Ureaplasma spp no ​​growth what does it mean. What does the detection of Ureaplasma spices DNA mean? Types of Ureaplasma spensis

Ureaplasmosis - symptoms and treatment

What is ureaplasmosis? We will discuss the causes, diagnosis and treatment methods in the article by Dr. V.P. Kovalyk, a urologist with 25 years of experience.

Definition of disease. Causes of the disease

Ureaplasmosis- a group of inflammatory and dysbiotic diseases associated with ureaplasmas ( Ureaplasma species). Since 1995, two types of ureaplasma have been distinguished: Ureaplasma urealyticum And Ureaplasma parvum. Genome U.urealyticum much bigger U. parvum. At present, it is impossible to say that any of the species is an obvious pathogen or, conversely, a saprophyte.

Ureaplasmas are opportunistic microorganisms that are often found on the mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs, upper respiratory tract and oropharynx.

Ureaplasma was first isolated in the United States from a black patient with nongonococcal urethritis in 1954.

The first entry of ureaplasma into the male urethra, as a rule, causes urethritis - inflammation of the urethra. There is evidence that in women, ureaplasma is associated with acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), as well as bacterial vaginosis. The role of ureaplasmas in the occurrence of bronchopulmonary diseases in newborns (bronchitis, pneumonia) and postpartum chorioamnionitis has been proven.

The role of ureaplasmas in human pathology has not been fully established. The study of the pathogenetic relationship of these microorganisms with a wide range of diseases from different areas continues:

Ureaplasmas are often part of the normal microflora of the urethra and vagina. The frequency of detection of ureaplasma is on average 40% in the genitourinary organs of women and 5-15% in men. Wherein U. parvum found much more often than U.urealyticum(38% vs. 9%).

Ureaplasma is spread through sexual contact. The more sexual partners you have during your life, the more often colonization of the vagina or urethra by ureaplasma occurs. Ureaplasma is transmitted to newborns when passing through the birth canal. In this case, colonization of the mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina occurs in girls and the nasopharynx in both sexes. The frequency of detection of ureaplasma in newborns can reach 30% or higher, decreasing to several percent by the first year of life.

Subsequently, the increase in the frequency of colonization with ureaplasma begins from the moment of the onset of sexual activity (at 14-18 years).

If you notice similar symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate - it is dangerous for your health!

Symptoms of ureaplasmosis

Symptoms vary depending on the disease that occurs.

Urethritis may manifest itself as scanty discharge and burning in the urethra, frequent urination. Without treatment, urethritis tends to resolve itself: the symptoms subside, the patient calms down. Previous urethritis increases the likelihood of future inflammation of the prostate gland - prostatitis. In addition, complications of urethritis can include epididymo-orchitis - inflammation of the testicle and its epididymis, vesiculitis - the seminal vesicle and, rarely, cooperitis - the bulbourethral gland.

Acute salpingoophoritis, endometritis may manifest as nagging pain in the lower abdomen, fever, weakness and vaginal discharge. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs in women are a natural consequence of bacterial vaginosis, observed when ureaplasma is detected. Symptoms of the disease can quickly worsen, often requiring hospitalization in a gynecological hospital.

In addition to inflammatory diseases, ureaplasma, among many other microorganisms, is associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis, as a rule, it is accompanied by discharge with an unpleasant odor, which also intensifies during intimacy.

The disease predisposes to obstetric and gynecological complications: premature birth, low birth weight.

The author of the article shares the views of world experts in the field of urogenital pathology ( Jenny Marazzo, Jorma Paavonen, Sharon Hillier, Gilbert Donders) for the absence of a connection between ureaplasma and the occurrence of cervicitis and vaginitis.

It should be noted here that the Russian guideline calls for treatment of cervicitis and vaginitis, based on the etiological role of ureaplasmas in these diseases, which, of course, is a mistake.

Pathogenesis of ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasmas are opportunistic microorganisms, i.e. their pathogenic properties are realized only under special conditions: high concentration on the mucous membrane, immunosuppression and others.

Ureaplasmas attach to the surface of the mucous membrane using cytoadhesin proteins. In addition to the urethral epithelium, ureaplasmas are capable of attaching to red blood cells and sperm.

