Mycoplasma: function in the human body and ways of infection. Mycoplasma in men - causes, signs and treatment Mycoplasma hominis incubation period

Mycoplasma is the name given to the smallest bacteria, located between fungi and viruses in the biological series.

In its structure, mycoplasma dispenses with a cell wall, having only a plasmalemma - the thinnest film that can only be seen with a powerful electron microscope.

From it, mycoplasma receives all the substances necessary for life, depleting and genetically changing it.

It is possible to become infected with mycoplasmosis in the following ways:

• Sexual - this can happen with a frequent change of sexual partners, as well as during unprotected intercourse with a carrier of the disease. Moreover, the type of contact can be different - oral, anal or genital.
• From a pregnant mother, mycoplasma can get to the fetus through the placenta, as well as during childbirth, when the child passes through an infected birth canal.
• Airborne - this method applies only to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In this case, the airways and lungs become inflamed. Diseases such as pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia develop. There are frequent cases of mycoplasmal bronchitis in children in crowded groups - kindergartens and schools.

Thanks to the conducted studies, it has been proved that mycoplasmosis is not transmitted by contact-household.

Bacteria of this type are especially dangerous for pregnant women: in the first trimester they can cause spontaneous abortion, and in the third - premature birth.

Even if this did not happen, mycoplasmas can disrupt the functioning of the child's vital organs - the liver, vascular system, etc. Their presence often provokes chronic fetal hypoxia, in which the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen, delaying development. In men, mycoplasmosis can cause no less serious problems - impotence and infertility.

Mycoplasma hominis and mycoplasma genitalium: comparative characteristics of infections

Currently, the existence of many types of mycoplasma has been discovered, but only 16 of them are able to survive in the human body. 10 species live in the respiratory (respiratory) tract - the pharynx and oral cavity, the remaining 6 - in the urogenital (on the mucous membranes of the urinary tract and genital organs). Most of them are saprophytes - they exist in the body without showing themselves. However, when the immune barrier is lowered, bacterial cells are activated, causing various diseases.

Only 6 types of microbes can cause serious problems:

• Micoplasma pneumoniae - contributes to the development of atypical pneumonia and pulmonary mycoplasmosis (mycoplasmal bronchitis).
• Micoplasma penetrans and Micoplasma fermentans - their presence can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Micoplasma hominis and Micoplasma genitalium - causes urogenital mycoplasmosis.

Both species are opportunistic pathogens. This means that under certain conditions they can cause an illness, but it is not uncommon to find them in healthy people.

Mycoplasma genitalium has a greater ability to cause disease, but it is much less common than Mycoplasma hominis. In heterosexual men, the percentage of the presence of this type of bacteria is much lower than in homosexuals (11% and 30%, respectively). Mycoplasma hominis is less pathogenic, but in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system it is found much more often. It is not uncommon in patients with cystitis and pyelonephritis.

• inflammation of the ovaries and their abscesses;
• endometritis;
• adnexitis;
• salpingitis, etc.

Mycoplasmosis of the external female genital organs caused by mycoplasmas hominis and genitalia includes urethritis, vulvovaginitis, etc. The presence of these diseases can prove the presence of a high level of epithelium in a smear taken for clinical examination. In men, mycoplasma genitalium can cause inflammation of the urethra (urethritis). The influence of mycoplasmas on the development of prostatitis has not been proven.

Mycoplasmosis: symptoms, diagnosis and necessary tests

Urogenital infections caused by mycoplasma are divided into asymptomatic, acute and chronic.

In most cases, a disease such as mycoplasmosis may have no symptoms.

In this case, the following common symptoms in men and women with mycoplasmosis can be observed:

• Mucous discharge in small quantities. At the same time, they can either disappear or appear after a while in a larger volume.
• Cutting and burning during urination. In men with urethritis, a sharp pain can be observed at the end of this process, sometimes blood appears.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Itching in the genital area.
• Pain during sex.

With mycoplasma in men, pulling pain of the testicles may appear. The edges of the scrotum become inflamed red. The acute stage of urogenital mycoplasmosis is rare and completely curable with the appropriate approach. No specialist is able to make a correct diagnosis and recommend taking certain pills based on one examination and a single analysis.

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis, the symptoms of which are disturbing, is carried out in several stages. Initially, an examination by a highly specialized doctor is carried out, in which the condition of the cervix and the mucous membrane of the vaginal walls is assessed. If a specialist detects inflammation of the mucosa and cervical canal in combination with copious secretions that have a pungent odor, he may suspect the presence of urogenital mycoplasmosis.

To clarify the diagnosis, ultrasound of the pelvic organs and additional laboratory tests may be recommended. For example, a bacteriological smear. With the help of the analysis taken, the microbiologist conducts a sowing, which will not only determine the causative agent of mycoplasmosis, but also its reaction to antibacterial drugs.

Currently this method is considered not very informative, so the patient is prescribed a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis, which has a 90% efficiency. With this method, mycoplasma DNA is detected. Any biological material is suitable for research - saliva, blood, secretions from the genitals, etc.

In some cases, ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay) and PIF (immunofluorescence method) are used. In this case, the pathogen is detected using specifically stained antibodies. These methods are very common in our country, but have low accuracy (no more than 70%). In addition, there is a serological method and a method of genetic probes - but these are already rarer types of research.

Patients for seeding take a swab:

• in men - from the urethra or semen, urine, prostate secretion;
• in women - from the vagina, cervix, urethra.

Before taking a smear by a gynecologist, do not use vaginal suppositories. There is a danger that the result of the analysis may be unreliable. For ELISA and PCR, it is necessary to donate blood from a vein, on an empty stomach.

When sowing, the borderline indicator of the norm and anomaly is the value of 104 CFU / ml. If the indicator is less - the patient is healthy, if more - additional research and, possibly, treatment is required.

In studies on immunoglobulins of classes M and G, the response is of the following types:

• "negative" - ​​in this case, either there is no infection at all, or less than 2 weeks have passed since its moment, or it did not cause a strong immune response. Less than 5 IgG and less than 8 IgM must be found in the sample;
• "doubtful" - in the presence of 9 IgM and 5 IgG;
• "positively".

More about the disease

With weakly positive anti-Mic.hominis IgM 10-30, and anti-Mic.hominis IgG 10; with positive anti-Mic.hominis IgM 40-1100, and with anti-Mic.hominis IgG; with strongly positive anti-Mic.hominis IgM 1100, and with anti-Mic.hominis IgG 10 ≥40.

Do not interpret test results yourself. This should be done by a specialist, taking into account the conclusions of the clinical examination and observing the course of mycoplasmosis, the symptoms of which may appear and disappear from time to time.

If this or that analysis showed undesirable results - do not be upset. Any research can be wrong.

This usually occurs due to mixing of samples - contamination with foreign DNA, violation of the order of sampling for research or analysis during the period of antibiotics.

Mycoplasma in women and men: differences in the course of the disease

The incubation period of infection in men and women lasts up to 20 days, after which symptoms of the disease appear. At the same time, mycoplasma in women in the acute phase gives more pronounced symptoms, even spotting between menstruation may appear.

In men, the symptoms of the disease are very weak, unlike a woman, a man is not a carrier of mycoplasmas. Mycoplasma in men rarely passes to the kidneys, but often ends in infertility.

Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

The incubation period of the disease lasts up to 3 weeks.

At the same time, mycoplasmal pneumonia develops similarly to SARS:

• runny nose;
• general weakness;
• low body temperature;
• perspiration and dryness in the throat;
• headache;
• cough - at first dry, then the separation of mucous viscous sputum begins.

After 5-7 days, the symptoms intensify, the temperature rises to 40 degrees, the cough becomes stronger, the attacks are more and more prolonged. When breathing, chest pain may occur, wheezing is heard during the examination.

Pulmonary mycoplasmosis provokes Micoplasma pneumoniae.

It is manifested by the following symptoms, which are divided into two groups:

1. Respiratory.
   • with damage to the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis develop;
   • if mycoplasmas in women or men enter the lungs, pleurisy, pneumonia are diagnosed, abscesses form;
2. Non-respiratory: In this case, any organ can become infected. At the same time, mycoplasmas in men or women can cause diseases such as:
   • anemia;
   • pancreatitis;
   • hepatitis;
   • meningitis;
   • neuritis;
   • polyarthritis;
   • myalgia;
   • skin rashes, etc.

