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Genital mycoplasmas--morbidity and a potential influence on human fertility
Joanna Grześko1, Marek Elias, Magdalena Manowiec
1Klinika Ginekologii, II Katedra Ginekologii i Połoznictwa, Akademia Medyczna, ul. Dyrekcyjna 5/7, 50-528 Wrocław, Poland. joannagrzesko@interia.pl
Abstract:
Mycoplasmas comprise a big group of organisms consisting of one hundred eighty species which are found in nature as parasites of humans, other mammals, reptiles, fishes and plants, or living as commensals. The group commonly referred to as genital mycoplasmas comprise species most often found in the genitourinary tract of sexually active adults as common commensal inhabitants, or pathogens which can cause many different infections. The species we are most interested in this work are called: Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum. There is no doubt that they can cause non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in both men and women and bacterial vaginosis (BV), cervicitis, endometritis. Infection can spread to the upper port of female genital tract and it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, or if it happens during pregnancy--to chorioamnionitis and further pregnancy complications. Even though mycoplasmas have been known and described since 1898, the problem of their morbidity and the possible influence they have on human fertility is still not clear. Similar to research from 30 years ago, connecting Chlamydia trachomatis with infertility, new scientific work as well as the dynamic development of diagnostics procedure, especially more common use of PCR method, may be helpful in discovering the potential role genital mycoplasmas play in infertility.
Insights
Genital mycoplasmas like Mycoplasma genitalium can cause genitourinary infections. Advanced diagnostics, including PCR, are crucial for understanding their role in human infertility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Mycoplasmas are a diverse group of bacteria, with specific species inhabiting the genitourinary tract.
- Genital mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum, are common commensals or pathogens in adults.
- These organisms are implicated in various genitourinary infections such as non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), bacterial vaginosis (BV), cervicitis, and endometritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of genital mycoplasmas in human infertility.
- To highlight the importance of advanced diagnostic methods in understanding mycoplasma-associated health issues.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mycoplasma infections and fertility.
- Emphasis on the utility of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for sensitive detection of genital mycoplasmas.
Main Results:
- Genital mycoplasmas are known to cause significant genitourinary infections.
- The precise impact of these infections on human fertility remains an area requiring further research.
- Advancements in diagnostic techniques, particularly PCR, offer improved capabilities for detection and study.
Conclusions:
- Genital mycoplasmas are significant causes of genitourinary tract infections.
- Further research, aided by modern diagnostics like PCR, is necessary to elucidate the link between genital mycoplasmas and infertility.
- Understanding the role of these microbes is crucial for reproductive health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
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