One of the main pathogenicity factors are the enzymes phospholipase A and C, under the influence of which the body produces prostaglandin - a factor that triggers contractions of involuntary muscles, therefore, premature birth is possible. The inflammatory reaction is accompanied by the production of proinflammatory cytokines - IL 6, 8, 10.

Ureaplasmas have IgA protease activity, destroying the local protective factor of the mucous membrane, immunoglobulin A.

The inflammatory process in the urethra develops with a high concentration of ureaplasma. It has been shown that 10 3 CFU/ml and higher is associated with the detection of 12 or more leukocytes per ml in the urethral contents.

Special factors of pathogenesis are realized when bacterial vaginosis occurs. At the same time, the factors of local mucosal immunity are weakened, due to which such patients are more susceptible to infection with sexually transmitted infections (including HIV). The acidity of the vaginal contents (normal pH 3.5-4.5) is reduced to a neutral environment (pH 6.5-7 and higher). Thus, the natural protective barrier against pathogens is weakened.

Classification and stages of development of ureaplasmosis

According to the duration of the course, they are distinguished spicy And chronic urethritis. Acute urethritis - up to 2 months, chronic - more than 2 months. In the latter case, there is a distinction recurrent And persistent urethritis.

Chronic recurrent urethritis A disease is considered in which the leukocytes in the urethra returned to normal by the end of treatment, and after 3 months their rise above 5 in the field of view was again observed (at a magnification of x1000). Chronic persistent urethritis- when an increased level of leukocytes was observed at the end of treatment and after 3 months.

PID involves the involvement of the fallopian tubes, ovary and their ligaments. Inflammation of the appendages can be unilateral or bilateral, acute or chronic. Main symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, discharge from the genitals, temperature 38˚C and above.

Complications of ureaplasmosis

In men, complications of urethritis are balanoposthitis - inflammation of the head and foreskin of the penis. Prostatitis is also possible, and less commonly, epididymo-orchitis and cervical cystitis. At the same time, ureaplasma is not considered as an independent agent that causes inflammation of the prostate gland. Probably, this chain of complications occurs through posterior urethritis and is realized through urethroprostatic reflux, i.e., reflux of the contents of the posterior urethra into the acini of the prostate and vas deferens.

In women, PID can be complicated by a tubo-ovarian abscess, and peritonitis and sepsis occasionally occur. In the long term, serious complications with social consequences are possible: chronic pelvic pain and infertility.

It is unlikely that the mere presence of ureaplasma in the vaginal biocenosis will lead to such complications. These microorganisms realize their pathogenic potential together with other microorganisms, leading to dysbiotic changes - bacterial vaginosis.

Diagnosis of ureaplasmosis

Indications for prescribing studies to identify ureaplasmas are clinical and/or laboratory signs of the inflammatory process: urethritis, PID. Routine examinations should not be performed on all patients, incl. without signs of any disease.

To identify ureaplasmas, only direct detection methods are used: bacteriological and molecular genetic. Determination of antibodies: IgG, IgA, IgM is not informative. The material for research can be genitourinary secretions, urine, vaginal secretions, etc.

Bacterial vaginosis is verified using the Amsel criteria:

1. creamy discharge on the vaginal walls with an unpleasant odor;
2. positive amine test (increased “fishy” odor when 10% KOH is added to vaginal secretions);
3. increase in pH of vaginal contents above 4.5;
4. presence of key cells during microscopy of vaginal contents.

If any 3 of the 4 criteria are present, the diagnosis is established. However, due to the laboriousness of implementation and the impossibility of measuring pH, assessing the Amsel criteria is difficult. There are commercial research panels based on quantitative molecular genetic methods (“Florocenosis”, “Inbioflor”, “Femoflor”), with the help of which the diagnosis of “bacterial vaginosis” is determined.

Treatment of ureaplasmosis

Treatment is indicated only in cases where the examination reveals an obvious connection between ureaplasma and the inflammatory process. In case of healthy carriage of ureaplasma, treatment is not indicated. The practice of prescribing therapy to all persons diagnosed with ureaplasma is flawed.

Treatment is indicated for sperm donors and for infertility, when no other causes have been identified.

