Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacteria from the bacillus class, the enterococcal family. Previously, they were considered a variety of streptococci, but, after careful study, they were isolated into a separate genus.

These bacteria can cause infections of various organs, most often the urogenital system.
One of the most important ways to diagnose such infections is to study the amount of enterococcus faecalis in the urine. It should not exceed a certain rate.

Enterococcus faecalis (fecal enterococcus)

Fecal enterococcus belongs to the category of opportunistic bacteria. This means that its presence in the body does not necessarily cause disease. Normally Enterococcus faecalis is associated with a person by symbiotic relationship. This bacterium is an integral part of the intestinal microflora. It plays an important role in the digestion of food and is found in the body of any person.
But there are times when beneficial microorganisms get out of control and become pathogenic. This is possible if the body is weakened. In a healthy person, the reproduction and development of enterococci is restrained by the immune system and beneficial bacteria - antagonists. If the controlling factors are weakened, the number of these microorganisms increases abnormally. Some of them leave the intestines and migrate to other organs, primarily the urinary system.
Normally, enterococci feed on human waste products, but, once outside the intestines, they begin to eat the cells of the host organism, which causes inflammatory processes and leads to various diseases.
Also against this background, the development of an additional infection - a virus or fungus, is possible, since enterococcus destroys the protection of cells of the mucous membranes.


The abnormal multiplication of enterococci can lead to:

  • Long-term use of antibiotics. These drugs can kill many beneficial bacteria in the intestines, while the enterococci usually remain unharmed because they are very resistant. In addition, antibiotics weaken the immune system. All this leads to the uncontrolled development of enterococci.
  • Weakening of the body after illnesses, due to frequent stress, during pregnancy, from alcohol addiction or poor nutrition.
  • Decreased immunity in diabetics.
  • Taking immunosuppressants.
  • AIDS.

In addition, external infection with enterococci is also possible. This happens most often during medical procedures involving internal organs (such as a bladder catheterization). Or during surgical operations, if they were performed without sufficient sterility.
Infection of wounds is also possible.
For the first time after infection, a person may not feel any deterioration in well-being. Although analyzes already at this stage will show the presence of pathology. Then, as the enterococcal infection develops, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Frequent urge to urinate. It becomes painful.
  • Inflammation and redness of the genitals.
  • Bladder pain.
  • Inflammation of the urethra.
  • Fever and general malaise.
  • Decreased potency in men. Pain during intercourse in women.

General urine analysis (OAM)

When diagnosing such diseases, first of all, it is necessary to examine the patient's urine for the presence of fecal enterococcus. For this, its general analysis is carried out.

What is OAM?

OAM is a detailed study of the composition of urine. Including bacteriological. If, according to the results of the analysis, enterococcus in the urine is present in an amount exceeding the norm, we can talk about the infection of the body with these bacteria.

Proper preparation for OAM

In order for OAM to give accurate results, a number of rules must be followed when collecting samples for research:

  1. The urine should be collected in the morning and taken to the laboratory without delay.
  2. The collection container must be clean and dry.
  3. First, you need to conduct a thorough hygiene of the external genital organs, using water and soap.
  4. Not all of the liquid is collected. First, a small amount of it should flow out, and then you can substitute the container.
  5. Shake the urine before pouring it into another container.
  6. While OAM is being performed, the patient should not change their usual drinking regimen and diet. On the eve of the analysis, you should not eat too much sweets.
  7. During menstruation, OAM is not desirable, since some of its indicators will be inaccurate.

The rates of enterococci in the urine of an adult and a child

Normally, the number of sp of fecal enterococci in the urine of an adult should not exceed 10 to 3 degrees, and in a child 10 to 7 degrees, otherwise we can talk about the presence of an infection.

In addition, the diagnosis includes blood and feces tests.

What does the presence of enterococcal infection in urine indicate?

