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Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice
Published on: December 4, 2020
Genital tract infections and infertility
Donatella Pellati1, Ioannis Mylonakis, Giulio Bertoloni
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Endocrinology, University of Padua, Via Ospedale 105, 35100 Padua, Italy.
Summary
Infections impacting the reproductive system are a significant cause of infertility in both men and women. Pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae can lead to severe reproductive damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Infectious agents pose a threat to human reproductive functions in both sexes.
- Genitourinary infections contribute to approximately 15% of male infertility cases.
- Microbial infections can affect various sites within the male reproductive tract, impacting sperm development, maturation, and transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of infectious agents on human reproductive functions.
- To highlight common microorganisms involved in sexually transmitted infections affecting fertility.
- To discuss the mechanisms by which infections cause infertility in both males and females.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious agents and their effects on fertility.
- Analysis of common bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens.
- Examination of specific reproductive tract sites affected by infections.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are key pathogens in sexually transmitted infections affecting fertility.
- Escherichia coli can cause non-sexually transmitted epididymo-orchitis, leading to male infertility.
- Tubal damage, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and adhesions are significant consequences of female genital tract infections.
Conclusions:
- Infections are a major cause of infertility, necessitating further research into co-infections and their impact on sperm quality.
- Understanding the role of various pathogens is crucial for diagnosing and treating reproductive dysfunction.
- Monitoring the spread of tropical diseases is important due to their potential re-emergence in Western countries.
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