Recent bacteriological studies have shown high activity against ureaplasma of doxycycline, josamycin and a number of other antimicrobial drugs.

• Doxycycline monohydrate 100 mg 1 tablet. 2 times a day;
• or Josamycin 500 mg 1 tablet. 3 times a day.

If the inflammatory process persists, the course can be extended to 14 days.

If bacterial vaginosis is detected, vaginal medications are prescribed:

It is important to note that the goal of treatment is not to “cure ureaplasma”; complete eradication of these microorganisms is not required. It is only important to cure the disease: urethritis, bacterial vaginosis, PID. In most cases, treatment of the sexual partner is not required.

Forecast. Prevention

Limiting the number of sexual partners and using barrier methods of contraception reduce the colonization of ureaplasma. In cases where there is already a carriage of ureaplasma, a preventive examination and consultation with specialized specialists is necessary before:

Bibliography

1. Shepard MC. The recovery of pleuropneumonia-like organisms from Negro men with and without nongonococcal urethritis. Am J Syph Gonorrhea Vener Dis. 1954 Mar;38(2):113-24
2. Waites K. et al, Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas as neonatal pathogens. Clinical microbiol review, Oct 2005, 757-789
3. Zhou YH, Ma HX, Shi XX et al. Ureaplasma spp. in male infertility and its relationship with semen quality and seminal plasma components. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2017 Jun 22
4. Leli C, Mencacci A, Latino MA et al. Prevalence of cervical colonization by Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium in childbearing age women by a commercially available multiplex real-time PCR: An Italian observational multicentre study. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2017 Jun 28

[09-114 ] Ureaplasma species, DNA quantitative [real-time PCR]

600 rub.

Order

Analysis for Ureaplasma species is a molecular genetic study that allows you to quantify the DNA of ureaplasmas in the material under study.

Synonyms Russian

Ureaplasma, the causative agent of ureaplasma infection.

English synonyms

Ureaplasma species, DNA, Quantitative, Ur. spp. (Ur. urealyticum + Ur. parvum), Real-Time PCR.

Research method

Real-time polymerase chain reaction.

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Urogenital scraping, the first portion of morning urine.

General information about the study

Ureaplasmas are opportunistic microorganisms that are a type of mycoplasma, but have urease activity - they are capable of breaking down urea into ammonia. The name Ureaplasma species (Ureaplasma spp.) refers to two types of microorganisms - Ureaplasma urealiticum and Ureaplasma parvum, which have varying degrees of pathogenicity. They can only be distinguished through molecular genetic research. Ureaplasma urealiticum (U. urealiticum) is associated with the development of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary organs; ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) is found with high frequency in the urogenital tract of clinically healthy women.

Ureaplasmas, staying for a long time on the surface of the mucous membranes, are able to disrupt their protective factors due to the products of their own metabolism, provoke vaginal dysbiosis, and create conditions for the proliferation of other opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. They are very often found with other sexually transmitted infections.

The source of infection is a patient with ureplasma infection or a carrier of ureaplasma (Ureaplasma spp.). The infection is transmitted through sexual contact, household contact and vertical transmission (from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth). The incubation period is 2-5 weeks.

Infection with Ureaplasma species does not always lead to disease, but only under certain conditions, for example, immunodeficiencies, concomitant infections, and violations of local protective factors. Manifestations of infection are usually mild; it can be asymptomatic (more often in women). In men, ureaplasma causes nongonococcal urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) and their appendages (epididymitis). Due to the ability of ureaplasma to attach to sperm, the infection is also associated with a violation of the composition and quality of sperm and with infertility. In women, ureaplasma can cause inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and cervix (cervicitis). They are likely to be involved in inflammatory changes in the uterus (endometritis) and appendages (adnexitis), which threatens adhesions, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Ureaplasmas can contribute to late miscarriages, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine growth retardation in children and their low birth weight. The role of ureaplasmas in the development of bronchopulmonary pathology (pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia), bacteremia and meningitis in newborns has been proven. In addition, ureplasma infection is associated with the development of reactive arthritis and urolithiasis.

