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Biomedical Reports Oct 2023The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of (), () and () in a Romanian population considering the presence or absence of genital symptoms....
The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of (), () and () in a Romanian population considering the presence or absence of genital symptoms. Urethral and vaginal samples were collected from patients presenting at 'Ponderas' Academic Hospital (Bucharest, Romania) from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 266 samples were obtained from two groups of patients: Symptomatic subjects with urethritis, prostatitis, vaginitis or both urethritis and prostatitis (n=59; 22%), and asymptomatic subjects (n=207; 78%). and kits were used to assess the presence of and , and , respectively. The symptomatic subjects comprised 27 patients with urethritis symptoms, of whom 4 (15%) were infected with and 1 (4%) was infected with . In addition, 23 (9%) of the patients had prostatitis-like symptoms, which in 3 (13%) of the patients was associated with and in 1 patient (4%) was associated with . None of the symptomatic patients were infected with . By contrast, 29 (14%) of the asymptomatic patients were discovered to be infected with , 13 (6%) were coinfected with both Mollicutes and 4 (2%) were infected with ; only 1 patient was positive for alone. Two patients (14%) who presented with and coinfection were also infected with . No patient with or alone was also positive for . Therefore, the most frequently identified pathogen populating the genital tract in both males and females was , followed by coinfection with and , and . As these infections are asymptomatic in numerous cases, this suggests that a thorough screening should be mandatory.
PubMed: 37746588
DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1656 -
Reproductive Health Sep 2023Recent studies have suggested that genital mycoplasma infections may be associated with male infertility. However, this association remains controversial due to time... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have suggested that genital mycoplasma infections may be associated with male infertility. However, this association remains controversial due to time lapse, sample size, and regional prevalence.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the relationship between genital mycoplasma and male infertility through a meta-analysis and to provide a basis for the clinical management of male infertility.
METHODS
We conducted a search on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases, from January 2000 to June 2023 to identify case-control studies on the interrelationship between genital mycoplasma infection and male infertility. Two independent researchers performed an assessment of the methodological quality of trials according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and extracted data strictly based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and afterward, we carried out a meta-analysis using Stata 16.0. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess this relationship.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 21 studies from seven countries with a total of 53025 infertility cases and 6435 controls; the age range of the participating men was from 20 to 59 years old. The results obtained showed a higher prevalence of M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections in infertile men than in the controls, with the opposite result for U. parvum (M. genitalium, OR, 3.438 [95% CI: 1.780, 6.643], with P = 0.000; M. hominis, OR, 1.840 [95% CI: 1.013, 3.343], with P = 0.045; U. urealyticum, OR, 3.278 [95% CI: 2.075, 5.180], with P = 0.000; U. parvum, OR, 1.671 [95% CI: 0.947, 2.950], with P = 0.077). Further, two subgroup analyses also showed that M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections were strongly associated with male infertility in China (M. hominis, P = 0.009; U. urealyticum, P = 0.000); however, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infection was not strongly associated with male infertility worldwide (M. hominis, P = 0.553; U. urealyticum, P = 0.050).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis revealed that male infertility was significantly associated with M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections, while U. parvum infection was not. Further, our study showed that genital mycoplasma infection influences male infertility and provides a basis for future treatment.
Topics: Male; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Infertility, Male; Case-Control Studies; China; Mycoplasma Infections; Genitalia
PubMed: 37700294
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01684-y -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the... (Review)
Review
is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the ability to establish a close relationship with endosymbiotic microorganisms: the unique association of with the bacterium represents, to date, the only example of an endosymbiosis involving two true human pathogens. Since its discovery, several aspects of the symbiosis between and have been characterized, demonstrating that the presence of the intracellular guest strongly influences the pathogenic characteristics of the protozoon, making it more aggressive towards host cells and capable of stimulating a stronger proinflammatory response. The recent description of a further symbiont of the protozoon, the newly discovered non-cultivable mycoplasma Mycoplasma girerdii, makes the picture even more complex. This review provides an overview of the main aspects of this complex microbial consortium, with particular emphasis on its effect on protozoan pathobiology and on the interplays among the symbionts.
PubMed: 37764891
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091083 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2023and began to show resistance to azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are few effective and safe drugs in the clinic...
PURPOSE
and began to show resistance to azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are few effective and safe drugs in the clinic for genital mycoplasmas in pregnant women. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of azithromycin-resistant and infections in pregnant women. The secondary research objects were possible influencing factors and consequences of insensitive Mycoplasma infection.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis was carried out in pregnant women who underwent cervical Mycoplasma culture between October 2020 and October 2021 at a large general hospital in eastern China. The sociological characteristics and clinical information of these women were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 375 pregnant women were enrolled, and 402 cultured mycoplasma specimens were collected. Overall, 186 (49.60%) patients tested positive cervical Mycoplasma infection, and 37 (9.87%) had infections caused by azithromycin-resistant Mycoplasma. In total, 39 mycoplasma samples were insensitive to azithromycin in vitro, also showing extremely high resistance to erythromycin, roxithromycin, and clarithromycin. Azithromycin was the only antibiotic used in women with Mycoplasma cervical infection, regardless of azithromycin resistance in vitro. Statistical results showed that azithromycin-resistant cervical Mycoplasma infection in pregnant women was unrelated to age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, number of embryos, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) use, but led to a significantly increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (spontaneous abortion (SA), preterm birth (PTB), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), and stillbirth).
