Ureaplasma (ureaplasmosis) - a disease caused by an intracellular microorganism - ureaplasma, which does not have a cellular structure. It is considered in microbiology as a transitional stage from viruses to unicellular; lives on the mucous membrane of the genitals (mainly in women) and the urinary tract.
Ureaplasma - causes
The leading cause of the spread of ureaplasma infection is the genital tract (oral-genital). The likelihood of transmission after the first sexual intercourse depends on the partner’s immunity and physiological characteristics.
The vertical pathway of infection (from mother to fetus) is also a fairly common pathway of infection. In 30% of newborn girls, colonized ureaplasmas are found on the skin, in the respiratory tract and genitals. In boys, this indicator is usually much less. Over time, self-healing may occur. Practice shows that only 5% of schoolgirls who do not have a sex life are diagnosed with latent ureaplasmosis.
Rare transmission routes: contact-household, intrauterine (in the presence of ureaplasma in the amniotic fluid), during organ transplantation.
Ureaplasma - symptoms
In the vast majority of cases, the disease proceeds in a latent (asymptomatic) form. The fact is that ureaplasma, entering the body, flows into the opportunistic flora and becomes part of it. As we know, the immune system controls the conditionally pathogenic environment, but with a decrease in the protective functions of the body, the ureaplasma, like other inhabitants of this environment, can begin to multiply uncontrollably, causing inflammation of the urogenital system: the bladder, urethra, prostate, uterus, appendages, etc. .d.
There is an acute form, which is characterized by the following symptoms in women:
- copious discharge from the vagina (colpitis);
- cystitis, frequent painful urination;
- inflammation of the cervical canal;
- pain in the lower abdomen.
In men, the following symptoms are observed:
- pain and pain during urination;
- urethritis;
- allocation of muddy urine in the morning.
I want to note that these symptoms are the result of many STDs? Therefore, only a gynecologist or urologist can make a correct diagnosis, having on hand the results of relevant tests.
Ureaplasma - diagnosis
If a ureaplasma infection is suspected, the patient must first pass a smear (both for the woman and the man). If there is a deviation in the smear parameters (increased leukocytosis), the doctor sends the patient for a detailed examination - PCR and bacterial culture.
Cultural research allows you to determine the culture of the pathogen within 2-3 days, and the PCR method is based on the isolation of parasite DNA. These methods detect ureaplasma in the body with one hundred percent accuracy.
An auxiliary serological test can be used to isolate specific antibodies to ureaplasmosis. Useful for recurrent forms of the disease and the formation of complications.
Ureaplasma - treatment and prevention
A specific treatment regimen for ureaplasma is developed by a specialist. It mainly includes:
- antibacterial therapy aimed at eliminating the infection. The antibiotics of the macrolide and quinolone group are well established; some tetracycline antibiotics are discouraged due to the presence of resistant strains;
- stimulation of the body's defenses;
Ureaplasma is sensitive to modern fluoroquinolones, which have extensive antibacterial properties and tremendous bactericidal activity. In addition, new medicines have pharmacokinetic value - high absorption and low toxicity.
Preventive measures are aimed at preventing promiscuity, the use of barrier methods of contraception (condoms). A woman every six months should be observed by a gynecologist. At the first unpleasant sensations in the genitourinary tract (frequent painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen), you should immediately consult a specialist, since the consequences of the acute course of ureaplasma without appropriate treatment can be serious, up to the development of infertility.
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