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Microbiological features of persistent nonspecific urethritis in men
1Department of Human Microbiology, Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia. ubi@mail.orb.ru
Summary
Persistent nonspecific urethritis (PNU) in men is linked to reduced urethral bacterial diversity. Opportunistic microbes with enhanced pathogenic traits appear in PNU, suggesting microecological imbalances.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Immunology
Background:
- The role of opportunistic microorganisms in male urethritis remains debated.
- Persistent nonspecific urethritis (PNU) presents a specific clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in urethral microflora associated with PNU in men.
- To detect decomplementary activity (DCA) phenotypes of urethral isolates.
- To compare microbial profiles between men with and without PNU.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of 18 healthy men and 24 men diagnosed with PNU.
- Culturing urethral specimens on selective media.
- Assessing bacterial DCA by measuring complement activity (CH(50)) reduction.
Main Results:
- Coryneforms, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and streptococci were common in both groups.
- Enterobacteriaceae, enterococci, micrococci, and Staphylococcus aureus were exclusively found in the PNU group.
- Simpson's diversity index was significantly lower in the PNU group (1.37 ± 0.4 vs. 3.5 ± 0.9; p<0.05).
- Staphylococcal DCA was significantly higher in the PNU group (7.3 ± 1.4 vs. 1.56 ± 1.05 anti-CH(50); p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- PNU is associated with decreased bacterial diversity in the urethral microflora.
- Opportunistic microorganisms with significant pathogenic properties are more prevalent in PNU.
- These findings suggest PNU may stem from or contribute to microecological disturbances.
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