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Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
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Occurrence and pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis in the upper urinary tract: a review

A C Thomsen

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    |October 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Mycoplasma hominis may cause acute pyelonephritis in humans, accounting for about 5% of cases. Diagnosis requires upper urinary tract culture and urine antibodies, not just serum response.

    Area of Science:

    • Urology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection.
    • The causative agents of pyelonephritis are typically bacteria.
    • The role of Mycoplasma hominis in pyelonephritis requires further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential role of Mycoplasma hominis as a causative agent of acute pyelonephritis in humans.
    • To establish diagnostic criteria for Mycoplasma hominis-induced pyelonephritis.

    Main Methods:

    • Culture of Mycoplasma hominis from upper urinary tract specimens of patients with pyelonephritis.
    • Serological testing for antibodies to Mycoplasma hominis in serum and urine.
    • Analysis of clinical symptoms and patient history.

    Main Results:

    • Mycoplasma hominis was isolated from the upper urinary tract of 17 patients with acute pyelonephritis.
    • In 12 of these patients, no other microorganisms were recovered.
    • Antibodies to Mycoplasma hominis were detected in the urine of nine patients, and significant changes in serum antibody titers were observed in 13 patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Mycoplasma hominis is suggested as a potential cause of acute pyelonephritis, estimated in approximately 5% of cases.
    • Diagnosis is supported by upper urinary tract culture and the presence of urine antibodies.
    • Serum antibody response or culture from catheter-collected urine is insufficient for diagnosis.

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