Unicellular microorganisms - ureaplasma urealyticum (ureaplasma urealiticum) cause the disease ureaplasmosis . This pathogen belongs to gram-negative intracellular microbes. Ureaplasma urealyticum is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism, as many women also have it in the normal flora of the vagina. This infection is transmitted both during sexual intercourse and during the birth of infants from an infected mother. In this case, ureaplasma urealyticum can enter the genital tract of the child and remain there without activity for life. The basic factor of body protection is the physiological barrier, which is provided by normal microflora. As soon as the balance is disturbed, the microbe begins to multiply actively, and the disease ureaplasmosis occurs.
Etiology
The disease is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. To date, medicine does not have evidence that ureaplasmosis is transmitted by contact, that is, infection through the use of one toilet bowl, household items or in the pool is not the cause of the disease. In adult women, ureaplasma urealyticum is detected in 60% of cases, in newborn girls - up to 30%, in men, these microbes are detected much less often. Ureaplasma urealiticum is a transitional stage between viruses and bacteria. The microorganism got its name because of the peculiarities of splitting urea. Thus, ureaplasmosis is a urinary infection, since ureaplasma urealiticum cannot exist without urea.
Ureaplasmosis. What is and how is it manifested?
Ureaplasmosis does not have specific symptoms, like many other infections. The disease does not manifest itself immediately and may not bother for a long time. The patient may not know that he is a carrier, and continue to infect sexual partners. This is a common cause of ureaplasmosis. During pregnancy, the fetus becomes infected from a sick mother through the amniotic fluid. The threat also exists during childbirth when the newborn passes through the mother's genital tract. The incubation period of ureaplasmosis can last from 2 to 5 weeks and depends on the state of the immune system of the infected person. The main factors for the appearance of ureaplasmosis are as follows: the constant change of partners and the early onset of sexual life, sexual intercourse without protection, gynecological and sexually transmitted diseases, the use of antibacterial and hormonal drugs, a general deterioration in the quality of human life and constant stress, radiation exposure and other factors that reduce human immunity. Ureaplasmosis is most common in the age group up to 30 years.
Symptoms of ureaplasmosis
Women complain of the appearance of more transparent discharge in the vagina, which are little distinguishable from normal. If the patient's immunity is weakened, then ureaplasmosis rises higher through the genital tract and causes inflammation of the appendages or uterus. In some cases, ureaplasmosis is manifested by itching and burning during urination. Sometimes the temperature rises slightly. There may be discomfort in the prostate or groin. But since the manifestations are insignificant or absent (that is, the patient does not seek medical help), then ureaplasmosis in most cases becomes chronic and can be a rather serious complication for human health.
Diagnosis of the disease
For modern medicine, the diagnosis of ureaplasmosis is not too complicated. As a rule, the doctor chooses a certain combination of laboratory tests to obtain the most accurate results. The bacteriological method is very accurate. Materials from the urethra, cervix or vagina are placed for several days in a growth medium for the growth of ureaplasma urealyticum. This method allows you to determine the number of microbes, which is very important for choosing a course of treatment. When the indicator is less than 10 * 4 CFU, the patient is considered a carrier, and treatment is not necessary. With an indicator greater than 10 * 4 CFU, drug therapy is required. The same method allows you to choose the right antibiotic. This study lasts for 1 week. A faster study is polymerase chain reaction. This method allows the detection of ureaplasma urealyticum DNA. This study lasts for 5 hours. If the result is positive, the following examinations are prescribed. Ureaplasma urealyticum parvum, the most common ureaplasma biovar, can be identified.
Treatment of ureaplasmosis
If you have a history of ureaplasmosis, do not in any case resort to additional sources, as is now customary. Even if you find constructive information in Wikipedia, various medical essays, and even in the Vidal directory, do not use it without consulting a medical specialist. Do not self-medicate, as each patient has his own individual history of ureaplasmosis, its own clinical picture and its own history. Look at the photos of neglected cases or inadequate treatment and go to experienced specialists for medical help.