Diseases caused by the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis

In most cases, enterococci cause various diseases of the urinary system, such as:

  • Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra);
  • Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
  • Pyelonephritis (inflammatory kidney disease);

It is also possible infection with bacteria in the genitals, which leads to:

  • Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina in women);
  • Vulvitis (inflammation of the external female genital organs;
  • Andexitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries);
  • Inflammation of the prostate gland in men;

Enterococci also cause gastritis, dysbiosis, enteritis (intestinal dysfunction) and food poisoning.
In rare cases, these bacteria can infect the heart or brain, leading to diseases such as endocarditis and meningitis. The respiratory organs (pleurisy) can also suffer from them. If immunity is very low and adequate treatment is not given, the infection can progress to sepsis.

Features of the development of pathology in men, women and children

Pregnant women are most susceptible to infection. This is due to the weakening of the mother's body during the period of bearing the child and with congestion in the bladder, which creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria. And it is during pregnancy that such infections are most dangerous, since they complicate its course. In the worst cases, they can lead to premature birth or infection of the fetus and pathologies in its development.
Against the background of long-lasting, untreated infectious diseases of the genitourinary system in women, inflammation of the pelvic organs may develop.
In men, streptococci are more likely to cause diseases of the lower genitourinary organs, the most serious of which is prostatitis.
Children are most susceptible to infection during infancy. At this time, their immunity is still unstable, unformed, and it is enough, for example, mild hypothermia or taking antibiotics for the development of enterococci in the baby's intestines to get out of control (these microbes enter the human body already on the first day of life, along with milk mother). External infection with these bacteria is also possible, through damage to the skin and mucous membranes.

The most dangerous infection with enterococcus is for newborns, since it often takes on severe forms in them.

Treatment and prevention of enterococcal infection

Hygiene

Although the direct cause of such infections is a decrease in immunity, and normally, when enterococcus stamps enter the body, fecalis does not become infected (these bacteria are even included in some medicines), yet insufficient hygiene increases the risk of infection if a person is weakened. It is necessary to wash your hands, treat cuts and scratches with iodine, observe the rules of intimate hygiene, and do not eat unwashed vegetables and fruits.

Diet

To prevent infection, you should eat food rich in vitamins and microelements - fruits, berries, herbs, vegetables, honey, nuts. This will support your immune system. Also, fermented milk products should be included in the daily diet. They help maintain normal intestinal microflora.
If the infection has already occurred, it will be helpful to consume some foods that have antimicrobial effects. Such as parsley, chokeberry, black currant, cranberry. You can prepare juices or water infusions from them.

Treatment

Treatment of enterococcal infection should be multifaceted. It includes taking antimicrobial drugs, strengthening the immune system and restoring the intestinal microflora.

In addition, sometimes treatment is required for concomitant diseases - fungi or viruses.

Enterococci are classified as gram-positive cocci. This type of bacteria is similar in a number of characteristics to streptococci. Two types of microorganisms (enterococcus fecalis and enterococcus fezium) are part of the intestinal microflora.

Bacilli are in symbiosis and are controlled by the immune system. With its weakening, it is possible for a person to develop a number of diseases. One of them is hron prostatitis enterococcus - a chronic type caused by these bacteria.

Microorganisms have a rounded shape and are often presented in the form of pairs. Bacilli also form short chains. Enterococcus faecalis is present in the intestines. In smaller quantities, it contains another type of enterococci - enterococcus faecium. These types of microorganisms can form communities with other forms of bacteria.

What form of them prevails in the intestine depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Fecal enterococci are found in the feces of 90% of people. Enterococci feces are present in feces in an amount of 5 to 10% of the total number of all microorganisms.

Bacilli are classified as anaerobes. They do not form spores, but are persistent. They are characterized by cellular respiration in both oxygen and anoxic environments.

Attention! Bacilli are the main element of the human intestine. Microorganisms are classified as opportunistic bacilli and serve as an important element of the intestinal mucosa.

