Mycoplasmosis igg positive. Mycoplasma pneumonia test

It is an infectious disease of the respiratory system caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Determining the type of pathogen is of great importance in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, since each of them is sensitive to a certain category of drugs. Most often, the pathological process is caused by pneumococci and staphylococci, but there are other types of bacteria, in particular, mycoplasma pneumoniae. What is pneumonia caused by this pathogen, and how is it treated?

Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can cause urinary and respiratory infections. The list of varieties of this microorganism includes Mycoplasma pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae), which causes, or respiratory mycoplasmosis.

Usually, the bacterium is transmitted as an airborne droplet, and the endogenous route of infection is also found. Mycoplasma is present in the body of every person, and under favorable conditions (immunodeficiency states, pathologies of the respiratory system, tumor processes in the blood) begins to multiply actively. This type of disease is diagnosed in 20% of people with pneumonia, and most often it affects children under 5 and young people, and in patients older than 35 is observed quite rarely.

The incubation period for mycoplasma pneumonia ranges from 1 to 3 weeks, symptoms resemble flu or pharyngitis, and include:

temperature rise to 37-37.5 degrees;
sore throat, dry cough;
nasal congestion;
headache, muscle and joint pain;
skin rash;
enlarged lymph nodes;
deterioration in general well-being.

As a rule, the symptoms increase gradually, but there is an acute onset of the disease with manifestations of intoxication of the body. A characteristic symptom of mycoplasma pneumonia is a dry, debilitating cough with a small amount of viscous sputum. It lasts at least 10-15 days after infection of the body, and sometimes can last up to 4-6 weeks, since mycoplasma causes airway obstruction.

IMPORTANT! Mycoplasma pneumonia belongs to the category of atypical forms of the disease, and usually proceeds in a severe form - due to the special structure of the bacterium, which resembles the structure of the cells of the human body, antibodies to it begin to be produced quite late.

How to identify a disease

Diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia requires special attention, as the signs of the disease resemble those of other respiratory infections. To identify the pathogen and make an accurate diagnosis, a number of instrumental and clinical studies are required.

External examination and listening of the chest. The classic manifestations of pneumonia (high fever, cough) in the mycoplasmal form of the disease are not too pronounced, but extrapulmonary symptoms are present - skin rash, muscle and joint pain, sometimes pain in the ears and eyes. When listening to the chest, rare medium or small bubbling sounds are heard, which indicates the presence of fluid in the lungs and bronchi.
, MRI, CT. On the X-ray, there is a noticeable increase in the pattern of the lungs with foci of infiltrates typical of the disease, which, as a rule, are located in the lower part of the lungs. Sometimes, to clarify the diagnosis and identify comorbidities, computed or magnetic resonance imaging is required.
General blood analysis. A clinical blood test determines moderate leukocytosis and a slight rise in ESR (with mycoplasmal pneumonia, the signs of a pathological process in the general blood test are less pronounced than with inflammation of the lungs of bacterial origin).
PCR. Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR method, is one of the most informative ways to detect mycoplasma pneumonia in the body. It allows you to find fragments of pathogenic microorganisms in the test material (a sample of the patient's venous blood), distinguish them from others and multiply, which allows you to accurately determine the causative agent of the pathological process.

REFERENCE! Other methods that are used to detect other forms of pneumonia (for example, sputum examination) are not used for mycoplasmal pneumonia, as they have no diagnostic value.

Antibodies IgA, IgM and IgG if detected

After mycoplasma pneumoniae enters the respiratory tract, the body begins to produce specific immunoglobulins, which can be detected by ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay).

This is the most informative diagnostic method that allows you to determine not only the presence of the disease, but also the features of its clinical picture - acute, chronic form or re-infection.

There are three types of antibodies that, if positive, can determine the presence of an infection - IgA, IgM and IgG, what does this mean?

Immediately after infection, the production of IgM immunoglobulins begins, and after 5-7 days - IgG antibodies, and their level remains elevated longer than the IgM titer, and significantly decreases upon recovery. The production of IgA proteins begins last, after the appearance of IgG, and continues for a year or more.