The presence of ureaplasma (Ureaplasma species) can be determined by cultural (inoculation on a nutrient medium) or molecular genetic method. The sensitivity of PCR in detecting ureaplasmas is higher than the cultural method and allows you to quickly detect the genetic material of both viable and non-viable microorganisms, find out the number and type of microorganism. Depending on the type of ureaplasma (U. urealiticum or U. parvum), their quantity in the test material, the clinical picture of the disease and the risk of transmission of infection to the fetus in a pregnant woman, as well as the presence or absence of concomitant infections, the issue of treatment tactics for the patient is decided.

What is the research used for?

• For differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract.
• To diagnose the causes of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight of the child.
• To find out the causes of male and female infertility.
• For preventive examination of the genitourinary system in healthy people.

When is the study scheduled?

• For symptoms of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract (itching, burning, pathological discharge, redness).
• When planning a pregnancy (for both spouses).
• For primary and secondary infertility in men and women.
• For miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
• When determining the causes of reactive arthritis.
• After a course of therapy to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: negative.

• Less than 1.0*10^3 copies/ml – ureaplasma is detected, but the concentration of the genetic material of the microorganism is too low.
• More than 1.0*10^3 copies/ml – Ureaplasma parvum/urealyticum found in quantities of more than 10^3 copies per 1 ml of sample.

The interpretation of the results is carried out by the attending physician, taking into account complaints, examination data and clinical manifestations of the disease.



Important Notes

• The concentration of opportunistic microorganisms in the discharge of the urogenital tract in women can change during the menstrual cycle by 100-1000 times, so it is recommended to take material for research on certain days of the cycle, when their concentration is maximum: on the 4th-7th or 21st-28th. th day of the menstrual cycle.
• Ureaplasma infection is often combined with other sexually transmitted infections.

The causative agent of various diseases of the genitourinary organs is Ureaplasma Species. This is a collective concept that combines ureaplasma Urealyticum and Parvum. These microorganisms lead to the development of urethritis, cystitis, vaginitis, prostatitis and other pathologies.

Ureaplasma in the human body

Ureaplasma spices are opportunistic microbes that are found in the genitourinary tract. With normal immunity, they do not cause inflammation. The disease develops when the number of microbes increases sharply. If bacteria are detected in an amount of 10,000 CFU/ml, we are talking about a ureaplasma infection. Such pain requires drug treatment. Ureaplasmosis is diagnosed in men and women. Teenagers and people of working age get sick more often.

Ureaplasmosis is included in the list of sexually transmitted infections, but is not a sexually transmitted disease. This method of transmission of the causative agent of the disease determines the great social significance of this issue, since a sick person poses a danger to his sexual partners. Ureaplasma spices is often isolated in biological material along with other microbes (gonococci, chlamydia, Trichomonas, Treponema pallidum).

What is Ureaplasma spices

Ureaplasma spp are microorganisms that occupy an intermediate position between viruses and bacteria. They have the following features:

In most cases, these microbes are isolated from patients aged 15–30 years. The reason is maximum sexual activity. Most often, ureaplasma causes inflammation of the urethral mucosa. If not treated promptly, the microbes spread further, affecting the vagina, cervix, bladder, testicles, uterine appendages, seminal ducts and prostate gland.

How does infection occur?

Ureaplasma SPP in women and men is often discovered accidentally during laboratory tests. Infection can occur long before the first symptoms appear. The main route of penetration of microbes is sexual. Unprotected contacts (vaginal, oral, anal) pose a danger. protects against infection.

Contact-household transmission of microbes is less common. It is possible if a person uses someone else’s underwear or washcloths. The likelihood of infection is very low, but it cannot be ruled out. A possible intrauterine mechanism for the penetration of microbes is when they enter the amniotic fluid and lead to infection of the child.

Risk factors for the development of ureaplasmosis are:

• early onset of sexual activity;
• unprotected sexual contacts;
• promiscuous sex life;
• homosexual relationships;
• young age;
• addiction to alcohol;
• antisocial lifestyle;
• addiction.

Symptoms can be triggered by stress, fatigue, surgery, injury, severe chronic illness, taking immunosuppressants, radiation or chemotherapy, lack of vitamins in the body, poor nutrition, diabetes and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Why are microorganisms dangerous?

