prescribed douching and physiotherapy. Douching is recommended by solutions with the addition of hydrogen peroxide and soda to the water. They reduce unpleasant symptoms (in particular, discharge) and normalize the microflora of the vagina.

The main goal of the treatment is to reduce the content of enterococci to the norm. If their number does not exceed it, they are safe for the body and do not cause any unpleasant symptoms.

Today we reviewed enterococcus faecalis - what it is, what symptoms it causes, and how this bacterium is eliminated.