CONCLUSION
Azithromycin-resistant and cervical infections are relatively common during pregnancy, and can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, there is currently a lack of safe and effective drug treatments. Herein, we show that azithromycin-resistant mycoplasma infection requires timely intervention.
PubMed: 37305734
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S405286 -
Journal of Global Antimicrobial... Mar 2024Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp. especially M. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum recognized as an important cause of urogenital infections. Sake of the presence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp. especially M. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum recognized as an important cause of urogenital infections. Sake of the presence of antibiotic resistance and a continuous rise in resistance, the treatment options are limited, and treatment has become more challenging and costlier.
OBJECTIVES
Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate worldwide resistance rates of genital Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasma to fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin) agents.
METHODS
We searched the relevant published studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase from until 3, March 2022. All statistical analyses were carried out using the statistical package R.
RESULTS
The 30 studies included in the analysis were performed in 16 countries. In the metadata, the proportions of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin resistance in Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma urogenital isolates were reported 59.8% (95% CI 49.6, 69.1), 31.2% (95% CI 23, 40), 7.3% (95% CI 1, 31), and 5.3% (95% CI 1, 2), respectively. According to the meta-regression, the ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin rate increased over time. There was a statistically significant difference in the fluoroquinolones resistance rates between different continents/countries (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results obtained in this systematic review and meta-analysis we recommend the use of the newer group of fluoroquinolones especially levofloxacin as the first choice for the treatment of genital mycoplasmosis, as well as ofloxacin for the treatment of genital infections caused by U. parvum.
Topics: Humans; Ureaplasma; Mycoplasma; Fluoroquinolones; Levofloxacin; Ureaplasma urealyticum; Moxifloxacin; Mycoplasma hominis; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Ureaplasma Infections; Urinary Tract Infections; Ciprofloxacin
PubMed: 38016593
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.11.007 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023Traditional drug susceptibility testing cannot be performed in clinical laboratories due to the slow-growing characteristics of when cultured . Sanger sequencing is the...
BACKGROUND
Traditional drug susceptibility testing cannot be performed in clinical laboratories due to the slow-growing characteristics of when cultured . Sanger sequencing is the standard method for detecting drug resistance-associated mutations. It has been used in some laboratories to guide the choice of macrolide antibiotics for infected patients. Furthermore, resistance to fluoroquinolone has become another emerging clinical challenge.
OBJECTIVE
Sequencing analysis can detect unknown mutations, but it is time-consuming, requires professional analytical skills and the appropriate testing equipment. The main objective of this study was to establish a nested real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection of and genotypes in relation to the macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance.
RESULTS
105 MG-positive samples and 27 samples containing other pathogens were used for validation. The limit of the nested real-time PCR detection was 500 copies/reaction and there was no cross-reaction with , , , , , , and , but the assay cross-reacted with . Compared with sequencing results, the sensitivity of was 100% (95% CI; 93.3 -100), the specificity was 94.3% (95% CI; 79.4 - 99.0), the overall consistency was 98% (95% CI; 92.5 - 99.7) and value was 0.96 ( < 0.001); the sensitivity of was 100% (95% CI; 93.4 - 100), the specificity was 89.7% (95% CI; 71.5 - 97.3) and the overall consistency was 96.9% (95% CI; 90.7 - 99.2) with a value of 0.92 ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this sensitive and rapid alternative for identifying resistant genotypes of are intuitive and easy to interpret, especially for mixed MG populations. Although the relevant primers need further adjustment, this reliable method would provide an effective diagnostic tool for the selection of antibiotics in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Fluoroquinolones; Mycoplasma genitalium; RNA, Ribosomal, 23S; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Macrolides; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Mutation
PubMed: 37928183
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1271392 -
CNS Drugs Oct 2023Multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women of fertile age. Various aspects of MS could impact on fertility, such as sexual dysfunction, endocrine alterations,... (Review)
Review
Multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women of fertile age. Various aspects of MS could impact on fertility, such as sexual dysfunction, endocrine alterations, autoimmune imbalances, and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The proportion of women with MS (wMS) requesting infertility management and assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasing over time. In this review, we report on data regarding ART in wMS and address safety issues. We also discuss the clinical aspects to consider when planning a course of treatment for infertility, and provide updated recommendations to guide neurologists in the management of wMS undergoing ART, with the goal of reducing the risk of disease activation after this procedure. According to most studies, there is an increase in relapse rate and magnetic resonance imaging activity after ART. Therefore, to reduce the risk of relapse, ART should be considered in wMS with stable disease. In wMS, especially those with high disease activity, fertility issues should be discussed early as the choice of DMT, and fertility preservation strategies might be proposed in selected cases to ensure both disease control and a safe pregnancy. For patients with stable disease taking DMTs compatible with pregnancy, treatment should not be interrupted before ART. If the ongoing therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy, then it should be switched to a compatible therapy. Prior to beginning fertility treatments in wMS, it would be reasonable to assess vitamin D serum levels, thyroid function and its antibody serum levels; start folic acid supplementation; and ensure smoking and alcohol cessation, adequate sleep, and food hygiene. Cervico-vaginal swabs for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Chlamydia trachomatis, as well as serology for viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, and cytomegalovirus, should be performed. Steroids could be administered under specific indications. Although the available data do not clearly show a definite raised relapse risk associated with a specific ART protocol, it seems reasonably safe to prefer the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists for ovarian stimulation. Close clinical and radiological monitoring is reasonably recommended, particularly after hormonal stimulation and in case of pregnancy failure.
