Related Experiment Videos
[Microbiological study of urethritis in men]
L Otth1, M A Gutiérrez, M Wilson
1Instituto de Microbiología Clínica, y de Especialidades, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia.
Abstract:
From 1985 to 1987 we obtained urethral samples from 453 patients with a clinical diagnosis of urethritis. N gonorrhoeae was isolated in 55%, a rate that increased along the study period. The most common other agent was U urealyticum alone or in combination with other organisms. Among 82 patients, the incidence of chlamydia trachomatis was 19%. The proportion of Beta-lactamase producing strains among N gonorrhoeae varied form 7% in 1985 to 13% in 87 and 3% in 1988.
Insights
Neisseria gonorrhoeae was the most common cause of urethritis from 1985-1987, with increasing isolation rates. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis were also significant contributors to urethritis cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Urethritis is a common clinical diagnosis in patients presenting with urethral symptoms.
- Understanding the causative agents of urethritis is crucial for effective treatment and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the etiological agents of urethritis in a patient cohort.
- To track the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other common pathogens over a defined period.
- To assess the incidence of antibiotic resistance, specifically beta-lactamase production, in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates.
Main Methods:
- Urethral samples were collected from 453 patients diagnosed with urethritis between 1985 and 1987.
- Microbiological cultures were performed to isolate and identify bacterial pathogens.
- Specific diagnostic methods were used to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including the detection of beta-lactamase production, was conducted on Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates.
Main Results:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae was identified in 55% of cases, with isolation rates increasing throughout the study period.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most frequently identified non-gonococcal agent, found alone or in combination with other organisms.
- Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 19% of 82 tested patients.
- The proportion of beta-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains showed variability, ranging from 7% in 1985 to 13% in 1987 and 3% in 1988.
Conclusions:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae remains a primary cause of urethritis, necessitating ongoing surveillance for antibiotic resistance.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis are significant co-pathogens in urethritis.
- The fluctuating rates of beta-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae highlight the need for continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance patterns.