Mycoplasmosis of the genital organs and urinary tract

These diseases are provoked by mycoplasma genitalium and mycoplasma hominis, which are transmitted through sexual contact. The incubation period is from 3 to 35 days. Symptoms of mycoplasma in men are more pronounced than in women. Ladies may not be aware of their problems and only accidentally discover them during an examination for cervical erosion or inflammation of the internal genital organs. Obvious symptoms of the presence of mycoplasma in women can occur only during an exacerbation of the disease: discharge from the genitals, pain during intercourse and urination.

Mycoplasmosis: treatment with drugs and traditional medicine

When the first signs of mycoplasmosis appear, you should immediately consult a doctor who will give a referral for tests.

Based on the data obtained, the specialist will draw up a treatment regimen, which will depend on many factors:

• gender and age of the patient;
• pregnancy;
• manifestation of an allergy to certain components of the drug;
• the type of bacterium and its sensitivity to a particular agent.

At the same time, the main difficulty lies in the fact that not every antibiotic is able to successfully fight mycoplasma. Therefore, the treatment of diseases caused by these bacteria should be handled by a specialist.

In combination with antibacterial therapy, antiprotozoal and antifungal drugs are prescribed. In some cases, immunotherapy and physiotherapy are carried out. If mycoplasmosis is detected, treatment is necessary for both sexual partners at the same time to avoid re-infection. To achieve this goal and increase the effectiveness of treatment, many doctors use modern technology extracorporeal antibiotic therapy.

It consists in the incubation administration of significant doses of antibiotics and the simultaneous purification of the blood (plasmapheresis). Folk methods it is impossible to get rid of mycoplasmosis. You can only reduce some of the symptoms of the disease, but the pathogens themselves cannot be destroyed.

Folk remedies can be used as ancillary, but only under the supervision of a doctor:

1. With mycoplasmosis, treatment can be carried out with the help of garlic. At least 2-4 cloves should be eaten per day. You can also prepare a special composition: chop 150 g of garlic and vegetable oil in a blender, add salt and lemon juice. The last component can be replaced with diluted table vinegar. You should get a creamy mixture, which is added to salads or spread on bread. To get rid of mycoplasmosis, the more garlic is consumed, the better.
2. Wintergreen, winter love and boron uterus are mixed in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. The resulting 10-12 g of the collection is poured into 500-750 g of boiling water and kept on low heat for about 5 minutes. Insist 1 hour, strain. Drink the infusion in equal parts throughout the day. The course of treatment is 21 days.
3. 1 tbsp. meadowsweet flowers and St. John's wort leaves pour 800 ml cold water, simmer for 10 minutes. After that, hold in a water bath for at least 2 hours. Strain. Drink chilled 3 times a day, 200 ml 15 minutes before meals.

It is easier to prevent an ailment than to get rid of it for a long time and painfully - a long-known rule. It also works in the case of such a problem as mycoplasmosis, the treatment of which takes a long time. To avoid infection, you need to follow a few simple rules. In order not to get sick with urogenital mycoplasmosis, you need to limit casual sex. If it doesn't work out, use a condom when making love. Moreover, it should be put on before the start of comfort - before contact with the partner's genitals.

Periodically, tests should be taken for laboratory diagnostics to detect sexually transmitted infections. This is especially important for those who are planning a pregnancy.

If a disease is detected in one family member, it is recommended that everyone else at home consult a specialist, it is necessary to complete a full course with a diagnosis of a cure. A healthy lifestyle and good nutrition support the immune system in the proper form - this prevents the penetration of mycoplasma into the human body. The prevention and treatment of mycoplasmosis should be taken seriously. After all, a neglected disease can permanently deprive the patient of the hope of becoming a parent. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment will guarantee getting rid of the problem.

• M. pneumonia - causes pulmonary (respiratory) mycoplasmosis;
• M. incognitus - causes a generalized form of mycoplasmosis;
• M. hominis - causes the urogenital form of mycoplasmosis;
• M. genitalium - causes the urogenital form of mycoplasmosis;
• U. urealyticum - causes the urogenital form of mycoplasmosis.

The causative agents of the disease are sensitive to antibacterial drugs from the group of macrolides, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines. Also, outside the human body, they die from boiling, disinfecting solutions and from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Causes and mechanism of development of mycoplasmosis

Mycoplasmosis: symptoms and treatment

Human mycoplasmosis is divided into respiratory (pulmonary) and urogenital. Each has its own characteristics of the course and treatment. Respiratory is treated by a general practitioner or pulmonologist. Urogenital - urologist or gynecologist.
A certain type of mycoplasmosis has its own incubation period. Let's consider them separately.

Respiratory mycoplasmosis

It is transmitted by airborne droplets or from mother to fetus through the placenta. It is divided into mycoplasmal bronchitis and mycoplasmal pneumonia (pneumonia). The former are similar in course to the flu or other viral infection, only with a longer course.
The incubation period is 1-2 weeks. In rare cases, it reaches 3-4 weeks. It starts with fever, nasal congestion and severe cough. After the lungs are attached to the process, an even greater increase in temperature occurs, the cough becomes with a small amount of sputum, shortness of breath occurs. The duration of this variant of mycoplasmosis is about 2-3 months.
In severe cases of the disease, it is necessary to stay in the hospital. For therapy, antibiotics, antitussives (in the first few days), expectorants, antipyretics and vitamins are used. Antifungal drugs are also used in the treatment.

Urogenital mycoplasmosis

Clinical manifestations after the ingestion of mycoplasma begin to develop after a period of time from 3 days to 3 weeks. In 80% of cases, infection occurs sexually. However, contact is not excluded. There are asymptomatic, acute and chronic. It manifests itself in minor discharge from the vagina or urethra. Just concerned about the itching of the genitals, cramps when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen. In women, a violation of the menstrual cycle is possible, in men, pain in the scrotum and anus.
Chronic mycoplasmosis sooner or later leads to various complications. For women, it is most often infertility, persistent miscarriages or premature births. In this case, the child becomes ill with a pulmonary form of the disease. For men, infertility is most common. Both sexes may experience pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), arthritis (inflammation of the joints).
The consequences of mycoplasmosis of the respiratory form are bronchiectasis (irreversible expansion of the bronchi) and pneumosclerosis (replacement of normal lung tissue with connective tissue). These are the most common complications. But with the wrong treatment, more serious consequences are possible. This is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or a generalized lesion (when almost all organs and systems of human organs are included in the disease process).

Prevention of mycoplasmosis

There is no vaccine for mycoplasmosis. Therefore, for the prevention of the pulmonary form, it is necessary to follow the same methods as for other colds. And in order to avoid the genital form of the disease, it is necessary to exclude casual sexual intercourse, especially unprotected ones, carefully examine pregnant women, properly process gynecological instruments, and adequately treat patients with mycoplasmosis.

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis is a rather difficult task. This is explained by the fact that with this disease there are no signs characteristic only of him. They can also be found in a number of other pathologies. But the presence of chronic inflammation of the genitourinary system can push the doctor to think about mycoplasmosis, after which the doctor's thoughts are confirmed or refuted in the laboratory.
Laboratory diagnostic methods include:

Mycoplasmosis does not have symptoms that would be characteristic only of this disease. All complaints that a patient can make are also found in other pathologies of the respiratory or genitourinary system. However, the combination of several signs helps to prompt the doctor to the idea of ​​the need to examine the patient for mycoplasmosis.
Mycoplasma can infect the human respiratory system (respiratory or pulmonary mycoplasmosis) and urogenital (urogenital mycoplasmosis). Depending on the localization of the disease, complaints will differ.
Respiratory mycoplasmosis includes the following symptoms: in the first days from the onset of the disease, a sore throat appears, nasal congestion and a strong, paroxysmal dry cough occur, and body temperature rises to 38 ° C. After 1-2 weeks, the temperature rises to 39°C, the cough becomes paroxysmal, with a small amount of sputum, sometimes streaked with blood. There is strong shortness of breath, blue lips. This suggests that the lungs were involved in the process. This condition can last up to three months.
Signs of mycoplasmosis of the genitourinary system can be so mild that the patient does not pay attention to them for a long time. First of all, patients notice slight discharge from the vagina or urethra. Itching in the area of ​​the glans penis and urethra in men and in the area of ​​the entrance to the vagina in women will also be characteristic signs. They may be disturbed by cramps and discomfort during urination. If the infection spreads higher throughout the body, then women may experience intermenstrual bleeding, irregular menstruation, pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature. In men, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis are divided by the affected organs. If the testicles and their appendages are involved in the process, then the above complaints are accompanied by heaviness in the scrotum, its slight swelling. If the prostate gland is affected, then there is frequent nighttime urination, pressing pains in the lower abdomen or anus. Urine becomes cloudy, sometimes streaked with pus.