To make an accurate diagnosis, immunoglobulins IgM and IgG are detected, it is recommended to take an analysis 1-4 weeks after the onset of the disease at least twice (a single measurement of the level of antibodies does not give a reliable result). The presence of the disease is indicated by a dynamic increase in the level of IgM antibodies, as well as an increase in the concentration of IgG proteins in samples taken sequentially from intervals of more than 2 weeks. An elevated titer of IgA immunoglobulins indicates an acute or chronic course of mycoplasmal pneumonia, as well as re-infection.

IMPORTANT! Diagnosis of the pathological process caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia must necessarily be comprehensive, and include the collection of anamnesis, analysis of symptoms and complaints, as well as the determination of IgM and IgG antibodies.

Healing methods

Mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to serious complications, so treatment should be started as soon as a diagnosis is made. The basis of treatment in adults and children is, as a rule, from the group of macrolides, but in the presence of contraindications and allergic reactions, drugs of other groups may be prescribed, and the course lasts at least 2 weeks.

Together with antimicrobial agents, doctors prescribe antipyretics, painkillers, and antihistamines. In addition, patients need bed rest, a diet high in vitamins and minerals, and plenty of fluids.

During the recovery period, special attention should be paid to rehabilitation activities - massage, therapeutic exercises, outdoor walks, spa treatment. This is especially true for children, the elderly and patients who have suffered a severe form of pneumonia, accompanied by a deterioration in respiratory function.

More about the study

Mycoplasma infections of the genitourinary system currently occupy a leading position among sexually transmitted infections. Often they are combined with gonococci, ureaplasmas, Trichomonas, chlamydia.

The source of infection is both sick and carriers, infection occurs sexually. The infection can proceed latently, and then under the influence of various factors (changes in the hormonal background, concomitant infections, decreased immunity) pass into an acute, chronic or recurrent form. Symptoms vary. In most cases, in men, the disease occurs in the form of urethritis, prostatitis and is manifested by itching, burning, frequent urge to urinate and pain in the urethra, in women - in the form of vaginitis, cervicitis and is accompanied by discharge from the genital tract, discomfort, itching, burning. in the genital tract and / or lower abdomen, pain during sexual intercourse. Long-term chronic infection with Mycoplasma hominis can cause infertility, miscarriage and premature birth.

Possible infection from mother to fetus through the placenta or during childbirth. In these cases, neonatal infection may present as meningitis, respiratory infections, or septicemia.

In response to Mycoplasma hominis infection, the immune system produces specific immunoglobulins: IgA, IgM and IgG.

The production of IgG does not start immediately, approximately 2-4 weeks after infection, but they persist for a long period (in the chronic form - for years).

The detection of IgG indicates an acute or past illness or a chronic inflammatory process.

What is research used for?

To confirm a current or past infection caused by Mycoplasma hominis.
For the differential diagnosis of mycoplasma infection and other infectious diseases of the genitourinary tract, such as those caused by chlamydia or Trichomonas.
For the diagnosis of mycoplasmal infection in chronic inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract.
When planning pregnancy to exclude infection with Mycoplasma hominis.

When is the study scheduled?

With symptoms of a current or chronic disease caused by mycoplasma: itching, burning, pain in the urethra when urinating, frequent urination, discharge from the genital tract, discomfort in the genital tract and / or lower abdomen, pain during sexual intercourse.
If you suspect a chronic or persistent form of Mycoplasma hominis infection, which can be the cause of infertility, pregnancy pathologies.

It is noted that children and young people under the age of 30 are more susceptible to infection with this infection. Most often, virus infection occurs in large cities where there is an accumulation of groups of people. Mycoplasmic pneumonia accounts for 1/4 of all pneumonia.

Mycoplasmas do not have their own adaptation to synthesize energy, so they use the resources of the cells they infect to live and multiply. This is due to a number of factors:

they are small and live inside infected cells. In addition, pathogens have a similar structural structure with elements of normal healthy tissues. These factors make it possible to hide them from the influence of the immune system and reduce sensitivity to antibiotics;
pathogens are mobile, so if one cell is destroyed, they move to others and infect them;
they are very firmly attached to the cells, which allows mycoplasmosis pneumonia to occur even if a small number of pathogens have entered the body.

