In inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system in both men and women, the mycoplasma hominis bacterium is often found. This microorganism, along with ureaplasma, refers to opportunistic bacteria that are normally present in the microflora of the urethra and vagina. They cause an infectious process only when their concentration becomes too high. Nevertheless, to date, mycoplasma hominis is found in 30-68% of cases with inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system in women and in 20-42% of cases in men.
Infection is transmitted through unprotected sex. In most cases, mycoplasma hominis does not manifest itself for a long time after infection. Once in the body, the bacterium can parasitize for a long time inside the cell, causing a sluggish inflammatory process. It is known that women are much more likely to be carriers of this microorganism, while in men bright clinical manifestations can be observed.
When does mycoplasma hominis become dangerous?
The bacterium can actively multiply and cause the development of an infectious process with a decrease in the body's defenses. The number of mycoplasmas may increase to 10,000 in 1 ml or more. In this case, in men, mycoplasma hominis can contribute to the development of epidemiitis, prostatitis, urethritis, and in some cases even impotence. Clinical manifestations of infection in women can be endometritis, adnexitis, vulvovaginitis, bartholinitis, urethritis. Often, mycoplasma hominis becomes the culprit of inflammatory processes in women at menopause. Often, the bacterium is the cause of female infertility.
In addition, with the addition of other microorganisms (bacteria and viruses), especially pathogens, mycoplasma hominis becomes extremely dangerous. After all, these bacteria can attach not only to the cells of the mucous membranes, but also to the cells of other microorganisms, for example, gonococci. Such an association of microorganisms for the human immune system is more dangerous, since the inflammatory process in this case spreads faster, and the disease often becomes chronic.
And, of course, mycoplasma hominis becomes dangerous during pregnancy. In this case, there is a risk of infection with the mycoplasma of the child, and, in addition, there is a threat of premature termination of pregnancy.
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
Currently, PCR is mainly used to detect mycoplasmas. The determination of antibodies to bacteria by ELISA is considered less informative. In the event that a bacterium is found, seeding of the excreted urogenital organs is done on nutrient media to determine the degree of growth of microorganisms. In addition, it is necessary to determine which antibiotics are sensitive to mycoplasma hominis. Treatment is usually carried out with macrolides, as well as antibiotics of the tetracycline series and fluoroquinolones. Be sure to supplement the treatment regimen with immunomodulating agents, vitamins and drugs to restore intestinal microflora. The course of treatment is usually 10-14 days. To exclude re-infection with mycoplasmas, both partners should be treated.
With proper treatment and the elimination of re-infection, one or two courses of therapy usually allow you to cope with the disease. It should be remembered that self-medication in case of detection of mycoplasmas is impossible. Only a doctor can correctly assess the situation and decide whether treatment is required. In addition, when detecting mycoplasma hominis, it is necessary to conduct an examination for the presence of other genital infections. In the event that inflammation is caused by several microorganisms, the doctor will definitely select the appropriate treatment regimen.