Complications of mycoplasmosis

Considering that the causes of mycoplasmosis are a small microorganism that does not always cause any complaints in the patient, complications of the disease are often possible. These include bronchiectasis (pathological irreversible expansion of the bronchi), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). As well as arthritis (inflammation of the joints), infertility, premature birth, frequent miscarriages. That is why, in order to prevent such serious consequences, it is necessary, at the slightest suspicion of mycoplasmosis, to consult a pulmonologist, gynecologist or urologist (depending on the affected system).

Treatment of mycoplasmosis

Treatment of respiratory mycoplasmosis

For the treatment of respiratory mycoplasmosis, antibacterial drugs are the main ones. Most effective against mycoplasma:

• tetracyclines - tetracycline (750-1000 mg per day, divided into 3 doses), doxycycline (200 mg per day, divided into 2 doses);
• fluoroquinolones - ofloxacin (600 mg per day, divided into 2 doses), ciprofloxacin (1000 mg per day, divided into 2 doses);
• macrolides - sumamed (500 mg 1 time / day or 1 g once), erythromycin (2000 mg per day, divided into 4 doses), clarithromycin (1500 mg per day, divided into 3 doses), azithromycin (1 g once or 500 mg 1 time / day).

The duration of treatment can take from 7 days (in mild cases) to 21 days (in severe cases). Antibiotics for mycoplasmosis are selected strictly individually.
Symptomatic drugs are also used to treat pulmonary mycoplasmosis. These are antitussives (codterpin 1 tablet no more than 4 doses per day, stoptusin 1 tablet in 3 doses) - they are used in the first few days of illness with a painful paroxysmal cough. Expectorants (Ambroxol 1 tablet in 3 divided doses, Lazolvan 1 tablet in 3 divided doses, ACC 1 sachet in 4 divided doses) - with a painful cough with sputum difficult to pass. Antipyretics (paracetamol 1 tablet in 4 doses, nimid 1 tablet in 2-4 doses, ibuprofen 1 tablet in 3 doses) - with an increase in body temperature from 38 ° C. For sore throats - sprays with antiseptics (Jox, Stoptusin, Givalex) or tablets (Decatilene, Strepsils) - every 3-4 hours. With nasal congestion - spray or drops (nazol, noxprey, aquamaris, naphthyzinum).
In severe cases, treatment should take place strictly in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor.

Treatment of urogenital mycoplasmosis

The main drug in the treatment of urogenital mycoplasmosis, as well as respiratory, is an antibiotic. Groups and dosages are the same. However, the duration of treatment is from 3 to 7 days. This is due to the milder course of the disease. In addition to this drug, antifungal drugs are used (fluconazole 100 mg, 1 tablet daily for 10 days or 500 mg once after a course of antibacterial drugs). Probiotics to restore microflora (Linex 1 capsule in 3-5 doses, Bifiform 1 capsule in 3-4 doses, Lacidophil 1 capsule in 3-4 doses). To strengthen the immune system, vitamins are used (Vitrum, Kvadevit, Undevit - 1 tablet in 4 doses) and immunostimulants (Laferon, 1 tablet in 3 doses, interferon is instilled into the nose every 2 hours).
Treatment of mycoplasmosis in women to all of the above adds vaginal suppositories with antibiotics (metronidazole 1 suppository at night for 10 days, gravagin 1 suppository at night for 7-10 days).
After the end of therapy, a woman needs to undergo a control study. To do this, 10 days after the last antibiotic tablet, a female doctor (gynecologist) takes a smear and does a sowing. This procedure must be carried out three times, during each subsequent menstrual cycle. Only if during these three months all the results are negative, the woman can be considered healthy.
Treatment of mycoplasmosis in men adds to the general principles of ointment or cream containing antibacterial substances (metrogil, oflokain - rub into the head of the penis 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks). At the end of the treatment, the treatment is monitored. Any method of laboratory research that is available in a medical institution, a male doctor (andrologist or urologist) checks for the presence of mycoplasma in the body.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in children

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in children is one of the most difficult tasks. The reason for this is the severity of the course of the disease. It is recommended that all children be hospitalized after such a diagnosis is made.
The basis for eliminating the cause of the disease are antibiotics. If the child is under 12 years old, then he is shown macrolides in the form of a suspension or capsule, and if the condition is extremely severe, then intramuscularly or intravenously fluoroquinolones.
The approximate scheme for the treatment of mycoplasmosis in children includes drugs such as:

• Antibacterial drug - azithromycin (Sumamed) - 10 mg / kg of body weight;
• Expectorants - Dr. Thais syrup, Dr. MOM syrup - up to 6 years, ½ teaspoon, from 6 to 12 years, 1 teaspoon, from 12 years, 1 tablespoon 4-6 times a day.
• Antipyretics - nurofen - up to 3 years, 2.5 ml 2 times a day, from 3 to 6, 5 ml 2-3 times a day, from 6 to 12, 7.5 ml 4 times a day, from 12 years old, 10 mo 4 times a day day.
• Probiotic - bifiform 1 capsule 2-3 times a day.
• Immunostimulator - interferon leukocyte instilled into the nose every 2 hours.
• Plentiful drink.

A pediatrician (pediatrician) will prescribe a complete treatment depending on the symptoms, the condition of the child and his age. In no case should you self-medicate.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis with folk remedies

Treatment of mycoplasmosis with folk remedies can be allowed only with the urogenital form, not complicated course. Here are a few recipes that are good to use for asymptomatic or asymptomatic variants:

• Steep 3 tablespoons of goldenrod herb in 3 cups of boiling water for 45 minutes. Take ½ cup 4-6 times a day for 21 days.
• 15 g of the collection (upland uterus, winter love grass and wintergreen) pour 3-4 glasses hot water and insist 45-50 minutes. Take ½ cup 5 times a day for 21-28 days.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of oak bark and 1 tablespoon of boron uterus with 1 ½ cups of boiling water, leave for 30-45 minutes. Use as a vaginal douche 2 times a day.

Prevention of mycoplasmosis

There is no specific prophylaxis (vaccine) against mycoplasmosis.
From pulmonary mycoplasmosis, it is necessary to adhere to the same rules as for other respiratory tract infections (hardening, maintaining immunity, taking vitamins).
Prevention of mycoplasmosis of the urogenital form includes compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, adequate sterilization of gynecological instruments, water purification in public pools. It is also necessary to adequately identify and treat patients with mycoplasmosis. We must not forget about safe sexual intercourse. In addition, women need to undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist every six months.

Mycoplasmosis in women

The incubation period after contact with mycoplasmas ranges from 4 to 55 days (average 14 days). But due to the fact that most often mycoplasmosis in women occurs in asymptomatic or asymptomatic forms, it is practically impossible to determine the moment of infection. The ratio of the incidence of mycoplasmosis in men and women is 1:2.
Due to the fact that the sexual route of transmission of the infection is predominant, women are able to become infected not only directly through sexual contact, but also through everyday contact - through towels, sheets or gynecological instruments.
Increase the frequency of detection of mycoplasmas in patients and a low level of social status, the use of hormonal contraception instead of condoms, a sexual partner with various sexually transmitted diseases.
Mycoplasmosis in women is classified according to the location of the lesion:

• mycoplasmal bartholinitis (damage to specific glands near the entrance to the vagina);
• mycoplasmal vaginitis (damage to the mucous membrane of the vagina);
• mycoplasmal endometritis (damage to the inner lining of the uterus);
• mycoplasmal salpingitis (damage to the fallopian tubes), etc.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in women

Several laboratory methods are used to diagnose mycoplasmosis. These include:

The main complications of mycoplasmosis in women include an abscess of the gland of the vestibule of the vagina (purulent inflammation), inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, infertility, habitual miscarriages, chronic endometritis (inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus), placental insufficiency (pathology of the placenta, causing a number of diseases in the fetus), intrauterine fetal disease without placental pathology.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in women

Mycoplasmosis in men

The incubation period for mycoplasmosis in men ranges from 4 to 55 days (average 14 days). But due to the fact that most often mycoplasmosis occurs in asymptomatic or asymptomatic forms, it is practically impossible to determine the moment of infection. Men get sick less often than women. The ratio of the incidence of mycoplasmosis in men and women is 1:2.
Mycoplasmosis is divided according to the location of the lesion:

• mycoplasmal urethritis (damage to the urethra);
• mycoplasmal prostatitis (damage to the prostate);
• mycoplasmal orchitis (infection of one or both testicles)
• mycoplasmal epididymitis (damage to the epididymis).