Mycoplasma is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and a sharp drop in temperature, so they cannot exist in the external environment for a long time. In 90% of cases, infection is realized through the airborne route of transmission. This virus often clings to children in kindergarten or school. The greatest likelihood of infection is in the cold season.

Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia in adults and children

The incubation period of the disease varies from 10 to 20 days. During this period, mycoplasmal pneumonia almost always does not manifest itself in any way. The peculiarity of the course of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma is that it can last 4-5 weeks, and in some cases even several months.

Mycoplasma pneumonia in adults presents differently than in children. The most common symptoms in adults are:

prolonged cough with copious secretion of viscous sputum. In exceptional cases, it can develop into a chronic form and last up to 5 weeks;
hoarseness of voice;
headache;
nasal congestion;
dermatological diseases (polymorphic erythema);
increased sweating;
swollen lymph nodes in the neck;
pain in the joints and muscles;
deterioration in general physical condition.

According to statistics, mycoplasma pneumonia in children aged 3-6 years is more common and manifests itself with more pronounced symptoms:

regular migraine attacks;
the appearance of severe chills with a slight increase in temperature;
violations of coordination of movements;
the occurrence of a feverish state;
the appearance of a painful dry cough.

Complications of the disease

In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can lead to such serious complications as a purulent-destructive limited process in the lungs (lung abscess), inflammation of the brain or joint, and a low level of hemoglobin in the blood. In the elderly, due to a weakened immune system, the disease may be accompanied by temporary inflammation of the peripheral nerves, which leads to severe muscle weakness.

Important!!! Mycoplasma pneumonia in an advanced stage can be fatal, so if you experience similar symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

In preschool children, complications manifest differently:

digestive disorders (diarrhea and vomiting) occur in 35% of cases of mycoplasma pneumonia;
in most cases, children are affected by hemorrhagic diathesis, localized on all limbs. Usually they disappear on their own on the 7-10th day of the disease;
in rare cases, inflammation of the heart muscle or joint damage (arthritis) can occur.

Diagnosis of the disease

To diagnose the disease, the patient should consult an infectious disease specialist or pulmonologist. At the initial examination, the doctor takes an anamnesis and listens to the patient with a phonendoscope; with pneumonia, wheezing will be heard in the patient's lungs. The symptoms of mycoplasmic pneumonia are similar to many other diseases of the respiratory system (for example, influenza or chronic bronchitis), therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a series of diagnostic and laboratory tests to the patient.

Of diagnostic studies, preference is given to radiography and computed tomography. They allow you to see an increase in the pulmonary pattern with small focal shadows mainly in the lower parts of the lungs.

Of the molecular biological studies for the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis pneumonia, the most accurate are:

determination of the DNA of bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Most often, the material for PCR is taken from the pharynx (smear), less often they are sputum or blood. An important advantage of the method is a short analysis time, which is especially important for the early diagnosis and treatment;
general blood analysis. During the inflammatory process, the analysis shows an increased content of leukocytes in the blood;
allergy diagnostics (determination of specific antibodies IgG, LgA and IgM). When the body is infected with an infection, the immune system produces antibodies. IgM to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the blood appear 2-3 days after the onset of the disease, while anti-mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG begin to rise 1-2 weeks later and can remain in the blood for a long time after complete recovery. It is recommended to carry out diagnostics on the titer of all antibodies. If a positive IgM titer is found in the tests, then the person was infected with mycoplasma in the coming days, if only the IgG titer is positive, the pathogens have long penetrated the body, but by now they have managed to get rid of them. In the event that the analysis showed both positive results, there is an infection, and treatment should be started as soon as possible. IgA does not apply to mycoplasma pneumonia, if a positive titer is detected, then the patient is a carrier of mycoplasma homins (the causative agent of urogenital mycoplasmosis).