These microorganisms cause ureaplasmosis. It occurs in acute or chronic form. With monoinfection, there are often no symptoms. A clear clinical picture is typical for ureaplasmosis in combination with chlamydia or other STIs. The favorite location of microbes is the urethra.

Urethritis develops. In men, it is more severe, since their canal is longer and narrower. With urethritis, burning and stinging (pain) are observed. They appear at the beginning of migration, as a result of which urine excretion becomes difficult. Upon examination, you can detect redness of the mucous membrane in the area of ​​the external opening.

Other symptoms include. In men they are cloudy and are observed mainly in the morning. The discharge is scanty. In women they may be bloody. This is observed after sexual intercourse. The spread of ureaplasma leads to damage to the testicles. This manifests itself as pain and discomfort. Possible pain on palpation.

The appearance of pain, dysuria and sexual dysfunction are characteristic signs. Pain occurs at the beginning and end of micturition. It radiates to the sacrum and genitals. Urination becomes frequent. In sick men, libido decreases and erection becomes difficult.

During sexual intercourse, discomfort appears. Ejaculation is difficult or occurs early. In women, ureaplasma causes the development of cervicitis and vaginitis. There is pain in the lower abdomen. Complicated ureaplasmosis leads to the development of endometritis and adnexitis (salpingoophoritis). This is fraught with the development of infertility. In men, ureaplasma causes orchitis, vesiculitis and epididymitis. The testicles, epididymis and seminal vesicles are affected.

How to identify pathology

Before treating patients, the diagnosis should be clarified. To do this, you will need to identify the causative agent of the infection. The following studies will be needed:

• linked immunosorbent assay;
• immunofluorescence reaction;
• cultural research;
• polymerase chain reaction.

All diagnostic methods are divided into serological, cultural and genetic. If ureaplasmosis is suspected, it is determined. The material for research is blood. Sowing of the mucosal epithelium taken during the smear process is very informative. After isolating microbial colonies, their sensitivity to antibiotics is assessed. In men, a smear is taken from the urethra, and in women, from the vagina, urethra and cervix.

Fighting methods

It is necessary to know not only what it is, but also how to cure patients. When a large number of microbes are isolated, systemic antibiotics are prescribed. They are used in the form of tablets and capsules. Macrolides and fluoroquinolones exhibit the greatest activity against Ureaplasma spices.

These include Ecomed, Forte, Suprax, Sumatrolide Solution and Tsifran. In case of mixed infection, 5-nitroimidazole derivatives and tetracyclines are prescribed.

An important aspect of therapy is stimulation of the immune system. It is necessary for people with frequent relapses of ureaplasmosis.

Medicines such as Immunomax, Amiksin, Likopid and Immunal are used. Antifungal drugs are often included in the treatment regimen. They help prevent fungal diseases that often accompany ureaplasmosis. it is possible to administer immunoglobulins. With ureaplasma SPP, patients must adhere to the following rules:

How to prevent illness

It is not difficult to prevent ureaplasma from entering the body. To do this you will need to do the following:

• engage in sexual contact only with reliable partners;
• use a condom;
• in case of accidental contact, treat the genitals with an antiseptic;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• do not drink alcohol and drugs;
• follow simple rules of intimate hygiene.

It is necessary to maintain the immune status at the proper level. This is achieved through healthy sleep, taking vitamins, varied diet, frequent walks in the fresh air, hardening and playing sports. It is recommended to periodically get tested for STI pathogens. To prevent complications when ureaplasmosis has already developed, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medications. Infections can have serious consequences. If left untreated, there is a risk of sexual dysfunction and the development of infertility.

Nowadays, rarely does anyone listen to the recommendations of doctors and go to medical institutions simply for examination. As a rule, people go to the clinic only after any health problems arise, and some even in such cases prefer self-medication. Such an irresponsible attitude towards one's health can cause a lot of trouble. And if you consider that many diseases do not manifest themselves in any way at the initial stage, preventive measures become even more important. Thus, the timely detected presence of Ureaplasma spp. will prevent many pelvic diseases in both men and women. And if a couple of decades ago, ureaplasmosis, according to experts, was not dangerous to health, today it is considered the root cause of many disorders of the genitourinary system.