The norm for the content of bacteria in the intestine is no more than 103 CFU / ml. The male prostate is in close contact with the rectal ampulla. With a decrease in the body's immune defense, an increase in the number of bacilli in the intestine occurs. Bacteria begin to penetrate the adjacent organs (prostate gland, urethra).

Enterococci can end up in the prostate for the following reasons:

  • non-observance of intimate hygiene, leading to the growth of microbes in the area of ​​the penis and their spread through the urethra;
  • a genital infection already present in a man;
  • violation of the intestinal microflora, contributing to the death of beneficial microbes and their replacement by bacilli;
  • decrease in the body's immune defenses;
  • unprotected intercourse.

Advice! It is important to use contraception when having anal sex.

With anal sexual practice, the risk of bringing in bacilli from a sick partner is highest.

Chronic form


Enterococcus fecalis
is one of the most common causes of chronic prostatitis... Microorganisms, when they are in the gland for a long time, provoke a lack of zinc in it.

This element serves as the basic component of the antimicrobial zinc-peptide complex of the prostate gland. With a lack of zinc, the disease becomes chronic with a further decrease in immunity.

At the same time, the body's defenses are not able to restrain the growth of pathogenic microbes in the prostate.

Fecal enterococcus can be found in large quantities in the prostate gland itself. Its significant concentration is found in male secretions (the secretion of the prostate, which is part of the semen). Bacteria with the development of infection are detected in the patient's urine. Their presence in high concentration can be detected during histological analysis with taking a sample of prostate tissue.

With the development of chronic prostatitis in men, the content of bacilli in feces is many times higher than the established limits.

Diagnostic options

There are several methods to identify enterococci fecalis:

  1. Conducting a blood test for biochemical composition.
  2. Implementation of the polymerase chain reaction. A highly effective diagnostic method that allows you to identify microbes even with an asymptomatic course.
  3. Bacteriological culture of prostate secretions. With him, fecal enterococcus is tested for sensitivity to a number of antibiotics.
  4. (histological examination). It is prescribed for suspected prostate cancer. The procedure is contraindicated in case of established acute prostatitis. It consists in taking the material from the gland using biopsy needles.
  5. Immunofluorescence assay. It is a laboratory method in which enterococci are detected in the prostate gland.
  6. Instrumental examinations (urethroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography and MRI). The methods are used to exclude other possible causes of an increase in the number of bacilli in the prostate.

Antibiotic therapy

Enterococcus fecalis has an important feature. The bacterium is resistant to a variety of antibacterial agents. With regard to microorganisms, penicillins, antibiotics from the cephalosporin group, and most of the aminoglycosides are completely inactive.

In relation to known antibacterial drugs, fecal enterococcus has the following sensitivity levels:

  1. Weak sensitivity to "Lincomycin" and "Tetracycline". These drugs are not prescribed for prostatitis, which has arisen against the background of the multiplication of bacilli.
  2. Average sensitivity to "Ciprofloxacin". The drug can be prescribed to treat the infection, but only in combination with a stronger antibiotic.
  3. High sensitivity to Levofloxacin and Rifaximin. A number of bacterial strains are susceptible to the tetracycline antibiotic "Doxycycline".

Treatment of prostatitis with antibacterial drugs should be carried out for at least a week. Funds are taken 1 tablet twice a day.

Additionally, the patient is prescribed medications with antimicrobial effect ("Metronidazole"). Immunotherapy is carried out by taking immunity-strengthening drugs (Panavir, Viruter). Their use allows you to restrain the growth of microbes in the intestines and normalizes the body's immune defenses.

An auxiliary method of treatment is. It includes laser physiotherapy, a combination of magnetic therapy with electrophoresis and electrostimulation of the prostate gland. The method is prescribed along with antibiotic therapy.

Since water is one of the sources of enterococci, control of its quality is necessary. This is one of the main recommendations for the prevention of an outbreak of enterococcal infections in the population.

To prevent an increase in the number of bacteria in the body, you must:

  1. Follow the rules of safe sex. Always use contraception.
  2. Have a consistent and proven sexual partner.
  3. Timely identify and treat diseases. Provide effective treatment for hron infections.
  4. Competently treat genital infections provoked by Trichomonas and gonococci.
  5. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat and exercise properly.
  6. To refuse from bad habits.
  7. Avoid stressful situations.

Proper nutrition will help prevent prostatitis and related enterococcal infection:

  1. Eating fresh fruits with vegetables, berries, fermented milk products as sources of fiber. They avoid intestinal congestion.
  2. Fractional food intake 4-5 times a day without overeating.
  3. Reducing the consumption of foods that provoke intestinal stagnation (rice, pasta, baked goods).
  4. Daily intake of up to 2 liters of water.
  5. Reducing the intake of animal fats into the body. Uniform use of protein foods and foods saturated with carbohydrates.
  6. Avoiding fried foods.
  7. Steamed food should be preferred. It is also recommended to eat boiled and stewed food.
  8. Limiting the use of butter.
  9. Avoiding alcohol.
  10. Avoiding the use of spices, hot seasonings and rich broths.
  11. Refusal from pickled and smoked products.
  12. A complete ban on the use of carbonated drinks.
  13. In contact with

A bacterium called fecal enterococcus belongs to gram-positive microbes and is a conditionally pathogenic microflora. In small quantities, this bacterium does not cause health problems, but in the case of active reproduction, it can cause serious diseases of the genitourinary system.

Hazard level

Fecal enterococcus is more susceptible to women who have the bacterium causes inflammation in the genitourinary organs.

The microorganism itself in certain quantities lives in the intestine, especially in the small intestine.

It is excreted in feces, which contain up to 90% of this bacterium, and can remain in the air for a long time.

With unfavorable factors - from malnutrition to non-observance of elementary ones - the microorganism begins to actively multiply, displacing the normal microflora. Getting into the female genital organs, urethra, it causes pathology up to development, inflammation of the ovaries and uterus.

In case of untimely detection, pathologies can progress, turning into chronic forms that are difficult to treat. Fecal enterococcus is also dangerous because it is resistant to common antimicrobial drugs, and the selection of effective therapy is a difficult matter.

Detection methods and norm

How to detect Enterococcus Faecalis in a smear in women, how many should be normal?

Fecal enterococcus can be detected by taking a vaginal swab... The material is taken by a gynecologist, then sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. According to the results of the analysis, one can judge how much the content of opportunistic bacteria is exceeded.

The norm in a vaginal smear is the presence of fecal enterococcus less than 10% of the total microflora, and the number of lactic acid bacteria, lactobacilli is not disturbed.

If the presence of bacteria exceeds the threshold of 10-15%, there is an inflammatory process. A smear concentration of more than 30% indicates a highly pronounced pathology that requires adequate treatment.

Reasons for detection

The reasons why fecal enterococcus can enter the female genital organs are few.

The most common factor provoking the development of enterococcal infection is non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene:

  • irregular washing of the external genital organs;
  • the use of other people's towels, linen, razors;
  • untimely replacement of sanitary napkins and tampons.

The bacterium is also transmitted sexually, through unprotected contacts therefore, women who do not use barrier contraception and do not have a regular partner can become infected from a man.

The microorganism begins to activate in the body of those women who have undergone courses of antibiotic therapy - in a weakened body, enterococcus develops more actively than in a completely healthy person with a strong immune system.

Symptoms of a developing disease

Fecal enterococcus can affect both the genitals and the urinary system, with a serious course - the kidneys and bladder. From the moment of active reproduction of the microorganism, alarming symptoms begin to appear in women.

A painful symptom is an integral sign indicating the activation of pathogenic flora. Pain - different in intensity and nature, as the disease progresses, they become pronounced.

With the defeat of fecal enterococcus, patients often note:

  • unpleasant aching pains in the lower abdomen, aggravated by urination;
  • back pain, arising periodically, by nature - intense, pressing.

