Ureaplasma- primitive bacteria related mycoplasmas, which can live inside the cells of the host organism, including humans. Among ureaplasma There are species that can cause diseases of the genitourinary system in humans - ureaplasmosis.

Ureaplasmosis , along with chlamydia, gonorrhea And trichomoniasis, are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Among adults who are active sex life, ureaplasma transmitted sexually. Children become infected from an infected mother during childbirth, while moving through the birth canal. Among children, about 5% are infected ureaplasma. The source of infection is a person who is sick ureaplasmosis, or healthy carrier ureaplasma. Moreover, these infections are often combined, complicating the treatment and diagnosis of the disease.

Ureaplasma can live in the body for years without causing any symptoms. Among sexually active women and men, asymptomatic carriage ureaplasma observed in 70% of cases. Basically, ureaplasma is one of the microorganisms that make up normal microflora vagina. The disease begins when its content increases above a certain level. Ureaplasmosis associated with a number of diseases, primarily infertility, as a consequence of inflammatory processes in the pelvis and genitourinary system. Moreover, according to various sources ureaplasmosis causes severe damage to the fetus, including stillbirth, premature birth, chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the membranes of the fetus and infection of the amniotic fluid). In newborns infected ureaplasma Pneumonia and meningitis may develop.

When ureaplasma is detected, blood plasma cells synthesize a special class of proteins called antibodies or immunoglobulins. These proteins neutralize toxic substances that produce ureaplasma and slow down their reproduction. In addition, immunoglobulins signal the entire immune system about the invasion of a pathogenic microorganism. IgA antibodies determined 10-14 days after the start acute infection. This class of antibodies is responsible for local immunity - they bind to the surface of infectious agents and prevent them from attaching to the body's cells. Over the next 2-4 months, their content gradually decreases. Appearance IgA class antibodies To ureaplasma indicates the development of an acute infection.

It should be noted that with ureaplasmosis diagnostic value detection of antibodies is low. The most common definition IgG antibodies And IgA received when diagnosing chronic forms of the disease and when the infection spreads to the entire body (generalized form). In this case, the analysis is repeated several times with a time interval of 2-3 weeks, and conclusions about the disease are made only when the antibody content increases by at least 4 times.

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Description

The analysis relates to the serological diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. The material being tested is blood, in which antibodies to the pathogen are detected. Antibodies are components immune system organism, which is produced to destroy a specific foreign protein-antigen. In this case, the antigen is ureaplasma (Ureaplasma urealyticum). There are several types of antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. However, the immune system cannot cope with ureaplasma even with a very high concentration of antibodies. IgA is produced 10-15 days after infection. The main location of IgA is the mucous membranes. For diagnostics acute stage for primary infection, it is more advisable to prescribe IgM, however, for exacerbation of the chronic course, the best indicator would be IgA

Ureaplasma causes inflammatory disease– ureaplasmosis, which is accompanied by damage urethra, and prostate gland in men and vagina in women.

Infection with ureplasmosis occurs predominantly through sexual contact, including the oral-genital route of transmission. Newborns acquire the infection from an infected mother as the baby passes through the birth canal. When planning a pregnancy, parents need to be examined for this infection, since intrauterine infection of the fetus can occur during pregnancy, leading to serious consequences, especially during the period of active development of the fetal organs.

Factors contributing to infection with ureaplasma include:

Unprotected sexual contact and frequent change of sexual partners;

Taking antibiotics wide range actions;

Decreased general and local immunity.

Clinical manifestations

Among women:

Slight vaginal discharge, almost colorless, without a specific odor;

Pain in the lower abdomen like a cramp, which may be associated with the spread of the inflammatory process to the uterus and appendages;

Frequent urge to urinate not related to physiological need;

Pain and burning during urination;

Unpleasant, moderate painful sensations during sexual intercourse or after sexual intercourse.

For men:

Light, cloudy, odorless discharge from the external urethra, most often in the morning after a long pause between acts of urination;

Less common are moderate pain when urinating, a burning sensation;

Painful sensations in the scrotum area, which is caused by the penetration of infection into the testicle and epididymis.