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in men

Mycoplasmosis does not cause characteristic symptoms in men. Most often, everything proceeds almost imperceptibly and there is no thought to consult a doctor. The disease begins with minor discharge from the genitals and unmotivated discomfort. Also, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis in men include itching and pain in the penis. In rare cases, there may be pain in the perineum, scrotum, and even give into the anus.
With mycoplasmal urethritis, symptoms include purulent discharge of various amounts, cloudy urine, discomfort in the glans penis, itching or burning throughout the urethra. If this is an acute course of mycoplasmosis, then the signs are more pronounced and this may prompt a man to go to the hospital. But in the chronic course, there are practically no complaints, the patient does not go to the doctor, which can lead to various complications.
Mycoplasmal prostatitis occurs in men who already suffer from urethritis, and due to predisposing factors, the infection penetrates into the gland itself. These factors include regularly interrupted or prolonged sexual intercourse, the presence of frequent constipation, drinking alcohol, etc. Patients may notice more frequent urination at night, the appearance of purulent threads in the urine, or even clouding of the urine. With a long course of chronic prostatitis, a decrease in potency occurs.
With mycoplasmal epididymitis and orchitis, a man feels slight pulling pains in the scrotum, rarely there may be a slight swelling of the scrotum, which the patient may not notice.

Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in men

Some laboratory methods are used to diagnose mycoplasmosis. These are such as:

With untimely or incorrect treatment, mycoplasmosis in men can cause a number of complications. These include:

• Mycoplasma pyelonephritis (inflammation of the substance of the kidney);
• Mycoplasma cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
• Male infertility (caused by impaired sperm movement or formation);
• Mycoplasma arthritis (inflammation of the joints).

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in men

Mycoplasmosis in children

Mycoplasmosis in children is a rather serious disease that is caused by mycoplasmas and has a number of clinical signs. The incubation period ranges from 4 days to 3 weeks (depending on the form of the disease). Just like adults, children can be carriers of mycoplasmas or the disease can be asymptomatic. The appearance of clinical signs in these cases is possible after stress or against the background of reduced immunity. Infection can occur in utero (from a sick mother), by household means (through towels, bedding, underwear), sexually (with sexual perversion, rape) and by airborne droplets (infection occurs quite rarely).

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in children

Mycoplasmosis in children is divided into clinical forms:

• respiratory - affects the upper respiratory tract;
• pneumonic - affects the lower respiratory tract;
• urogenital - affects the genitourinary system;
• perinatal - affects the fetus from the mother;
• generalized - damage to the whole body, an extremely severe form.

Mycoplasmosis in children, depending on the form, causes the following symptoms:
Respiratory form: From the beginning of infection to the development of the clinic, it takes from 4 to 7 days. The body temperature rises to 38 ° C, but there is no intoxication (weakness, body aches, headache, drowsiness). The upper parts of the respiratory system (larynx, trachea, bronchi) are affected. Rarely, symptoms of obstruction (difficulty inhaling and exhaling air) may occur. It flows quite easily. However, with improper treatment, complications may occur: the attachment of other microorganisms, lymphadenopathy (damage to the lymphatic system), cervical lymphadenitis (inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes).
Pneumatic form: From the beginning of infection to the development of the clinic, it takes from 1 to 3 weeks. The onset can be either acute or gradual. With acute development in a child, the body temperature rises to 39°C within a week, after which it remains at 37.5-38°C for another 4 weeks. The signs of intoxication are slightly pronounced, the upper and middle respiratory tracts are affected (up to medium-sized bronchi), slight shortness of breath appears, the liver and spleen are enlarged, there may be pain in the joints. With a gradual onset, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis in children are more severe. During the week, body temperature fluctuates from 37.5 to 38°C, after which it rises to 39°C and does not go astray for a long time. Signs of intoxication are pronounced, the lower respiratory tract is affected (down to the level of the lungs), severe shortness of breath, lips become of blue color. There is bilateral inflammation of the lungs. A dry, painful, paroxysmal cough is characteristic, which after 3-4 weeks of illness becomes wet, a large amount of purulent yellow sputum is discharged, possibly even with blood. Complications of this form of childhood mycoplasmosis can be sinusitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa), otitis (inflammation of the ear), pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), DIC (pathology of blood clotting), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), emphysema of the lungs (increased airiness of the lung tissue).
Urogenital form: incubation period from 3 days to 3 weeks. The symptoms are the same as in adults. Rarely seen in adolescence. Minor discharge from the urinary organs, mild itching, discomfort, possible cramps during urination, pulling pains in the lower abdomen, in guys heaviness in the scrotum. For diagnosis, the same methods are used as in men and women. Complications can be cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), endometritis (inflammation of the uterus), salpingo-oophoritis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries), epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). Long-term effects include infertility (both male and female), spontaneous miscarriages.
perinatal form: infection occurs in utero from a mother with mycoplasmosis. The child is born prematurely, does not correspond to its developmental period, has severe respiratory and brain disorders, pathological jaundice. The immune system is also poorly developed. This is evidenced by the development of thrush, a long-term non-healing umbilical wound. It is also possible intrauterine death of the fetus.
Generalized form: this mycoplasmosis in a child affects almost the entire body. The process involves the cardiovascular system, nervous, musculoskeletal, skin. Survival in this case is not very high.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in children

Mycoplasmosis during pregnancy

Treatment of mycoplasmosis during pregnancy

Treatment of mycoplasmosis during pregnancy should be based on the basic principles:

• it is necessary to prevent the transmission of microorganisms to the fetus and unborn child,
• therapy is prescribed only if mycoplasmas are found in an amount of at least 100 CFU per 1 ml (colony-forming units),
• treatment must be complete and not harm either the fetus or the expectant mother.

Due to the fact that most antibacterial drugs are able to pass through the placenta and cause fetal malformations, the doctor must carefully consider the choice of medication. Given the deterioration of the immune system when carrying a child, a woman should take a large amount of vitamins. There are special vitamins for pregnant women, in which the content of all substances is increased by 2-3 times. This, for example, pregnavit, vitrum prenatal, elevit. But the treatment of mycoplasmosis during pregnancy still will not do without antibiotics. The safest are drugs from the group of macrolides. They have the least effect on the fetus, do not cause malformations and have the shortest course of administration. The most optimal of all drugs in this group is to prescribe josamycin. It must be taken only from the second trimester of pregnancy (not earlier than 12 weeks). This is due to the fact that up to 12 weeks the fetus is forming organs, and after that they only increase in size. Therapy regimen: take 500 mg 3 times a day (7-10 days). Or another option is possible: drink azithromycin 1 g once, and then 250 mg for 3 days.
After the course of therapy is completed, and the doctor does not see signs of inflammation in the mirrors, it is necessary to conduct a control study. It is made 1 month after taking the last antibiotic tablet.
We must not forget that together with the expectant mother it is necessary to treat her sexual partner as well. Otherwise, all the symptoms of mycoplasmosis may return again.

Urogenital mycoplasmosis

Urogenital mycoplasmosis is caused by two types of bacteria: Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. Of all the inflammatory lesions of the genitourinary system, mycoplasmosis has recently taken 40-45%. Due to the fact that patients rarely go to the doctor and are increasingly self-medicating, or do not pay attention to the signs of the disease at all, advanced forms of the disease are increasingly common, with many complications.
The incubation period for genital mycoplasmosis ranges from 3 days to 3 weeks. But due to the fact that the disease is often asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic, it is not possible to determine the time of infection. The ratio of the incidence of mycoplasmosis in men and women is 1:2.
The route of transmission of urogenital mycoplasmosis is mainly sexual. However, it is possible to become infected in the household way - through bed linen, towels. Also, women can get mycoplasmosis at a gynecologist's appointment with poor processing of instruments (through gynecological mirrors, gloves).

Symptoms of urogenital mycoplasmosis

Urogenital infection caused by mycoplasmas is divided into acute, chronic and asymptomatic. Very often, mycoplasmosis is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist by chance.
Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in men are minor discharge from the urethra, slight itching inside the canal or on the head of the penis, pain during urination, and discomfort in the genital area. Also, when the testicles and their appendages are affected, mild soreness and slight swelling of the scrotum occur. When a genital mycoplasma infection is attached to the prostate, there may be an increase in nocturnal urination, slight pressing pain in the anus or lower abdomen.
Symptoms in women are divided into mycoplasmosis of the external and internal genital organs. Signs of damage to external organs include slight itching in the area of ​​​​the entrance to the vagina, minor discharge from the urethra or vagina. And if mycoplasma enters the internal genital organs, pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region or anus may occur. The menstrual cycle is disturbed, intermenstrual bleeding is possible. With an advanced form of genital mycoplasmosis in women, "habitual" miscarriages or infertility are possible. Also, if a sick woman still managed to get pregnant, then stillbirth of the fetus or premature birth is not excluded. In this case, the child has a number of pathologies.

Diagnosis of urogenital mycoplasmosis

In order to correctly diagnose a urogenital infection of the genitourinary system, examination and laboratory methods of research are necessary. On examination, you can detect inflammatory changes, swelling, redness, erosion, soreness. This will lead the doctor to the idea that the presence of any microorganism is possible. For clarification, laboratory diagnostic methods such as:

Respiratory mycoplasmosis

Symptoms of respiratory mycoplasmosis

Initially, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis resemble influenza or another viral infection. There is an increase in body temperature to 37.5-38.5 ° C, a dry, hacking cough appears, there is a feeling of tickling in the throat, stuffy nose. A little later, after a few days, the infection goes down into the bronchi. In this regard, the cough intensifies, becomes unbearable and paroxysmal. Sometimes with a small amount of sputum. In the future, the lungs are involved in the process, mycoplasma pneumonia (pneumonia) occurs. Severe shortness of breath joins the above signs, and there may be streaks of blood in the sputum. With adequate and timely treatment, the subsidence of the disease processes occurs from 3 weeks to 3 months. For mycoplasmosis in patients with weak immunity, complications are characteristic in the form of meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain), arthritis (damage to the joints), nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). It is also possible to become chronic. In this case, it is necessary to periodically examine the patient for the development of bronchiectasis (pathological and irreversible airiness of the lungs and bronchial dilatation) and pneumosclerosis (replacement of normal lung tissue with connective, scar tissue).

Diagnosis of respiratory mycoplasmosis

In order to make a diagnosis of pulmonary mycoplasmosis, one X-ray of the lungs and a complete blood count (as with other types of pneumonia) are not enough. There are a number of methods for determining the pathogen in a patient:

Treating mycoplasmosis of the respiratory tract is a long and difficult procedure. The main drug is antibiotics. Apply mainly a group of macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin, sumamed, clarithromycin). If it is impossible or ineffective to use them, there are reserve antibiotics (tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones). The duration of treatment is much longer than with other infections, reaching 21-25 days. In the first few days of illness, when the cough is still dry and painful, antitussive drugs (codterpin, stoptusin) are used. In the future, until the cough stops, expectorants (ambroxol, lazolvan, ACC) are used. At elevated temperatures, it is necessary to take antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen, nimisulide).
In no case should you engage in self-medication, mandatory monitoring of treatment by a doctor is necessary.

Mycoplasma is a family of small prokaryotic organisms of the class Mollicutes, which is characterized by the absence of a cell wall. Representatives of this family, which has about 100 species, are divided into:

Mycoplasmas occupy an intermediate position between viruses and bacteria - due to the absence of a cell membrane and microscopic size (100-300 nm), mycoplasma is not visible even with a light microscope, and this brings these microorganisms closer to viruses. At the same time, mycoplasma cells contain DNA and RNA, can grow in a cell-free environment and reproduce autonomously (binary fission or budding), which brings mycoplasma closer to bacteria.

• Mycoplasma, which causes mycoplasmosis;
• Ureaplasma urealyticum (ureaplasma), causing.

Three types of mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma pneumoniae), as well as Ureaplasma urealyticum, are currently considered pathogenic for humans.

For the first time, mycoplasma was detected in Pasteur's laboratory by French researchers E. Nocard and E. Rous in 1898 in cows with pleuropneumonia. The causative agent was originally named Asterococcus mycoides, but it has since been renamed Mycoplasma mycoides. In 1923, the causative agent Mycoplasma agalactica was identified in sheep suffering from infectious agalaxia. These pathogens and later identified microorganisms with similar characteristics were designated as PPLO (pleuropneumonia-like organisms) for 20 years.

In 1937, mycoplasma (M. hominis, M. fermentans, and T strains) was identified in the human urogenital tract.

In 1944, Mycoplasma pneumoniae was isolated from a patient with non-purulent pneumonia, which was initially classified as a virus and was called "Eaton's agent". The mycoplasmal nature of the Eaton agent was proved by R. Chanock by cultivating the original recipe on a cell-free medium in 1962. The pathogenicity of this mycoplasma was proved in 1972 by Brunner et al. by infecting volunteers with a pure culture of this microorganism.

The species M. Genitalium was identified later than other species of genital mycoplasmas. In 1981, this type of pathogen was found in the discharge of the urethra in a patient suffering from non-gonococcal urethritis.

Mycoplasma, which causes pneumonia, is distributed throughout the world (it can be both endemic and epidemic). Mycoplasma pneumonia accounts for up to 15% of all cases of acute pneumonia. In addition, mycoplasma of this species in 5% of cases is the causative agent of acute respiratory diseases. Mycoplasmosis of the respiratory type is more often observed in the cold season.

Mycoplasmosis caused by M. pneumoniae is more common in children than in adults (most of the patients are school-age children).

1. Hominis is found in approximately 25% of newborn girls. In boys, this pathogen is observed much less frequently. In women, M. Hominis occurs in 20-50% of cases.

The prevalence of M. genitalium is 20.8% in patients with non-gonococcal urethritis and 5.9% in clinically healthy individuals.

When examining patients with chlamydial infection, this type of mycoplasma was detected in 27.7% of cases, while the causative agent of mycoplasmosis was more often detected in patients without chlamydia. M. genitalium is thought to be responsible for 20–35% of all cases of non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis.

When conducting 40 independent studies in women who belong to the low-risk group, the prevalence of M. genitalium was about 2%.

In women at high risk (more than one sexual partner), the prevalence of this type of mycoplasma is 7.8% (up to 42% in some studies). The frequency of detection of M. genitalium is associated with the number of sexual partners.

Mycoplasmosis in women is more common, since in men the urogenital type of the disease can stop on its own.

Forms

Depending on the location of the pathogen and the pathological process developing under its influence, there are:

• Respiratory mycoplasmosis, which is an acute anthroponotic infectious and inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. It is provoked by mycoplasma of the species M. pneumoniae (the influence of other types of mycoplasmas on the development of respiratory diseases has not yet been proven).
• Urogenital mycoplasmosis, which refers to infectious inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. It is caused by mycoplasmas of the species M. Hominis and M. Genitalium.
• Generalized mycoplasmosis, in which extrarespiratory lesions of mycoplasmas are detected. Mycoplasma infection can affect the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, eyes, kidneys, liver, cause bronchial asthma, polyarthritis, pancreatitis and exanthema. Extra-respiratory organ damage usually occurs as a result of generalization of respiratory or urogenital mycoplasmosis.

Depending on the clinical course, mycoplasmosis is divided into:

• spicy;
• subacute;
• sluggish;
• chronic.