Discharge is noted in almost all women..

With the defeat of the vagina and genital tract, the discharge is abundant, in color - from grayish to light brown, the smell is unpleasant. The discharge is accompanied by a burning sensation, discomfort in the vagina.

The nature of urination changes - it becomes more frequent, scarce. Sudden, sharp urges may occur, the process of urine excretion becomes painful.

The general condition of patients worsens:

  • constant fatigue, weakness;
  • drowsiness even with adequate sleep;
  • decreased sex drive.

Treatment

If an excess of the permissible concentration of fecal enterococcus is found in the analyzes - in smears from the vagina, urine, feces - it is important to start treatment immediately, as the microorganism multiplies rapidly, having a detrimental effect on the entire body.

It is dangerous for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This is rare, with extremely high concentrations of the microorganism. The consequences of enterococcus entering the blood are dangerous - the development of meningitis is possible.

The main groups of drugs

Adequate therapy against fecal enterococcus includes:

  • antimicrobial drugs, antibiotics;
  • preparations for external use;
  • medicines to strengthen the body and immunity.

Antibiotics can quickly stop the development of an infectious and inflammatory process. It is important to choose an antibiotic to which the microorganism will be sensitive.

The most popular and effective antibiotics:

  • Ceftriaxone;
  • Gentamicin;
  • Doxycycline;
  • Ciprofloxacin.

They are prescribed more often intramuscularly, in doses calculated by weight, age, severity of the disease. The duration of the course is 7-10 days, no longer.

Recently, in therapy against enterococcal infection, bacteriophages are often prescribed - special preparations in liquid form that have a detrimental effect on opportunistic bacteria, causing a minimum of side effects.

Intesti-bacteriophage is considered the most effective against fecal enterococcus.

Means for external use act locally, providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. These include vaginal suppositories, tablets, gels.

  • Terzhinan - vaginal tablets;
  • Polygynax - candles;
  • Hexicon - candles.

Preparations for strengthening the immune system are also important - a weakened body cannot completely suppress the growth of opportunistic flora.

To increase the body's defenses in complex therapy, it is prescribed:

  • Viferon - in the form of candles;
  • Genferon - in the form of candles;
  • multivitamin complexes - Vitrum, Elevit, Complivit, Alphabet.

The course of admission is at least a month, after which a break is made for 14-30 days, and the intake of vitamins and immunomodulators is repeated.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine suggests treat fecal enterococcus by douching with herbal infusions with antimicrobial effect- this is calamus, sage, burnet, chamomile, coltsfoot. Thanks to such procedures, you can relieve discomfort in the genital tract - itching, burning, discharge.

Popular folk recipe from a mixture of honey and propolis helps to strengthen the body's defenses, to stop the growth of pathogenic flora in the intestines. To prepare the mixture, mix fresh honey and propolis in half, let it stand for about 2 days and take a teaspoon three times a day.

Traditional methods are best used with the permission of a doctor in combination with basic treatment. Such methods help symptomatically, relieving the general condition.

Partner therapy

Men are confirmed to be infected with enterococcal infection.

In the male body, the microorganism affects the intestines and the genitourinary system. leading to the development of:

  • urethritis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • prostatitis;
  • impotence.

If enterococcus is detected in a woman, it is imperative to treat a partner. Sexual transmission is common, especially with unprotected contacts.

Partner's treatment includes antimicrobial drugs, antibiotic therapy, and drugs. After treatment, control tests are taken.

Disease during pregnancy

If fecal enterococcus in an overestimated concentration is detected in the urine or vaginal smear in pregnant women, treatment is started immediately. A similar problem in women in position is not uncommon.

The consequences of untimely treatment can be serious:

  • premature birth;
  • the birth of a child with a low body weight;
  • placental insufficiency;
  • earlier rupture of amniotic fluid, long before childbirth;
  • intrauterine infection of the child.