For men and women:

When ureaplasmosis passes into chronic forms, infertility may occur, which is due to the development of the adhesive process, while in women the lumen narrows fallopian tubes, and in men the vas deferens becomes “clogged.”

Indications

Indications for use:

Diagnosis of ureaplasmosis;

Unprotected sexual intercourse;

Frequent change of sexual partners;

Infertility;

Comprehensive diagnosis of STDs;

Newborns from an infected mother;

Pregnancy planning.

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of results:

Positive test result:

The presence of ureaplasmosis, infection at least 10-15 days ago;

Exacerbation of the chronic course of ureaplasmosis;

Abundant amounts of pathogen on mucous membranes

Negative test result:

Lack of IgA antibodies to ureaplasma;

Infection with ureaplasmosis less than 10-15 days before the time of analysis;

Chronic course of ureaplasmosis.

Ureaplasma urealyticum IgA by ELISA, quantitative analysis

U. urealyticum is a microorganism that belongs to the group of mycoplasmas. Two types of ureaplasma can be pathogenic for humans: U. urealyticum and U. parvum. But, as a rule,...

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Description of the study

Preparing for the study: No special training required Test material: Taking blood

U. urealyticum is a microorganism that belongs to the group of mycoplasmas.

Two types of ureaplasma can be pathogenic for humans: U. urealyticum and U. parvum. But, as a rule, the presence of ureaplasma in the patient’s body is not accompanied by any pathological symptoms; these bacteria can be a component of the microflora of a healthy person.

Ureaplasma is detected in 40-70% of sexually active women. In men they are found less frequently. The route of transmission is predominantly sexual; household contact and vertical transmission are also possible (from mother to child during pregnancy or during childbirth).

Sometimes ureaplasma can cause inflammation of the urethra, or urethritis. Moreover, U. urealyticum is only one of all possible causative agents of urethritis; it can also be caused by gonococci (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis), mycoplasma (Mycoplasma genitalium) and other microorganisms. It is impossible to determine the pathogen by external signs, therefore for an accurate diagnosis, and, therefore, for selection effective method laboratory tests are required for treatment.

Once pathogens enter the body, it begins to fight them. One of the ways of such a fight is the production of special proteins - immunoglobulins, or antibodies. There are several types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, etc.

Class A immunoglobulins are found in human blood (serum IgA), as well as in other biological fluids: tears, colostrum, saliva, etc. (secretory IgA). Secretory IgA exhibits antibacterial functions, but the effect of serum IgA has not yet been fully studied. Its deficiency is often associated with allergic and autoimmune diseases.

The amount of IgA (as well as IgG) increases when foreign bacteria enter the human body. These antibodies are detected no earlier than a week after the infection occurs. If it was carried out effective treatment, then the IgA level gradually decreases over several months.

In the event of reinfection, the concentration of IgA increases again, and this time antibodies appear faster and in greater quantities than the first time.

The amount of IgA in the blood relative to the total amount of immunoglobulins is 15-20%. Their concentration and titer are usually less than the concentration and titer of IgG. With age, the concentration of IgA increases, and in adults their levels are higher than in children.

The presence of antibodies to Ureaplasma urealyticum indicates that the person has been infected with these bacteria. But it should be remembered that the connection between the presence of bacteria in the body and the disease has not been studied enough, so the presence of antibodies to ureaplasma is rather not decisive, but only an additional factor for making a diagnosis.

Method

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a laboratory immunological method for qualitative or quantification various compounds, macromolecules, viruses, etc., which is based on a specific antigen-antibody reaction. The resulting complex is detected using an enzyme as a label to record the signal. Due to the undoubted advantages - ease of use, speed, objective automated recording of results, the ability to study immunoglobulins of various classes (which plays a role in early diagnosis diseases, their prognosis) currently ELISA is one of the main methods of laboratory diagnostics.