Treatment and prevention of the disease

With timely treatment to the doctor, the prognosis of treatment is favorable. The treatment regimen is selected individually depending on the stage of the disease and the symptoms. If the disease proceeds in an acute stage, then therapeutic assistance is provided, where patients are prescribed bed rest. The patient will be able to see the effectiveness of the treatment after 5-10 days of therapy, but it will be possible to achieve a complete recovery of the body in about 3 weeks.

As a rule, the disease proceeds with a strong cough, so a specialist can prescribe antitussive and expectorant drugs (for example, ambroxol). Antibiotic treatment is aimed at eliminating pathogens. The first days they are administered intravenously, and then orally. The general course of antibiotic therapy usually lasts at least 14 days. The following antibacterial drugs have the greatest effectiveness: erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin. Doctors prescribe special antibiotics of the macrolide group for children, since they are the safest. Hormones in the treatment of mycoplasmal pneumonia are prescribed only in advanced cases, when antibiotic therapy does not bring visible results.

Important!!! There is a high resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae to antibiotics of most species. The drug must be prescribed by a specialist.

The disease should be treated comprehensively, it is recommended to add a complex of therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and massage to the drug treatment (during the recovery period). Since mycoplasmas cause damage not only to the lungs, but also to the upper respiratory tract, it is important to regularly gargle and flush the sinuses.

Additionally, you can use folk remedies to increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and speed up the healing process. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, help relieve local symptoms and help strengthen the immune system. Consider the recipes for popular infusions and decoctions:

To prepare the infusion, they take medicinal herbs - St. John's wort, chamomile and cornflower in an equal ratio of 1: 1: 1. All components are crushed, 2 tablespoons are poured into a container and pour 500 ml of hot water. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 60-90 minutes, then filter. It is recommended to use the resulting product in 150 ml at least 3 times a day.
Inhalations with decoctions of medicinal herbs are very effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases. You can use the recipe with the previously described ingredients, adding pine needles and eucalyptus to them. Inhalation can be carried out daily for 8-12 minutes 1-2 times a day.
Blackberry infusion strengthens the immune system and helps with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. 2 tablespoons of blackberry leaves pour 400 ml of boiling water. When the infusion cools down a bit, it can be consumed. The amount received is enough for 4 doses per day.

Important!!! To avoid allergic reactions to natural ingredients, consult a specialist in advance.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended, if possible, to avoid crowded places during epidemic outbreaks (or wear protective masks), drink immuno-fortifying drugs 1-2 times a year, and maintain personal hygiene. Compliance with proper nutrition has a positive effect on health, so it is advisable to add as many vegetables, meat and fruits (with a high content of useful trace elements and vitamins) to the diet as possible. If the patient has chronic diseases of the respiratory system, it is important to follow up with a pulmonologist for several months after recovery.

For antibodies to mycoplasma? When pathogenic microbes enter the body, the human immune system turns on the protective function of the body, which begins to produce antibodies aimed at neutralizing a foreign infection.

That is, in the body of the carrier of mycoplasma, an immune response to foreign agents begins to form.

At each stage of infection, certain proteins of the globulin fraction are produced, which are formed in the serum.

A/T is sometimes referred to as antibodies in everyday medical practice.

It is on this characteristic feature that the basic principle of ELISA is built, which makes it possible to establish how long ago the infection of the body occurred. After all, traces of infection are found in the blood test both immediately after infection with microbes and after the formation of an immune response to their presence.

Therefore, antibodies detected as a result of laboratory analysis of a / t to mycoplasma accurately indicate the duration of infection, as well as the acute or chronic form of the course of the disease, primary or secondary infection.

The presence of a / t - IgM, indicates that the infectious and inflammatory process is acute, a / t IgG - will make it possible to understand that this pathogenic agent has already been familiar to the body and the body has developed immune proteins against it.

If the analysis contains indicators of both antibodies, then, most likely, an exacerbation of chronic has occurred. Infection rarely develops persistent immunity to microbes. Most often this occurs with pneumonia caused. In severe cases of the disease, a / t to mycoplasma can persist for more than 5 years.

How are antibodies to mycoplasma determined in the blood?

For research, venous blood is taken.

Antibodies to or are detected by ELISA, enzyme immunoassay.

