Mycoplasma hominis / Ureaplasma sp. testing in material

Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species are elements of the normal microbial floraóof the genitourinary tract, transmitted by sexual contactóing. Their carrier state is asymptomatic, and the probability of acquiring it increases with the number of sexual partnersóing over a lifetime.

It is estimated that Ureaplasma colonizes the genital tract of up to 50% of sexually active women, while Mycoplasma is less common. When bacterial counts increase, as occurs, for example, in immunocompromised states, symptomatic infection with these pathogens can occur.

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are, along with gonorrhea and chlamydia, among the most common pathogensów causing urethritis, more often in men and less often in women. Untreated infections can be linked to inflammation of the epididymis or prostate or even the testicle, leading to infertility. In addition, they can cause pyelonephritis nephritis, manifested by tenderness of the lumbar region and high fever.

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are also often found in mixed infections causing bacterial vaginitis in women. If the infection occurs during pregnancy, it poses a number of risks, whichór include the development of inflammation of the cervix and fetal membranes (placenta), which can result in their rupture leading to preterm labor and prematurity of the baby. There is also an increased risk of developing puerperal fever, as a result of the natural flora infecting the wounds of the birth canal or perineum.

Also, microorganisms can colonize the skinóhand and mucous membranes of the newborn's respiratory tract after coming into contact with the mother's secretions while traveling through the birth canal. If transferred from mother to child, neonatalófever and respiratory infections can develop.

Wrongly treated infections with pathogens lead to inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (and even the peritoneum), are causes of infertility or problems maintaining pregnancy. In rare cases, they can lead to the development of reactive jointób diseases. Hence the need for widespread preventive measures to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases which include screening for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma.