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Colonisation of the urethra with Streptococcus pneumoniae: a case report
Genitourinary Medicine
|October 1, 1985
Abstract:
A 25 year old man developed mild urethritis and urethral colonisation with Streptococcus pneumoniae five days after a single orogenital sexual contact. The diagnosis was suspected because of the appearance of Gram positive diplococci in the urethral exudate. The incidence of urethral infection with S pneumoniae is not known. Pneumococci are unlikely to grow on the routine selective media used to identify Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Insights
Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause mild urethritis in men following orogenital contact. Diagnosis relies on identifying Gram-positive diplococci in urethral samples, as standard media may miss this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urethritis is commonly associated with sexually transmitted infections.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a known cause of pneumonia and meningitis.
- The role of S. pneumoniae in urethritis is not well-established.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old man presented with mild urethritis symptoms.
- The patient reported a single orogenital sexual contact five days prior.
- Gram-positive diplococci were observed in urethral exudate samples.
Findings:
- Urethral colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae was confirmed.
- The presence of Gram-positive diplococci in exudate aided diagnosis.
- S. pneumoniae may be an underdiagnosed cause of urethritis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for S. pneumoniae to cause urethritis.
- Diagnostic methods for urethritis may need to consider non-gonococcal pathogens.
- Further research is needed to determine the incidence of pneumococcal urethritis.