This is a serological reaction, so the study should be carried out no earlier than the 5th day from the alleged infection.

The possibility of determining the full set of antibodies is possible from the 2nd week of the disease. Testing during the serological window will give a false negative result.

Important! There are qualitative and quantitative enzyme immunoassays.

Qualitative ELISA determines whether antibodies to Mycoplasma hominis are present in the body. A quantitative test gives a more complete picture of the infectious process.

For high-quality laboratory diagnostics, it is important to correctly obtain clinical material for research from the patient.

To obtain the most reliable test result, it is recommended to comply with a number of requirements:

Donate biomaterial before the start of treatment or not earlier than 1 month after the end of antibiotic therapy;
Observe the time frame for obtaining biomaterial: a) from the urethra not earlier than 3 hours after the last urination, b) in the presence of abundant urethral discharge - 15-20 minutes after urination, c) from the cervical canal and vagina before menstruation or after 1-2 days after its completion;
To carry out the taking of biomaterial in sufficient quantities for laboratory research.

The advantages of the method are:

the possibility of using a variety of biological material (scraping, urine, prostate secretion, semen, saliva, synovial fluid) depending on the location of the alleged pathogen localization;
high sensitivity of the method allows early diagnosis of urogenital infections;
high speed of analysis.

Interpretation of the results of the ELISA analysis

IgM - negative (-), IgG - negative (-) - no infection was detected;
IgM - negative (-), IgG - positive (+) - for a given period of time, immunity has been formed in the body. Treatment is not required;
IgM - positive (+), IgG - negative (-) - the body has recently been infected with microbes, the inflammatory process proceeds in an acute form. Need treatment;
IgM - positive (+), IgG - positive (+) - there was a secondary infection of the body with mycoplasma infection;

What are Mycoplasma IgA antibodies?

Antibodies of this class appear in the blood 10-14 days after infection.

Their main function is to protect the mucous membranes from the action of the pathogen.

The decrease in the level of these immunoglobulins begins in the interval from 2 to 4 months of illness.

Important! Antibodies to mycoplasma class IgA do not decrease with ineffective treatment. Therefore, such an analysis can be used to monitor therapy.

What is the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgA antibody test used for?

This diagnostic procedure is the main one for confirming the presence or absence of an ongoing disease (including for diagnosing reinfection - that is, re-infection after recovery).

In addition, this analysis is necessary to confirm the diagnosis with the etiological agent Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a persistent or chronic form of infection, when there are no overt manifestations (obvious clinical signs of the presence of an infectious process), with an erased clinical picture, as well as with the imposition of a clinical picture of functional changes in the body.

Determination of IgA antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae is the basis for the differential diagnosis of mycoplasmal infection from other infections, such as staphylococcal or streptococcal respiratory tract infections.

Significance of IgG antibodies in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

To confirm the diagnosis, a blood test is performed for Ig to Mycoplasma pneumoniae M, A, G. This is done at intervals of 2-4 weeks.

A single measurement of antibody titers does not give a 100% diagnostic result. In adults, the increase in IgM levels is insignificant. the level of IgG often remains at the normal level. Only an increase in antibody titer over time is an indicator of the presence of mycoplasma.

The earliest antibodies are specific immunoglobulins M. They appear after the first week of the disease and indicate the development of an acute process.

IgM growth can be observed within a month. After recovery, they should not be in the peripheral blood, however, according to some studies, a gradual decrease in the titer of these antibodies occurs within a year after the disease. Simultaneous blood testing for IgM and IgG allows to prevent diagnostic errors. Upon re-initiation, IgM is usually not released.

If only IgG antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae are detected, then this indicates a past infection. At the beginning of the acute phase of the disease, this phenomenon is absent.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG may remain positive for several years after illness. Acquired immunity is not permanent. Possible reinfection and re-infection. In this case, Ig antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae G will increase.

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Description

Method of determination Immunoassay.

Material under study Serum

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Mycoplasmas - a group of intracellular microorganisms - gram-negative bacteria 115 - 200 nm in size, which do not have a dense cell wall, covered with a three-layer cytoplasmic membrane. Several strains of mycoplasmas have been described.