Reference values ​​- norm
(Ureaplasma urealyticum (ureaplasmosis), IgA antibodies, quantitative, blood)

Information regarding the reference values ​​of indicators, as well as the composition of the indicators included in the analysis, may differ slightly depending on the laboratory!

Norm:

Result: negative.

CP (positivity coefficient): 0 - 84.

The study is quantitative, the result is determined as “positive!” or “negative”, if the result is positive, a conclusion is issued with the quantitative value of the antibodies detected in the test material

Indications

• Diagnosis of infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum.
• Determination of the causative agent of urethritis (in combination with other data).
• Detection of latent ureaplasma infection.

General information about the study

U. urealyticum are bacteria that belong to the mycoplasma group. These are unusually small organisms, the smallest free-living creatures on Earth.

In medicine, attention is paid to two types of ureaplasmas: U. urealyticum and U. parvum, since they are the ones that can cause diseases. However, in most cases, the presence of ureaplasma in a patient is not accompanied by any symptoms, i.e. these bacteria can be present in the microflora of a healthy person.

Ureaplasma is present in 40-70% of healthy women who are sexually active. They are less common in men. Transmission of ureaplasma is possible through sexual contact or childbirth.

However, sometimes these bacteria can cause urethritis - inflammation of the urethra. Note that U. urealyticum is only one of the possible causative agents of urethritis, which is also caused by gonococci (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis), mycoplasma (Mycoplasma genitalium) and other microorganisms. It is impossible to determine the pathogen by external symptoms, so laboratory tests are needed for an accurate diagnosis (and selection of the correct treatment method).

Symptoms of urethritis

For men:

• pain, burning in the urethra,
• mucous discharge,
• pus in the urine.

Among women:

• vaginal discharge,
• pain when urinating,
• stomach ache.

Some researchers believe that there is a connection between ureaplasma and complications during pregnancy, but this has not been proven. Therefore, testing for ureaplasma during pregnancy is not necessary. However, many diagnostic laboratories recommend identifying U. urealyticum (and subsequently treating it) even if there are no symptoms of the disease.

Unproven consequences of ureaplasma infection: premature birth, stillbirth, infertility, chorioamnionitis, in newborns - meningitis, pulmonary dysplasia, pneumonia.

Once pathogenic microorganisms enter the body, it begins to fight them. One of the ways to fight is to produce antibodies (special immunoglobulin proteins). There are several types of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgM, IgA, etc.

Class A antibodies are present in humans in the blood (serum IgA) and in other biological fluids: saliva, tears, colostrum, etc. (secretory IgA). Secretory IgA exhibits an antibacterial effect, but the functions of serum IgA are not yet fully understood. It is known that its deficiency is often associated with autoimmune and allergic diseases.

Although the role of serum IgA is not entirely clear, it can be used to diagnose diseases. The level of IgA (as well as IgG) increases when foreign bacteria enter the body. These antibodies can be detected no earlier than a week after infection. If the treatment is successful - all bacteria are killed - then the IgA level gradually (over several months) decreases.

When re-infection the IgA level rises again, and antibodies appear in greater quantities and faster than the first time.

The presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum means that a person has been infected with these bacteria. However, as already mentioned, the relationship between the presence of bacteria and the disease has not been sufficiently studied, so antibodies against ureaplasma are more likely an additional factor for diagnosis, rather than decisive.

What is the research used for?

• To determine whether a person is infected with the bacteria Ureaplasma urealyticum.
• To determine the causative agent of urethritis (in conjunction with other data).
• To identify hidden ureaplasma infection.

When is the study scheduled?

For symptoms of urethritis.

Ureaplasmosis is one of the most common diseases today. In simple terms - inflammation of the human genitourinary system caused by the bacterium Ureaplasma. Doctors distinguish two types of this bacterium: Ureaplasma parvum (lat. Ureaplasma parvum) and ureaplasma urealyticum (lat. Ureaplasma urealyticum). These bacteria settle on the mucous membranes of the genital organs of adults, and in infants, perhaps on the oral mucosa.

