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Prevalence of Certain Urogenital Bacterial Mollicutes in Patients Suffering from Infertility
Motasem Y Al-Masri1, Intesar Khaleel Ashour2, Ashraf Swafta2
1Division of Pathology and Medical Laboratory Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, West Bank, State of Palestine.
Introduction:
Mollicutes urogenital tract infections are considered a possible cause of infertility worldwide. Genital Mollicutes infections are difficult and impractical to diagnose by culturing or serology. Mollicutes included in this study were Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma genitalium. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of M. hominis, U. urealyticum, and M. genitalium genital infections among infertile males and females patients.
Methods:
This study included 103 patients who visited Al-Shunar Clinic in Nablus city in Palestine and diagnosed with infertility during January 2018 to October 2018. The semen, urine, and/or vaginal swab specimens collected from patients were examined by PCR for detection of M. hominis, U. urealyticum, and M. genitalium.
Results:
A total of 57 semen, 37 urine, and 16 vaginal swab specimens were collected. Out of the 110 examined specimens, 35 (31.8%) were PCR positive for at least one Mollicutes, which were 16 (14.6%) M. hominis, 11 (10%) U. urealyticum, and 8 (7.3%) M. genitalium. Significant association were found between infections of M. hominis and U. urealyticum (P=0.044) and between M. hominis and M. genitalium (P=0.005) infections. M. hominis infection was found in significantly (P=0.048) higher percentage in males (20.6%) in comparison with females (5.7%). On the other hand, M. genitalium infection rate in females (8.6%) was slightly higher than males (7.4%). M. hominis was more prevalent in all age groups except for patient's age group 40-50 years old, where M. genitalium was more prevalent. M. hominis was also more prevalent in all occupation types and among all smokers.
Conclusion:
Urogenital infections caused by M. hominis, M. genitalium, and U. urealyticum could be a possible cause of infertility among patients with different age groups, genders, and occupations. Thus, more attention by infertility centers and physicians is required in adopting molecular methods for diagnosis of infections by these microorganisms.
Insights
Genital Mollicutes infections, including Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma genitalium, are linked to infertility. PCR detection revealed a 31.8% prevalence in infertile patients, highlighting the need for molecular diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Urogenital Mollicutes infections are implicated as a cause of infertility globally.
- Traditional diagnostic methods like culturing and serology for genital Mollicutes are challenging and impractical.
- Key species studied include Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of genital Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections in infertile male and female patients.
- To assess the role of these specific Mollicutes in contributing to infertility.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 103 infertile patients from Al-Shunar Clinic, Nablus, Palestine.
- Collection of semen, urine, and/or vaginal swab specimens from January to October 2018.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) used for the detection of M. hominis, U. urealyticum, and M. genitalium.
Main Results:
- Out of 110 specimens, 35 (31.8%) tested positive for at least one Mollicutes.
- Prevalence rates were: M. hominis (14.6%), U. urealyticum (10%), and M. genitalium (7.3%).
- Significant associations were found between M. hominis and U. urealyticum (P=0.044), and M. hominis and M. genitalium (P=0.005). M. hominis was significantly more prevalent in males (20.6%) than females (5.7%).
Conclusions:
- Urogenital infections by M. hominis, M. genitalium, and U. urealyticum may contribute to infertility across various demographics.
- The study underscores the need for increased attention from infertility centers and clinicians towards molecular diagnostic methods for these infections.
- Early and accurate diagnosis using molecular techniques is crucial for managing infertility cases potentially linked to Mollicutes.
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