Since the presence of mycoplasmas in the body is not always accompanied by symptoms of the disease, the carriage of mycoplasmas is also isolated (when there are no clinical signs of inflammation, mycoplasmas are present in a titer of less than 103 CFU / ml).

Pathogen

Mycoplasmas are anthroponotic human infections (causative agents of the disease can only exist in the human body in natural conditions). The amount of genetic information of mycoplasmas is less than that of any other microorganisms known today.

All types of mycoplasma differ:

• lack of a rigid cell wall;
• polymorphism and plasticity of cells;
• osmotic sensitivity;
• resistance (insensitivity) to various chemical agents aimed at suppressing the synthesis of the cell wall (penicillin, etc.).

These organisms are gram-negative and are more amenable to Romanovsky-Giemsa staining.

The causative agent of mycoplasmosis is separated from the environment by a cytoplasmic membrane (contains proteins that are located in the lipid layers).

Five types of mycoplasma (M. gallisepticum, M. pneumoniae, M. genitalium, M. pulmonis and M. mobile) have "sliding mobility" - they are pear-shaped or bottle-shaped and have a specific terminal formation with an electron-dense zone adjacent to it. These formations serve to determine the direction of movement and take part in the process of adsorption of mycoplasma on the cell surface.

Most members of the family are chemoorganotrophs and facultative anaerobes. Mycoplasmas require cholesterol contained in the cell membrane to grow. These microorganisms use glucose or arginine as an energy source. Growth occurs at a temperature of 30C.

The causative agents of this genus are demanding on the nutrient medium and cultivation conditions.

The biochemical activity of mycoplasmas is low. There are types:

• capable of decomposing glucose, fructose, maltose, glycogen, mannose and starch, forming acid;
• incapable of fermenting carbohydrates, but oxidizing glutamate and lactate.

Urea is not hydrolyzed by representatives of the genus.

They differ in a complex antigenic structure (phospholipids, glycolipids, polysaccharides and proteins), which have species differences.

The pathogenic properties of mycoplasmas are not fully understood, therefore, some researchers classify pathogens of this genus as opportunistic microorganisms (causing a painful condition only in the presence of risk factors), while others consider them to be absolute pathogens. It is known that mycoplasmas present in the genital organs in a titer of 102–104 CFU/ml do not cause inflammatory processes.

Transmission routes

The source of infection can be a sick person or a clinically healthy carrier of pathogenic mycoplasma species.

Infection with mycoplasmas of the species M. pneumoniae occurs:

• Airborne. This is the main route of spread of this type of infection, but since mycoplasmas are characterized by low resistance to environment(from 2 to 6 hours in a humid warm environment), the infection spreads only under the condition of close contact (families, closed and semi-closed groups).
• vertical way. This route of transmission of the infection is confirmed by cases of detection of the pathogen in stillborn children. Infection can be both transplacental and during the passage of the birth canal. The disease in this case proceeds in a severe form (bilateral pneumonia or generalized forms).
• Household way. It is observed extremely rarely due to the instability of mycoplasmas.

Infection with urogenital mycoplasmas occurs:

• Sexually, including orogenital contacts. It is the main route of distribution.
• Vertically or during childbirth.
• Hematogenous way (microorganisms with blood flow are transferred to other organs and tissues).
• Contact household way. This route of infection is unlikely for men and is about 15% likely for women.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of development of mycoplasmosis of any type includes several stages:

1. The causative agent is introduced into the body and multiplies in the area of ​​the entrance gate. M.pneumoniae infects the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, multiplying on the surface of the cells and in the cells themselves. M.hominis and M.genitalium affect the mucous membrane of the urogenital tract (does not penetrate the cells).
2. With the accumulation of mycoplasma, the pathogen itself and its toxins penetrate into the blood. Dissemination occurs (spread of the pathogen), which may result in direct damage to the heart, central nervous system, joints and other organs. The hemolysin secreted by the pathogen causes the destruction of erythrocytes and damages the cells of the ciliated epithelium, which leads to impaired microcirculation and the development of vasculitis and thrombosis. Ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and neurotoxin secreted by mycoplasmas are toxic to the body.
3. As a result of adhesion (linkage) of mycoplasmas and target cells, intercellular contacts, cellular metabolism and the structure of cell membranes are disrupted, which leads to dystrophy, metaplasia, death and (shedding) of epithelial cells. As a result, microcirculation is disturbed, exudation increases, necrosis develops, and in infants, the appearance of hyaline membranes is observed (the walls of the alveoli and alveolar passages are covered with loose or dense eosinophilic masses, which consist of hemoglobin, mucoproteins, nucleoproteins and fibrin). At an early stage in the development of serous inflammation, the leading role in the genesis of cell damage belongs to the direct cytodestructive effect of mycoplasmas. At subsequent stages, when the immune component of inflammation is attached, cell damage is observed due to close contact between the cell and mycoplasma. In addition, the affected tissues are infiltrated by macrophages, plasma cells, monocytes, etc. At 5-6 weeks of illness, the main role belongs to the autoimmune mechanism of inflammation (especially in chronic mycoplasmosis).

Depending on the state of the patient's immune system, the primary infection may end in recovery, go into a chronic or latent form. If the immune system is in a normal state, the body is cleared of mycoplasmas. In a state of immunodeficiency, mycoplasmosis passes into a latent form (the pathogen remains in the body for a long time). With suppression of immunity, mycoplasmas begin to multiply again. With a significant immunodeficiency, the disease becomes chronic. Inflammatory processes can be localized at the entrance gate or provoke a wide range of diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, etc.)

Symptoms

The incubation period of mycoplasma respiratory infection ranges from 4 days to 1 month.

This type of mycoplasmosis can clinically proceed as SARS (pharyngitis, laryngopharyngitis and bronchitis) or atypical pneumonia. The symptomatology of mycoplasmal acute respiratory diseases does not differ from SARS caused by other pathogens. Patients experience:

• moderately severe intoxication;
• chills, weakness;
• headache;
• sore throat and dry cough;
• runny nose;
• a slight increase in the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes.

The temperature is normal or subfebrile (febrile is rarely observed), conjunctivitis, inflammation of the sclera, flushing of the face is possible. On examination, hyperemia of the oropharyngeal mucosa is revealed, the membrane of the posterior wall may be granular. Hard breathing and dry rales are heard in the lungs. Catarrhal phenomena disappear after 7-10 days, sometimes recovery is delayed up to 2 weeks. With a complication of the disease, otitis media, eustacheitis, myringitis and sinusitis can develop.

Symptoms of acute mycoplasmal pneumonia are:

• chills;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• temperature rise to 38-39 °C;
• dry cough, which gradually turns into a wet cough with the separation of mucopurulent scanty viscous sputum.

Sometimes there is nausea, vomiting and upset stool. Perhaps the appearance of polymorphic exanthema around the joints.

When listening, hard breathing, scattered dry rales (a small amount) and moist fine bubbling rales in a limited area are revealed.

At the end of mycoplasmal pneumonia, bronchiectasis, pneumosclerosis, or deforming bronchitis often form.

In children, mycoplasmosis is accompanied by more pronounced manifestations of toxicosis. The child becomes lethargic or restless, there is a lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting. A transient maculopapular rash may develop. Respiratory failure is mild or absent.

In young children, generalization of the infectious process is possible. In severe form, mycoplasmal pneumonia occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, with sickle cell anemia, severe cardiopulmonary diseases and Down syndrome.

Mycoplasma urogenital infection does not differ in specific symptoms.

Mycoplasmas provoke the development of urethritis, vulvovaginitis, colpitis, cervicitis, metroendometritis, salpingoophoritis, epididymitis, prostatitis, cystitis and pyelonephritis may develop.

Mycoplasmosis in women is manifested by scanty transparent discharge, pain during urination is possible. When the uterus and appendages are involved in the pathological process, slight pulling pains are observed, which intensify before the onset of menstruation.

In men, mycoplasmosis manifests itself in most cases with symptoms of urethritis - burning and itching in the urethra are observed, purulent discharge is possible, urine becomes cloudy, with flakes. Young men can also develop Reiter's syndrome (a combination of joints, eyes, and urinary tract).

