Ureaplasma urealyticum - Ureaplasma parvum

Ureaplasma urealyticum – Ureaplasma parvum

Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum are representatives of the opportunistic microbiota of the human urogenital tract and belong to the class Mollicutes. A key distinguishing feature of these bacteria is the absence of a cell wall, which makes them resistant to antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis (e.g., beta-lactams and glycopeptides).

Ureaplasmas can be causative agents of various infectious-inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract. Infection primarily manifests as cervicitis, urethritis, and cystitis. U. urealyticum may increase the risk of infection with high-risk oncogenic HPV, while U. parvum may play a synergistic role in the initial stage of cervical lesions caused by papillomavirus infection.

In the event of a pathological process, the most common clinical manifestations in women include genital discharge, itching, burning, pain during urination and sexual intercourse, and discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen. According to some studies, ureaplasmas can influence premature rupture of membranes and may be associated with placental inflammation.

In men, symptoms may include urethral discharge, itching, burning, pain during urination and sexual intercourse, frequent urination, and perineal pain radiating to the rectum.

Both bacterial species are transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Vertical transmission is also possible, which can lead to the development of infectious-inflammatory diseases in newborns, such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

PCR testing enables etiological and differential diagnosis within a short timeframe, even in asymptomatic cases, facilitates the timely prescription of causal therapy, and allows for monitoring of treatment efficacy. This helps prevent the development of chronic inflammatory processes, the occurrence of complications (including during pregnancy), and further spread of the infection.