Clinical significance of ureaplasmas in urogenital pathology

Abstract

The clinical significance of Ureaplasmas in urogenital pathology is reviewed. Ureaplasmas belong to the class Mollicutes. Asymptomatic carriage of these bacteria is common, and most individuals do not develop disease. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum are sexually transmitted bacteria among humans implicated in a variety of disease states including but not limited to: nongonococcal urethritis, adverse pregnancy outcomes, chorioamnionitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates. U. urealyticum has been associated with urethritis in men and is revealed in a high concentration that confirms its etiological role in the disease. Men with a high U. urealyticum load are considered for treatment, however, the data on the therapy efficiency have been insufficient so far. In symptomatic women, bacterial vaginosis should always be tested for, and the corresponding therapy should be prescribed in case of positive results.