Treatment of pregnant women should be gentle so that the fetus is not harmed.

Usually gynecologists prescribe drugs for topical use - Polygynax or Terzhinan in the vagina, Viferon to activate immunity and probiotics for oral administration - Linex, Hilak-forte.

After the course, it is necessary to conduct a follow-up examination to establish whether the goal of therapy has been achieved.

Preventive measures

To avoid infection with fecal enterococcus, to prevent its reproduction in the intestinal and vaginal flora, simple preventive measures should be followed.

  • The most important thing is having sex with a trusted partner, using contraceptives.
  • Compliance with hygiene measures, proper care for the intimate area.
  • Well-established work of the gastrointestinal tract, including proper nutrition, if necessary - taking bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
  • Correct clothing, especially underwear, which should be perfectly clean, made from natural fabrics - the health of the genitals and the entire reproductive system depends on this.

Numerous representatives of human microflora can be divided into three conditional groups: pathogenic, non-pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. The latter includes enterococcus faecalis. It is important to know what kind of bacteria it is, why the presence of a large number of enterococcus faecalis in a smear in men is a cause for concern and how to deal with it.

Brief description of the bacteria

A feature of opportunistic microflora in general, and enterococcus, in particular, is antibiotic resistance, as well as to the effects of high and low temperatures. In this regard, it is necessary to know what enterococcus is in order to understand how to deal with it.

general characteristics

Enterococcus spp. (enterococci) is a group of bacteria belonging to the subclass of lactobacilli. The most famous representative is enterococcus faecalis (aka fecal enterococcus). Normally, this bacterium is part of the microflora of the mouth and intestines (helps digestion), in small quantities it can be present on the mucous membrane of the genitourinary system.

The number of these bacteria is kept at the same level due to the work of the immune system. However, if the immune system malfunctions or under the influence of any environmental factors, the number of bacteria can increase, and they can cause a number of pathological processes in the genitourinary system.

Most often, fecal enterococcus in men is found in a smear from the urethra. There is nothing terrible in the very fact of detecting enterococcus, you should pay attention to the number of bacteria.

Reasons for infection

Most often enterococcus affects the organs of the genitourinary system, but the disease can develop in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

The causes of enterococcus disease are:

In addition, a healthy person can be a carrier of enterococcus, but at the same time not get sick or experience inconvenience. However, in this case, the risk of infection of the partner remains.

When entering the body, enterococcus tends to behave imperceptibly for a long time and does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, diagnosis at the earliest stages is sometimes difficult. When the first symptoms of infection appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.

If you suspect an enterococcus disease in men, you need to pay attention to following symptoms:

If you ignore the symptoms, there is a risk of triggering the disease, which can cause the following diseases:

  • Prostatitis.
  • Urethritis.
  • Sepsis.
  • Purulent inflammation of the genitals.
  • Infertility.
  • Impotence.

With the development of infection, both the manifestation of all signs, and only some of them, is possible, therefore, it is necessary to be especially attentive to all deviations in the work of the genitourinary system.

The appearance of any of these symptoms should force a person to go to a urologist for a diagnosis. It includes the following set of measures:

The most effective measure is bacteriological culture of a smear. After taking samples from the urethra, they are planted on a culture medium and grown for 3-4 days, after which microbes are identified and counted.

When examining the content of enterococcus faecalis, the norm in men is recognized as 10 to the 5th degree or less. In this case, the appointment of treatment does not make sense. If this figure is exceeded, it is considered that the content of enterococcus faecalis in a smear in men does not correspond to the norm, and we can talk about the risk of developing pathology.

Treatment methods

Due to the resistance of enterococcus to the effects of a significant amount of antibiotics, as well as the ability to long-term asymptomatic existence, the issue of timely treatment and prevention is an acute issue for every responsible man. The goal of treatment for enterococcal infection is to eliminate the bacteria that caused the infection and restore normal microflora. Therefore, a complex of drugs is used:

In addition, it is possible to use a solution containing a bacteriophage. Bacteriophage is a virus that destroys a certain type of microorganism. When using a solution containing a bacteriophage, it is possible to guarantee the safety of beneficial microflora during the destruction of enterococcus.