The effect of mycoplasmas on pregnancy

A number of researchers believe that mycoplasmosis in pregnant women is the cause of miscarriage, since in 17% of embryos (spontaneous miscarriage at 6-10 weeks), among other bacteria and viruses present, mycoplasmas were detected. At the same time, the question of the significance of mycoplasma as the only cause of spontaneous miscarriages and the pathology of pregnancy and the fetus has not yet been finally clarified.

Mycoplasmosis during pregnancy can cause infection of the fetus (observed in 5.5-23% of newborns) and the development of generalized mycoplasmosis in a child.

Mycoplasmas can also cause postpartum infectious complications (endometritis, etc.).

Diagnostics

Since the symptoms of mycoplasmosis do not differ in specificity, studies of smears from the urethra, vagina and cervical canal are used to diagnose the disease, and a smear from the nasopharynx, sputum and blood is examined to diagnose mycoplasmal respiratory infection.

To identify the pathogen use:

• ELISA, which determines the presence of antibodies of classes A, M, G (the accuracy of the method is from 50 to 80%).
• PCR (qualitative and quantitative), which allows to detect mycoplasma DNA in biological material (99% accuracy).
• A cultural method (sowing on IST-environment) that allows you to isolate and identify mycoplasma in clinical material, as well as give a quantitative assessment (accuracy 100%). The diagnostic value is the concentration of mycoplasmas more than 104 CFU in one ml, since mycoplasmas can also be present in healthy people.

Since M. genitalium is difficult to culture, diagnosis is usually made by PCR.

Treatment

Treatment is based on the use of antibiotics and antimicrobials. In acute uncomplicated urogenital mycoplasmosis, which:

• Caused by mycoplasma M.hominis, metronidazole, clindamycin are used. Treatment may be local.
• Caused by mycoplasma M. Genitalium, tetracycline drugs (doxycycline) or macrolides (azithromycin) are used.

Treatment of chronic mycoplasmosis requires long-term antibiotic therapy, and multiple antibiotics are often used. Physiotherapy, immunotherapy, urethral instillation are also prescribed.

Simultaneous treatment of the sexual partner is also necessary.

Mycoplasmosis in pregnant women is treated with antibiotics only in the third trimester when the active phase of the disease is detected (high titer of mycoplasma).

Treatment of respiratory mycoplasmosis is based on the use of macrolides; in persons older than 8 years, the use of tetracyclines is possible.

Prevention

Prevention consists in avoiding close contact with patients, using personal protective equipment. There is no specific prevention.

Mycoplasma hominis is one of 16 types of mycoplasmas that can be found in the body. It belongs to conditionally pathogenic, but under certain conditions it can provoke pathology - which is treated on an outpatient basis. Consider the causes, signs, ways to combat the pathogen.

Mycoplasmosis - causes

Mycoplasma in women is always present in the vaginal microflora. Its concentration is low enough to cause disease. With the deterioration of local immunity, the development of the inflammatory process, there is an increased growth and reproduction of this smallest microorganism. The following patients are predisposed to mycoplasmosis:

• women with high sexual activity;
• having concomitant urogenital pathologies - trichomoniasis, gonorrhea;
• pregnant.

Mycoplasma hominis is less pathogenic than other types. But the microorganism is often found in a smear when other diseases of the genitourinary system are detected: urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis. Directly such pathologies are called by physicians as a provoking agent that triggers the rapid growth of conditionally pathogenic microflora.

How is Mycoplasma hominis transmitted?

Primary infection with mycoplasma occurs during childbirth. During the advancement of the fetus through the birth canal of the mother, who is the carrier of this microorganism, the penetration of the pathogen into the urogenital tract of girls is noted. In addition, intrauterine infection is also possible, through the placenta (very rarely). Considering mycoplasma hominis, the path of transmission of the pathogen, doctors put forward the sexual route in the first place. Unprotected intercourse with a carrier of microorganisms leads to infection. The predisposing factors for this are:

• frequent change of sexual partners;
• promiscuous sexual relations.

Mycoplasma in women - symptoms

Mycoplasmosis in women, the symptoms of which are named below, has a latent course. Because of this, women learn about the presence of the disease after a certain time after infection. Often, the microorganism provokes other diseases of the urogenital tract, in the diagnosis of which mycoplasmas are detected. These microorganisms often provoke:

• inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
• pyelonephritis.

Directly the symptoms of these pathologies often indicate mycoplasmosis. Mycoplasmosis, the symptoms of which do not appear immediately after infection, is accompanied by copious discharge from the genital tract. This phenomenon causes a burning sensation, which intensifies during urination. Discomfort and discomfort can accompany sexual contact. A feature of the disease caused by Mycoplasma hominis is the presence of periods of remission - when the symptoms disappear for a while and then reappear.

Mycoplasmosis - incubation period

Mycoplasmosis in women manifests itself after 3-55 days. Such a long incubation period explains the difficulty of diagnosing the disease in the early stages. Symptoms of the disease are more pronounced in men. Often, pathology is diagnosed during a joint examination of the spouses, before planning a pregnancy. Obvious symptoms of the disease in women appear only during an exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. Some ladies may not betray the importance of periodic burning without seeking medical help.

Allocations with mycoplasmosis

Reproduction in the reproductive system of such a pathogen as mycoplasma, the symptoms of the disease are mentioned above, is accompanied by the appearance of mild discharge. However, their nature may be different. Most often it is mucous discharge, a small volume. Their independent disappearance for a short period causes a deceptive feeling of recovery. The appearance of pathological discharge after 2-3 weeks in a larger volume often makes a girl turn to a gynecologist.

Mycoplasma hominis - diagnosis

Diagnosis of pathology is carried out in a complex manner. Analysis for mycoplasmosis allows you to identify the pathogen even at low concentrations. The smear is taken from the vagina, cervix and urethra. This study is preceded by an examination of a woman in gynecological chair, in which the doctor may notice changes in the cervical region of the uterus. Directly these changes become the reason for a comprehensive examination of the patient.

Mycoplasma analysis

Sowing on mycoplasma is carried out with the collection of material from the urethra, vagina, cervix. After taking the material, it is microscopically examined and assessed. An additional method for diagnosing pathology, which helps to identify the pathogen at low concentrations, is PCR. This reaction detects the presence of pathogen DNA in a blood sample, so it is possible to diagnose a pathology even in the absence of clinical manifestations of the disease.

Mycoplasma is the norm

A smear for mycoplasma determines the presence of opportunistic pathogens. However, a small amount of them is allowed and normal. Because of this, when making a diagnosis, the gynecologist pays attention to the concentration of mycoplasmas in the results of the analysis. The borderline state of the norm is the value of 104 CFU / ml. When conducting PCR, the patient receives a positive result - mycoplasmas are present in the blood (carriage or acute stage of mycoplasmosis) and negative - absent. This analysis is used as an additional one.

Mycoplasma - treatment

Mycoplasma in women, the symptoms and treatment of which depend directly on the type of pathogen, is often diagnosed at a late stage. This leads to long-term therapy. The basis of treatment is antibacterial drugs, the direction of suppressing the growth and development of the pathogen. Medicines are selected taking into account sensitivity, so the appointment is carried out according to the results of the laboratory tests obtained.

To exclude mycoplasma hominis, treatment is carried out in a complex. Both sexual partners need to take the course. In addition to antibiotics, physiotherapeutic procedures, the following groups of drugs are used in the treatment of mycoplasmosis:

• immunomodulators;
• antifungal;
• antiprotozoal.

Mycoplasmosis - treatment, drugs

The treatment regimen for mycoplasmosis is set individually. When prescribing a course, doctors take into account the severity of the disease, its stage, the presence of concomitant gynecological pathologies. Before treating mycoplasmosis, determine the type of pathogen. The basis of therapy is tetracycline preparations:

• Tetracycline;

Effective in the fight against mycoplasma and macrolides, which include:

• Clarithromycin;
• Azithromycin.

Doctors often prescribe fluoroquinolones as alternative antibacterial agents:

• Ciprofloxacin;
• Ofloxacin.

The course of taking antibiotics lasts 3-7 days. In parallel, antifungal drugs are prescribed that suppress the growth and reproduction of fungal infections, which occurs due to prolonged use of antibiotics. At the same time, they assign:

• Clotrimazole;
• Nystatin.

At the final stage, to restore and normalize the microflora of the vagina, use:

• Vagilak;
• Gynoflor.