Excursion into the past

At the beginning of the last century, ureaplasmas detected in humans did not cause concern among specialists and were considered as one of the types of benign mycoplasmas. But over time, through multiple studies, it was proven that this type of microorganism has the ability to ureolyze, and therefore is the causative agent of many diseases. Until 1958, it was believed that men could not have ureaplasmosis, since it was an exclusively female disease, but this was quite clearly refuted.

What should everyone know about ureaplasma?

The first question that people have when identifying Ureaplasma spp is what is it? How dangerous is this disease and how to treat it? There are answers to all these questions.

So, the first thing you should know is that this type of microorganism is present in almost every person, and can easily coexist with other bacteria without causing harm. But this does not mean that it is not necessary to diagnose the presence of such “cohabitants”. After all, the slightest excess of the quantitative indicator of these bacteria, in combination with the individual reaction of the body, can cause a lot of diseases.

Secondly, you need to know what Ureaplasma spp is. Any specialist can tell you what it is. This is the name for a group of certain microorganisms, but further examination will be required for their specific typing. Only such additional diagnostics will make it possible to determine whether the detected bacteria belong to one of the two existing types and their exact quantitative indicator. Only after this the doctor will select the appropriate treatment with antibiotics and auxiliary medications.

Types of Ureaplasma spensis

To date, scientists know 14 serotypes of ureaplasma, which are divided according to their pathogenic properties into two main types: parvum and urealyticum. The first includes serotypes 1, 3, 6 and 14. As previously thought, it is this that can cause non-gonococcal infections; the second causes inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system in women and pathological changes in newborns. However, these data have not been confirmed over the years of research and practice, so scientists continue to study Ureaplasma spp, parvum, urealyticum (t960).

Methods of infection

Since ureaplasmosis is an infection of the genitourinary system, the most common method of transmission of the disease is unprotected sexual contact. As a rule, if a healthy partner has a good immune system, the likelihood of infection and development of diseases is quite small, but it still exists. For people with weakened immune systems, the risk increases several times.

The second method of transmission of Ureaplasma spp. (parvum, urealyticum) is the so-called vertical path from mother to newborn. Attention should be focused on the fact that this method of infection has several infection patterns.

1. In the early stages of pregnancy - through the amniotic sac, subject to the presence of an intrauterine infection. In such cases, ureaplasma settles in the lungs of the embryo, and then begins to multiply intensively and exert its pathogenic effect on the fetus.

2. Throughout pregnancy, the infection can enter the fetus’s body through the hematogenous route: both through the placenta and through the vessels of the umbilical cord. Infection of the embryo can cause chorioamnionitis, spread of pathogenic microflora to other organs and congenital pneumonia.

3. Infection can also occur when the baby passes through the mother’s birth canal. In such situations, colonization of microorganisms occurs on the skin of the newborn, as well as on the membranes of the mucous membranes and in the respiratory tract.

4. The last, but one of the rarest ways of transmitting DNA from Ureaplasma spp., is Despite the maximum precautions and examinations, unfortunately, such cases have already been recorded.

Diagnostics

Today it is possible to determine the presence of ureaplasma in the human body using 5 available diagnostic methods. The first and most commonly used is bacteriological culture. In everyday life they are used to calling it a smear. It is taken from the vagina or urethra. This diagnostic method is as simple and economical as possible, but it is far from the most effective. After all, the presence of ureaplasmas in the genitourinary tract does not provide a specific diagnostic picture of the development and pathogenicity of these pathogens throughout the body. But if the result of such an analysis is positive, the examination should be continued using better diagnostic methods. To do this, doctors recommend going to the laboratory and taking a direct or indirect immunofluorescence test. If the doctor believes that a more informative diagnostic method is needed, then it is better to undergo an ELISA or PCR procedure. The result of such a study will not only confirm the presence of Ureaplasma spp (quality) DNA in the body, but will also provide data on the extent of the spread of the infection. And accordingly, the doctor will be able to more accurately select treatment.

Why are they dangerous?

Since this type of pathogenic microorganisms has not been fully studied, there are many conflicting conclusions from specialists about how ureaplasma affects the course of pregnancy. However, from this entire long discussion of world scientists, several similar opinions can be drawn about the impact of this type of bacteria on the body of the expectant mother and child.