Conventionally, mycoplasmas are divided into 6 groups, depending on the diseases they cause in humans. The group of mycoplasmas that cause lesions of the urogenital tract in men and women include Mycoplasma hominis type I and type II, Ureaplasma urealyticum.

Mycoplasmas are characterized by polymorphism and a peculiar life cycle. The source of infection is a person with mycoplasmosis, or a healthy carrier of mycoplasmas.

Mycoplasma infections of the urogenital tract occupy one of the leading places among STIs. They are often combined with gonococci, Trichomonas and opportunistic microorganisms, are transmitted through sexual contact, can cause non-gonococcal urethritis and prostatitis, inflammatory diseases of the small pelvis, pathology of pregnancy and fetus, infertility in women and men, as well as perinatal infection of newborns.

Diagnosis of Mycoplasma hominis infection using microbiological methods is difficult because it is difficult to cultivate this microorganism in vitro. An adequate modern method for diagnosing M. hominis infection is a PCR method aimed at identifying the pathogen's DNA (in the INVITRO laboratory tests,).

Serological methods (detection of antibodies in blood serum) are of lesser use, since, due to the intracellular localization of M. hominis, the body's immune response against these microorganisms is often weakly expressed. A positive test result for IgM antibodies may indicate the likelihood of an ongoing infection.

Mycoplasmatosis: causes, symptoms and diagnosis of the disease

Among a sufficiently large number of mycoplasmas found in humans, only 4 species can cause disease under certain conditions. One of them - Mycoplasma pneumonia - affects the respiratory system, causing inflammatory diseases of the throat, bronchi, and lungs. The remaining three - Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealiticum - are the causative agents of genitourinary mycoplasmosis - one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

Mycoplasma causes:

1. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (atypical pneumonia, mycoplasmal bronchitis, etc.).

The causative agent of this group of diseases is a microorganism of the species Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The main route of transmission of diseases: - airborne.

The source of infection is a sick person and a healthy one (carrier).

The possibility of infection persists throughout the year, but in the autumn-winter period, infection is activated.

Clinical manifestations:

cough is the most common symptom of respiratory tract infection in patients with mycoplasma infection. As a rule, a dry, hysterical cough with light sputum is present throughout the disease, but among those who cough only 3-10% of patients with pneumonia.

Diagnostics:

one of the main tools for laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are serological tests, partly due to their wide availability and ease of sampling - using venous blood to detect antibodies (Ig A, IgM, IgG).

These methods are widely used in clinical practice. In recent years, an increase in their sensitivity has been achieved through the separate detection of different classes of antibodies (IgM and IgA). An elevated IgM level is a reliable indicator of mycoplasmal infection in children. In adults, methods based on the determination of IgA have a higher sensitivity.

Ig G is an indicator of a current or past Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, these antibodies appear later than Ig A and Ig M, and persist for a longer time (more than a year).

Another modern method for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae is PCR diagnostics. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a method that allows you to find in the studied clinical material a small section of genetic information (DNA) of any organism among a huge number of other sections and multiply it many times.

The clinical material for the study can be venous blood, saliva, sputum, separated from the ear, throat and nose.

2. Diseases of the urogenital tract in men and women (Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealiticum).

Currently, mycoplasmas are considered to be opportunistic microbes. Only Mycoplasma genitalium is considered by most researchers as a pathogenic microorganism that can cause urethritis, epidymitis in men, and cervicitis, vaginitis, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs and pregnancy pathology in women.

The frequency of detection of Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealiticum varies widely and ranges from 10% to 50%. These microorganisms are often detected in clinically healthy individuals and, being opportunistic microorganisms, can normally colonize the organs of the urogenital system.

Genital mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealiticum) can be infected in several ways:

during sexual contact;

when the infection is transmitted from mother to fetus through an infected placenta or during childbirth;

in transplantation (transplantation) of organs;

indirectly (in women, especially girls, through household items).

Clinical manifestations of urethritis caused by genital mycoplasmas:

dysuria (itching, burning, pain when urinating);

discomfort, itching, burning in the urethra;

frequent urination or urge to urinate;

pain during sexual intercourse (dyspanuria).