Ureaplasma is considered to be conditionally pathogenic. They can be found in half of the healthy population of the planet, and this despite the fact that they do not get sick, but are simply carriers. Ureaplasmas can serve as an impetus to the beginning various diseases. The diagnosis of Ureaplasmosis itself can be made only when one of the types of this bacterium is found in the laboratory, without the participation of other microorganisms; in other cases, other diagnoses are made and other pathogens are fought.

In most cases, carriers of the ureaplasma bacterium are women, men to a lesser extent, since it is easier for it to live and reproduce on the female microflora. This infection manifests itself only with reduced immunity.

• Infections
• How dangerous is ureaplasma?
• Treatment methods
  • In men
• Analyzes
• Diagnostic methods
• Prevention of ureaplasmosis

Infections

Ureaplasmosis causes the following diseases:

• cystitis;
• urethritis;
• inflammation of the appendages and uterus;
• urolithiasis disease;
• premature births and spontaneous abortions;
• Many doctors also include prostatitis here.

Ureaplasma bacteria are causative agents of sexually transmitted infections and are sexually transmitted among the adult population of the planet, during pregnancy, from an infected mother they penetrate into the child through amniotic fluid, or during childbirth, when baby is coming through the birth canal. Diseases transmitted in everyday life (use of towels, bathhouse or swimming pool) are unlikely. The bacterium lives due to the presence of urea. Also, infection of a partner does not occur through a kiss.

How dangerous is ureaplasma?

Its cells easily penetrate the sperm membrane and destroy them, thereby causing male infertility. The presence of ureaplasma uraliticum on the uterine mucosa in women can provoke miscarriages at all stages of pregnancy or premature birth. During childbirth, infection occurs from mother to child. In this case, a child can simply be a carrier of this bacterium all his life; to identify it, he needs to be tested for hidden infections. To start the reproduction of ureaplasma, it is necessary to create the following conditions:

• uncontrolled sexual intercourse;
• pregnancy;
• chronic diseases;
• hypothermia:
• the presence of HIV or sexually transmitted infections caused by the herpes virus, gonococci or chlamydia.

In many women, ureaplasmosis begins to manifest itself 20–25 days after infection.

May be observed:

• burning;
• pain when urinating;
• clear vaginal discharge.

The incubation period is different for women and men, 50–60 days for women and 30–40 days for men.

This means that the treatment will be different.

Treatment methods

Only a gynecologist, urologist or venereologist will tell you what ureaplasma urealiticum is. Only a specialist can determine the stage of the disease and prescribe treatment for ureaplasma urealyticum, the patient’s sensitivity to drugs and prescribe a treatment regimen.

Self-medication will be inappropriate, as it may not have the desired effect and transfer the presence of ureaplasma to a chronic stage.

How to cure this disease in women:

• For pregnant women, doctors prescribe special treatment that will cause no harm (or minimal harm) to the fetus and will reduce vaginal discharge.
• For everyone else, treatment comes down to taking antibacterial medications. It should be remembered that the bacterium is resistant to penicillin and cephalosporin.
• Treatment for ureaplasmosis is prescribed locally, these are suppositories, and systemic - tablets.

Today, the most popular candles are: hexicon - the active ingredient is chlorhexine bigluconate. Genferon – have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Relieves irritation and itching.

The following tablets are prescribed:

• tetracycline;
• urethritis;
• doxycycline;
• erythromycin;
• sumamed;
• rovamycin;
• clarithromycin;
• macrofoam;
• Thymalin;
• taquitin;
• methyluracil;
• befido and lactobacilli, vitamins;

For chronic ureaplasmosis, several antibiotics are prescribed simultaneously.

In men

Treatment is carried out comprehensively (antibacterial therapy (drugs, as for women), physiotherapy, and administration of medications directly into the urethra). The standard medication is doxycycline. Many men develop resistance to this drug, and then macrolides or fluoroquinolones may be prescribed. Immunomodulators must be prescribed.

When treating ureaplasmosis, sexual rest is required (all contacts are excluded).