Preventive measures

In order to avoid infection with enterococcus, the following preventive measures are recommended:

  • Always follow the rules of personal hygiene.
  • Use a condom for any kind of sex.
  • When visiting public toilets, avoid direct contact with plumbing.
  • Always wash your hands after using the toilet.

Remember! Responsible attitude towards yourself and others is the key to a happy future.

Enterococcus faecalis or enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism that is normally an inhabitant of the large intestine in men and women... Enterococcus fecalis is a facultative anaerobic, that is, it is able to develop in the presence of oxygen, and in an oxygen-free environment and affect various systems of human organs.

The development of these bacteria in other organs, in particular, damage to the genitourinary system, becomes the cause of diseases in men and women. Enterococcus faecalis causes an infectious disease in most cases against a background of reduced immunity... Enterococci can develop during pregnancy, in newborns, or in people with acquired immunodeficiency.

This microorganism is capable of developing resistance to most modern antibiotics. Therefore, enterococcal infection, which has arisen in humans against the background of prolonged antibiotic therapy, is especially dangerous.

Thus, traditional medicine is ineffective in the treatment of fecalis enterococcus. Treatment in women and men is best done with folk remedies that suppress the development of pathogenic microorganisms and stimulate the body's own defenses.

  • Enterococcus faecalis: norm and pathology

    Our immune system controls and inhibits the development of bacteria that make up our microflora, and the development of infection does not occur. However, in some cases, a weakening of human immunity occurs. This leads to overgrowth and proliferation of microorganisms. And initially beneficial microorganisms become the cause of an infectious disease.

    Normally, fecal enterococcus is an inhabitant of the human large intestine. It is a typical intestinal microflora, one of the bacteria that ensure healthy digestion and the functioning of the entire body.

    Also, in some people, enterococcus is found on the mucous membrane of the external genital organs. However, in a normal state, enterococcus never occurs in the urine and does not affect the organs of the urinary system.

    If enterococcus is detected during bacterial culture of urine, this indicates cystitis, urethritis, or another disease of the urinary system. In some cases, the excessive development of enterococcus in the intestine leads to dysbiosis and intestinal diseases. This organism is able to live both in oxygen (external genital organs) and in anaerobic (large intestine) environment, and rebuild its metabolism in accordance with living conditions.

    The reasons for the development of fecal enterococcus

    The most common cause of enterococcal infection in men and women is long-term antibiotic therapy. The fact is that enterococcus is capable of developing resistance to many modern antibacterial drugs. Long-term use of these drugs kills all other inhabitants of the human intestine, but not the enterococcus fecalis. The surviving microorganism begins to actively multiply and populate the space that was previously occupied by other bacteria.

    Long-term use of antibiotics also depresses a person's immunity, and nothing else prevents the spread of bacteria. Enterococcus inhabits not only the intestines, but also organs that are normally sterile: the organs of the genitourinary system.

    The development of male and female enterococcal infections can be observed against the background of other factors leading to a decrease in immunity:

    • long-term chronic diseases;
    • long-term use of certain other medicines;
    • immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or after organ transplantation;
    • invasive instrumental studies in men (in this case, mucosal injury and infection of the normally sterile urethra may occur);
    • hypothermia, unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse;
    • AIDS.

    Fecal enterococcus: symptoms!

    The pathological development of Enterococcus faecalis leads to the occurrence of infectious diseases in the genitourinary system. Signs of an infectious process:

    • pain during bowel movements;
    • increased frequency of urination, while the process itself is often difficult and painful;
    • change in the appearance of urine, it can change its color, it becomes cloudy, urine may contain inclusions;
    • in men, pain occurs in the urethra, the pain is sharp and can spread to the entire groin area;
    • also for men are characterized by sexual dysfunction, decreased potency, anorgasmia;
    • white-green purulent discharge from the urethra;
    • general signs of an infectious process and intoxication: fever, general weakness, headache.