Clinical manifestations of vaginitis caused by genital mycoplasmas:

mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the genital tract;

discomfort, itching, burning on the mucous membrane of the genital tract.

Clinical manifestations of cervicitis caused by genital mycoplasmas:

spotting after sexual intercourse;

discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen;

soreness during sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis of urogenital infectious diseases

Indications for examination for Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealiticum:

clinical and / or laboratory signs of inflammation of the urogenital tract (urethritis, prostatitis, cystitis, cervicitis, cervical erosion, pyelonephritis, vaginitis);

recurrent pathological processes associated with an imbalance in the vaginal flora (bacterial vaginosis);

pre-gravid (pregnancy planning) examination of sexual partners;

upcoming surgical manipulations on the pelvic organs with a high risk of infectious complications;

the presence of a burdened obstetric or gynecological history (miscarriage, perinatal losses, infertility);

the possibility of infection of the fetus with a complicated course.

An additional indication for testing for the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium is the detection of Mycoplasma genitalium in one of the partners, as well as a change of sexual partner in the absence of the use of barrier methods of contraception.

Material for laboratory tests for the presence of urogenital infections is obtained: 1) in men - from the urethra, prostate gland, and it is also possible to study the ejaculate and the first portion of morning urine, 2) in women - from the urethra, vagina and cervical canal (cervix).

For the qualitative laboratory diagnosis of urogenital infections, it is important to correctly obtain clinical material for research from the patient. To obtain the most reliable test result, it is recommended to comply with a number of requirements:

Donate biomaterial before the start of treatment or not earlier than 1 month after the end of antibiotic therapy;

Observe the time frame for obtaining biomaterial: a) from the urethra not earlier than 3 hours after the last urination, b) in the presence of abundant urethral discharge - 15-20 minutes after urination, c) from the cervical canal and vagina before menstruation or after 1-2 days after its completion;

To carry out the taking of biomaterial in sufficient quantities for laboratory research.

Methods of laboratory diagnostics of urogenital infectious diseases

Currently, for the purpose of diagnosing urogenital infections, a number of methods are used that differ in sensitivity, specificity, ease of use and general availability.

The independent laboratory INVITRO offers a wide range of tests to detect the presence of mycoplasma infection.

For the identification of Mycoplasma genitalium, the only research method is the PCR method. PCR diagnostics of Mycoplasma hominis is based on the detection of the genetic material of the pathogen (DNA) in the biological material.

The advantages of the method are:

the possibility of using a variety of biological material (scraping, urine, prostate secretion, semen, saliva, synovial fluid) depending on the location of the alleged pathogen localization;

high sensitivity of the method allows early diagnosis of urogenital infections;

high speed of analysis.

To detect Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealiticum, a cultural (bacteriological) study is carried out with a quantitative determination of isolated microorganisms and sensitivity to antibiotics. Clinically significant is the detection of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealiticum in an amount of more than 10^4 cfu/ml.

In addition, in order to assess the state of the epithelium of the genital organs, the presence of an inflammatory process and concomitant sexually transmitted infections, it is recommended to conduct a microscopic examination of a Gram-stained smear.

Literature

Manual of Infectious Diseases with an Atlas of Infectious Pathology. Edited by Yu.V. Lobzina, S.S. Kozlova, A.N. Uskov. www.infectology.spb.ru, St. Petersburg. 2000

Indications for appointment

Positive result:

likely current infection with Mycoplasma hominis;
bacillus carrying.

Negative result:

early or late terms of Mycoplasma hominis infection;
weak immune response to Mycoplasma hominis;
no infection (with negative PCR results).

* The positivity ratio (PC) is the ratio of the optical density of the patient sample to the threshold value. KP - the coefficient of positivity is a universal indicator used in high-quality enzyme immunoassays. The CP characterizes the degree of positivity of the test sample and may be useful to the doctor for the correct interpretation of the result. Since the positivity coefficient does not correlate linearly with the concentration of antibodies in the sample, it is not recommended to use the CP for dynamic monitoring of patients, including monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.