PubMed: 37679579
DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01036-1 -
Microorganisms Jun 2023Improving the management of children with asthma associated with mycoplasma infection is important. Aim: To study the duration of the persistence of antigens, and DNA in...
Improving the management of children with asthma associated with mycoplasma infection is important. Aim: To study the duration of the persistence of antigens, and DNA in a free state, in the structures of circulating immune complexes (CICs) and living cells of and in children with asthma. In total, 205 children with asthma from 1 to 14 years were observed. The reaction of aggregate-hemagglutination (AHAA), the direct immunofluorescence reaction (DIF), the reaction of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the culture method were used. In addition, 47 children were re-examined 1.5 months after the treatment of mycoplasma infection with azithromycin. The number of samples positive for antigens and DNA in the free state and in the structures of CICs significantly decreased. Then, 50 blood serum samples containing antigens, and 50 samples containing antigens were analyzed by culture method. was isolated in 21 (65.5%) of 32 samples containing DNA. was isolated from antigen-positive samples in nine cases. The presented data indicate the long-term persistence of antigens, and DNA of mycoplasma cells in the free state, in the structure of CICs, as well as in the form of "microcolonies". A high level of CICs can be used to predict the course of the disease and the response to therapy.
PubMed: 37512855
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071683 -
Asian Journal of Andrology Sep 2023Recently discovered microcolonial forms of Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and their impact on human spermatogenesis are studied. The spermatozoa of 125 fertile men...
Recently discovered microcolonial forms of Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and their impact on human spermatogenesis are studied. The spermatozoa of 125 fertile men (sperm donors; from Reprobank [Reproductive Tissue Bank, Moscow, Russia]) and of 93 patients with fertility problems (from the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Research Centre for Medical Genetics [RCMG]", Moscow, Russia) were used. Classical colonies of M. hominis and microcolonies were detected by molecular biological methods, culture of bacteria, and transmission electron microscopy. The unique structure of microcolonial cells, in which the cytoplasmic cylinder is surrounded by concentric electron-dense and electron-light layers with a periodicity of 12-14 nm, and the ability of microcolonial cells to attach to spermatozoa are shown. In patients with lower sperm quality, microcolonies of M. hominis were detected 2.5 times more frequently than classical colonies. The detection of microcolonies in the ejaculate and the frequent isolation of microcolonies from sperm samples of patients with fertility problems suggest that microcolonial cells may be one cause of infertility.
PubMed: 37738137
DOI: 10.4103/aja202333 -
The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics :... Nov 2023Bacterial commensals of the human genitourinary tract, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species (parvum and urealyticum) can be sexually transmitted, and may cause...
Bacterial commensals of the human genitourinary tract, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species (parvum and urealyticum) can be sexually transmitted, and may cause nongonococcal urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species may also cause severe invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Current culture-based methods for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma identification are costly and laborious, with a turnaround time between 1 and 2 weeks. We developed a high-throughput, real-time multiplex PCR assay for the rapid detection of M. hominis and Ureaplasma species in urine, genital swab, body fluid, and tissue. In total, 282 specimens were tested by PCR and compared with historic culture results; a molecular reference method was used to moderate discrepancies. Overall result agreement was 99% for M. hominis (97% positive percentage agreement and 100% negative percentage agreement) and 96% for Ureaplasma species (96% positive percentage agreement and 97% negative percentage agreement). Specimen stability was validated for up to 7 days at room temperature. This multiplex molecular assay was designed for implementation in a high-complexity clinical microbiology laboratory. With this method, >90 samples can be tested in one run, with a turnaround time of 4 to 5 hours from specimen extraction to reporting of results. This PCR test is also more labor effective and cheaper than the conventional culture-based test, thus improving laboratory efficiency and alleviating labor shortages.
Topics: Mycoplasma hominis; Humans; Ureaplasma; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Ureaplasma Infections; Mycoplasma Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; High-Throughput Screening Assays; DNA, Bacterial; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 37683891
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.07.004