The first confirmed fact suggests that it is directly related to pathological changes in the fallopian tubes and significantly increases the risk of ectopic pregnancies.

As for practice, Ureaplasma spensis is the cause of chorioamnionitis, and, accordingly, premature birth in the later stages and termination of pregnancy in the first trimester. There are also known cases of manifestation even after cesarean section. But it is worth noting that such complications can arise only with intrauterine infection with ureaplasma, and not with vaginal colonization of bacteria.

Some doctors associate the presence of data with the child's low weight. In most cases, the weight of newborns does not exceed 2.5 kg, and Ureaplasma spp is to blame. It is impossible to say yet whether this is an established and proven fact or assumptions, since research continues.

Development of infection in the body

As a rule, infection and reproduction of ureaplasma in the body occurs completely asymptomatically, but this only applies to healthy people. This is why many people think when they receive the result “Ureaplasma spp.” that this is some kind of mistake or a cruel joke. However, the reality is more cruel, and if a doctor recommends treatment, therapy should be started immediately before microorganisms begin to harm health.

Undoubtedly, a person with stable immunity may not know about his disease for a long time. However, with the slightest malfunction of the immune system, the first manifestations of the development of ureaplasma and genitourinary dysfunction will not take long to appear.

Manifestation of ureaplasmosis in men

In men, the first manifestation of active ureaplasma activity is, as a rule, urethritis, indicating an inflammatory process in the urethra. Initially, this causes mild discomfort when urinating, which in a couple of days can turn into a sharp burning sensation and pain. Next, liquid mucous discharge from the urethra appears in combination with symptoms characteristic of prostatitis, indicating the progression of the infection. If treatment is not started immediately in such a situation, it will be extremely difficult to restore the functionality of the reproductive system. In the absence of the necessary therapy, a man faces impotence and infertility.

How do ureaplasma manifest itself in women?

As for women, the development of ureaplasma in their body occurs similarly. Initially, pain appears in the urethra, then mucous discharge with a pungent ammonia odor appears. During sexual intercourse, a woman may experience not only discomfort, but also pain, which is caused by the increased sensitivity of the inflamed mucous membrane to mechanical stress. Pain in the lower abdomen that appears a little later indicates the spread of infection in the uterus, which can lead to adnexitis and endometritis.

Treatment of ureaplasma

When starting treatment, do not forget what Ureaplasma spp is. Your doctor will tell you that this is quite serious. He will also explain that ureaplasma is a disease of both partners. Therefore, everyone will need to undergo comprehensive diagnostics to type microorganisms and identify concomitant infections. After this, the doctor will prescribe an individual treatment regimen. Throughout the entire period of taking medication, it is necessary to completely abstain from sexual intercourse, even with the use of barrier contraceptives.

As a rule, antibiotic therapy is prescribed for ureaplasmosis, but there is a catch here too. The thing is that these microorganisms very easily adapt to these drugs, so the effectiveness of treatment is sometimes reduced to zero even after several courses of taking the medication. To avoid this kind of trouble, it is worth getting tested for the sensitivity of ureaplasma to antibiotics. And only after this can patients be prescribed tetracycline drugs “Doxycycline”, “Tetracycline”, macrolides “Vilprafen”, “Azithromycin” or fluoroquinolones “Pefloxacin”, “Ofloxacin”.

Ureaplasma in women has become commonplace in recent years. Medical statistics show: over the past few years, the lines “ureaplasma normal” or “conditional normocenosis” have become less and less common in patient test results forms, and the number of detected diseases caused by opportunistic microorganisms is growing year by year.

The frequency of diagnosis of “ureaplasma infection” reaches 20% in relatively healthy women. Ureaplasma in a smear taken from women at risk is detected even more often - in 30% of cases of the total number of subjects examined.

The data from pediatricians is also impressive: every fifth child becomes infected while passing through the birth canal.

In men, ureaplasma urealiticum is detected in increased quantities much less frequently than in the fairer sex. Early detection of the causative agents of the disease and proper treatment guarantee complete relief from the disease.

Read about how to recognize the disease, what indicators of ureaplasma in women are considered normal, and what the lack of adequate therapy can lead to.