    How to treat enterococcal infection?

    If Enterococcus faecalis is detected in the urine and affects the organs of the genitourinary system, therapy should be initiated. Without proper treatment, enterococcal infection can become chronic with periodic relapses. In addition, enterococcus can lead to the development and exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases.

    Treatment for women and men is best done with folk remedies.

    Such drugs affect not only enterococcus, but also concomitant infections that often develop against the background of immunodeficiency: staphylococcus, streptococcus, Escherichia coli, pseudomonas and other bacteria. In addition to the bactericidal effect, folk remedies strengthen the immune system and stimulate the body to fight infection on its own.

    Treatment of fecal enterococcus in women and men at home should be long and systematic.

    Enterococcus faecalis is a very viable microorganism. You can defeat him only if you systematically take medications. For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to change the drugs used every two weeks so that the microorganism does not have time to develop resistance to therapy. Treatment of the disease should last at least 1 month. Medicines need to be taken daily, several times a day. Better to prepare fresh potions every day.

    Folk recipes:

    1. Parsley. This plant has a diuretic and antimicrobial effect. The leaves of this plant are used in therapy. 1 tbsp. l. crushed leaves are poured with 500 ml of cold water, insisted overnight. They drink several sips of the infusion every two hours.
    2. Zelenchuk yellow. This plant has an antibacterial effect and inhibits the growth of bacteria. In 200 ml of boiling water, 1 tbsp is steamed. l. herbs, insist for half an hour, then filter and take 1 glass three times a day before meals.
    3. You can prepare a mixture of zelenchuk and bedstraw in equal proportions. In half a liter of boiling water, steamed 2 tbsp. l. such collection, insist 30 minutes, then filtered. Drink half a glass three times a day.
    4. Gryzhnik is naked. In 200 ml of boiling water, 1 tsp is steamed. of this plant, insist for an hour, then filtered. Take 100 ml twice a day.
    5. Knapweed. The leaves of this plant are used in therapy. They are crushed and poured with boiling water, insisted for 1 hour and filtered. For 1 glass of boiling water, take 1 tbsp. l of vegetable raw materials. Take 2 tbsp. l. this infusion three times a day before meals.
    6. Sowing hemp. For external treatment of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, hemp seed ointment is used. The seeds are ground in a mortar and diluted with a small amount of water.
    7. Black currant. In 400 ml of boiling water, 100 g of crushed leaves of this plant are steamed, insisted in a thermos for 2 hours, then filtered. The berries of this plant are also used for treatment. Berries can be eaten fresh, frozen and dried, and can be used in decoctions or infusions.

    Important in treatment and nutrition. To normalize the bacterial composition of the intestine, it is necessary to eat the right food. It is important to increase the amount of vegetables and fruits, as well as vegetable fiber, which is found in cereals and bran. Fermented milk products can become a source of essential lactobacilli. It is best to use home-cooked foods.

    Prophylaxis

    The source of enterococcal infection is one's own gastrointestinal tract, and cases when a person becomes infected with pathogenic strains of enterococcus from other people are very rare. The development of bacteria occurs against the background of suppression of immunity, prolonged use of antibiotics or invasive research methods, during which the mucous membrane is damaged and infection can occur in the normal sterile zones.

    • Thus, for the prevention of the disease, it is important to strengthen the immune system. Therefore, be sure to read the article - “For this you need to eat right, give up bad habits, lead an active lifestyle. Useful for strengthening the immune system doing sports and hardening. But you will find more in the article above!
    • If fecal enterococcus is found in a child, be sure to read the article - ""!
    • Long-term use of antibiotics should be avoided whenever possible. If it is impossible to refuse therapy, preventive measures should be used against the occurrence of dysbiosis.