Portuguese scientists have shown that items touched by preschoolers are the best means of spreading staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which causes most infections in children. Researchers recommend that caregivers first of all disinfect toys.
Researchers from the Department of Biotechnology at the Catholic University of Porto found that about 50 percent of preschool children have staphylococcus aureus bacteria in their nasal cavity. They are the main cause of upper respiratory tract infections and skin diseases. They are distributed in these institutions through the secretion from the nose, which is then transferred to objects touched by children.
“Our study found that about 9 percent. preschool children are carriers of an antibiotic-resistant strain of this bacterium. The remaining 40 percent. people live with it for years, enjoying full health and not being aware that they are its carrier, ‘said Dr. Paula Teixeira from the research team.
According to Portuguese scientists, it is possible to drastically reduce the incidence of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus germs through appropriate prophylaxis in kindergartens. According to them, neglect can lead to frequent cases of pneumonia and even sepsis.
“One of the basic activities of preschool caregivers should be disinfecting toys that their pupils play, and which are the main source of spreading Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The number of infections is also reduced as a result of frequent airing of rooms where children are present and obliging them to wash their hands frequently ”- said Dr. Teixeira.
Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterium that occurs in humans and animals. The cause of infection with it may be contact with a sick person or consumption of infected food, mainly ice cream, cold cuts or dairy products.
Marcin Zatyka from Lisbon