• It is necessary to follow a diet (fried, salted, smoked and alcoholic foods are prohibited, as they can cause dysbacteriosis, which in turn will interfere with the restoration of microflora).
• Treatment should be given to all sexual partners. Since when treating only one partner, secondary infection is not excluded. With the correct treatment regimen for both partners (and sometimes more), the possibility of re-infection is reduced significantly.

If the patient has previously been treated for ureaplasma and mycoplasma, but the treatment was not completed properly, the medications must be changed. The bacteria have already developed resistance to the antibiotics used for the first time.

After completing the course of treatment, follow-up for 3-4 months with mandatory PCR tests for Ureaplasma urealyticum.

Analyzes

Ureaplasma uraliticum is a very dangerous bacterium. It is very important to detect it at the very beginning of the disease.

An external examination alone is not enough to make a diagnosis. A competent specialist, after examining and hearing all the patient’s complaints, will definitely conduct a diagnosis using the PCR (polymer chain reaction) method. It is carried out only in the laboratory and is one of the most accurate today. The doctor may also take a swab of the genitourinary tract from the uterus or urethral mucosa to carry out bacteriological culture. This analysis allows you to determine sensitivity to antibiotics, which in turn affects the choice of treatment regimen.

Infertile women who are prone to frequent miscarriages or who have had pelvic inflammation after childbirth are prescribed a serological method. When it is impossible to isolate the pathogen from the microflora, a blood test is taken to determine the antibody titer.

The doctor may also prescribe linked immunosorbent assay blood, molecular genetic method. Only the doctor decides which analysis is necessary in a particular case.

It would be useful to get tested in several laboratories so as not to carry out an unnecessary complex of treatment or, conversely, not to miss a dangerous infection.

Pathogenic effects of ureaplasma parvum on the body

It is difficult to diagnose and detect ureaplasma urealyticum DNA; it is part of the beneficial microflora of people. It only appears when unfavorable conditions arise. In 80% of cases, carriers of ureaplasma parvum or hemicol are men.

The following symptoms are typical for women:

• clear vaginal discharge;
• frequent urination;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• purulent inflammation;
• frequent miscarriages or inability to become pregnant.

For men it is typical:

• itching and burning when urinating;
• discomfort in the groin area;
• colorless discharge from the genitourinary canals.

For men, uraeplasma parvum is dangerous because, for the most part, it is asymptomatic. The patient consults a doctor already at the stage of a chronic disease.

The type of bacterium parvum provokes the development of: cystitis, urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, increases the risk of urolithiasis, provokes obstruction of the fallopian tubes, and destroys sperm in men.

With laboratory confirmation of the presence of ureaplasma parvum, the doctor prescribes treatment for all sexual partners. Treatment lasts from 2 weeks.

Diagnostic methods

It is difficult to diagnose ureaplasma, since for the most part it is in a passive state.

To diagnose this infection, use:

• PCR diagnostics is the most quick method, which allows you to determine the presence of ureaplasma cells on the mucous membrane;
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - using this method, the presence of ureaplasma bacteria and antibody titer are determined;
• Bacteriological seeding – the duration of the method is 3-5 days, since it is necessary to seed, grow bacteria and determine their sensitivity to antibiotics;
• Serological method;
• Spermogram.

To correctly diagnose the pathogenic influence of ureaplasma cells, it is necessary to carry out a set of research methods. And it is important to do this in a timely manner, without hoping for self-healing

Ureaplasma cells are found in approximately every 4 newborn girls and every 2 boys. Boys are susceptible to self-healing from this infection (if it was transmitted during childbirth). Girls can live their whole lives and not know that they are carriers.

Prevention of ureaplasmosis

The main and main way of transmitting ureaplasma is unprotected sexual intercourse.

This means that the main preventative pill is control over the choice of partners; protected sexual intercourse (condoms); change of partners no more than twice a year; treating the genitals after sex with antimicrobial agents. Preventive visits to the doctor at least twice a year.

Do not self-medicate and do not treat with “grandmother’s” remedies. Remember, a disease detected in time will help you avoid many troubles in the future.