Mycoplasmosis - consequences in women

Mycoplasma hominis detected at the wrong time in women can provoke diseases of the urogenital system. Due to the absence of vivid symptoms during infection with Mycoplasma hominis, the pathogen is detected in the diagnosis of an already existing disease of the reproductive system. Often latent mycoplasmosis causes such disorders in the reproductive system as:

• adhesive process in the small pelvis;
• postpartum endometritis;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• infertility.

Some women are faced with an unpleasant disease called mycoplasmosis, which is caused by the smallest of all microorganisms in the world. Often the disease is asymptomatic or with mild symptoms, but it poses a serious health hazard. How does mycoplasmosis manifest itself and what methods of treatment are used?

Features of development in women

Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism Mycoplasma genitalium..

Important information: Statistics show that this disease occurs in women 2 times more often than in men.

In most cases of mycoplasmosis in women, the organs of the genitourinary system are affected.

Mycoplasmosis in pregnant women

Pregnancy is a favorable environment for the development of the disease. Therefore, often the infection is detected in women during the period of bearing a child. Even when the level of mycoplasmas is slightly higher than normal, there is a great risk of rapid spread of microorganisms. The reason for this is to reduce the immunity of a pregnant woman. During the period of bearing a child, special attention should be paid to the development of mycoplasmosis, since the disease can cause premature birth, and also threatens the birth of a baby with a small body weight.

During pregnancy, a woman should pay increased attention to her health, undergo all the necessary examinations, including the detection of mycoplasmosis

Varieties of the disease

In women, there are two main types of mycoplasmosis:

• respiratory;
• urogenital.

This classification is due to the location of the infection. Each of the presented types of mycoplasmosis differs in certain symptoms and features.

Features of the disease of the urogenital type

This type of microplasmosis is usually transmitted during unprotected intercourse and is rarely of a domestic nature. Urogenital disease is asymptomatic, acute and chronic. Risk factors are stressful situations, pregnancy and hypothermia. Often the causes of infection are failures in the immune system. Urogenital mycoplasmosis in women is manifested by inflammatory processes occurring on the mucous membrane of the vagina or urethra. The incubation period lasts about two weeks.

This is interesting: According to some sources, mycoplasmosis is detected in 80% of women with a genital infection and 51% of patients with infertility.

Respiratory view

This type of mycoplasmosis is accompanied by damage to the respiratory organs. The infection enters the body of a woman by airborne droplets or contact-household means. Susceptibility to it is due to genetic characteristics. Acquired immunity after a disease can last up to ten years. The incubation period for respiratory mycoplasmosis is 1–2 weeks.

Causes of occurrence, modes of transmission and possible consequences

Mycoplasmas belong to microorganisms of an opportunistic nature, therefore they can be in the body without causing infectious diseases. Often a woman is not even aware of their presence, because they do not manifest themselves in any way. If pathogenic bacteria appear in the body or other favorable conditions for the spread of microorganisms, this can lead to the development of mycoplasmosis. Also, hormonal failure can be the cause of the manifestation of symptoms of the disease.

There are the following ways of transmission of mycoplasmas:

• sexual contact is the most common way that microorganisms are transmitted;
• vertical path - during the passage of the fetus through the female genital organs, the newborn can become infected with this disease;
• contact-household - infection occurs through household items.

Important information: Infection can result in any type of sexual intercourse - both genital, anal or oral.

Mycoplasmosis can lead to the following consequences:

• infertility (develops as a result of endometritis or inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes);
• premature birth or miscarriage, which is associated with damage to the endometrium;
• autoimmune diseases (appear when the immune system malfunctions).

Main symptoms

Conventionally, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis can be divided into two groups:

• manifested due to damage to the external genital organs;
• arising during the penetration of microorganisms into the internal organs.

Chronic disease is usually asymptomatic for a long time. Sometimes minor signs appear, to which a woman does not always pay attention and does not visit a gynecologist. During periods of exacerbation, symptoms intensify.

Signs of damage to the genitourinary system

Symptoms of urogenital mycoplasmosis are usually similar to other diseases of the genitourinary system. Among them, it is worth noting the following signs:

How does an ailment that is common in the respiratory tract manifest itself?

If the upper respiratory tract (ARI) is affected, the disease is usually manifested by rhinitis. In this case, the woman feels satisfactory. When the lower respiratory tract is affected, pneumonia can develop. When this occurs, chills, fever. Sometimes the condition worsens, and the disease passes into bronchiectasis or pneumosclerosis.

Diagnostic methods, what tests are needed

It is quite difficult to determine mycoplasmosis, since the disease does not have characteristic signs that occur only in the process of its development.

The following main diagnostic methods are used:

• PCR is one of the most effective methods detection of microorganisms, its essence lies in the detection of fragments of mycoplasma DNA (mucus, sputum of the nasopharynx is used for analysis, or a smear is taken from the cervix and vagina);
• bacteriological - a long, but the most accurate method (a swab is taken from the genitourinary system or sputum, which are applied to a special nutrient medium, and after 4-7 days the result is determined);
• immunofluorescent - detection of antibodies to mycoplasma by staining them with a special dye.

In addition, to identify the causative agents of the disease, the method of paired sera is used, which makes it possible to establish a diagnosis, as well as to check the effectiveness of the treatment. For this, two samples are taken: in the first week of illness and after two weeks. Sometimes a serological diagnostic method is used, which is similar to the immunofluorescence method of research, but it is less informative. Its essence is to detect antibodies in the blood produced by the body in response to the action of microorganisms.

Important information: Data obtained after the diagnosis of mycoplasmosis can be false positive or false negative. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct repeated studies a month after treatment.

When diagnosing a pregnant woman, in addition to detecting the microorganisms themselves, it is necessary to assess the degree of impact on the fetus and the patient's body as a whole. To do this, you need to determine their type and quantity.

Treatment Methods

If mocoplasmosis is detected, it is necessary to undergo treatment, even if there are no signs of the disease. Therapy must be comprehensive. Treatment is required for both the woman herself and her partner.

Therapy with medicines and drugs

The main group of drugs used to treat mycoplasmosis are antibiotics. First of all, tetracyclines, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are used. The doctor prescribes specific drugs, focusing on the results of the tests. In addition, suppositories that contain metronidazole, douching can be used. While taking antibiotics, the development of a fungal infection and intestinal dysbacteriosis is possible. To prevent such manifestations, antifungal agents and eubiotics are prescribed.

To maintain immunity, which is reduced due to the development of mycoplasmosis, it is advisable to use natural immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes.

Important information: Do not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.

To achieve the effectiveness of treatment for mycoplasmosis, it is necessary to strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations.

When the course of treatment is completed, it is necessary to undergo a second examination to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

During pregnancy, topical preparations are usually prescribed. These remedies include suppositories, medicines for irrigating the throat and douching the vagina. Antibiotics are also used, but less toxic ones are preferred. This makes it possible to reduce the negative impact on the fetus. Antibiotic therapy is prescribed no earlier than the 13th week of pregnancy.

How to treat with traditional medicine

Important information: According to doctors, cure mycoplasmosis using folk remedies, impossible. They can only reduce the intensity of the symptoms. But after a while, the disease will reappear with various complications.

Facilities traditional medicine recommended to use at the same time traditional ways therapy. In this case, they are able to enhance the effects of medications, which will lead to an acceleration of recovery. The use of garlic has a positive effect on the elimination of infection. It is recommended to add it to various dishes, sauces and dressings.

It is also useful to carry out douching using herbal infusions. For example, you can take 2 tablespoons of oak bark and mix with 1 tablespoon of boron uterus, and then steam in 1.5 cups of boiling water. When the remedy is infused for about half an hour, it can be used for syringing twice a day.

To make the treatment of mycoplasmosis more effective will help goldenrod herb (3 tablespoons), which is poured with boiling water (3 cups) and infused for 45 minutes, and then taken orally half a cup several times a day.

During pregnancy, it is allowed to treat mycoplasmosis, including using these recipes.

Preventive actions

The main methods of prevention include:

1. Engaging in sexual intercourse with one partner.
2. Use of barrier methods of contraception.
3. Visiting a gynecologist every six months for a preventive examination.
4. Timely detection and treatment of other infectious diseases that are sexually transmitted.
5. Maintaining immunity.

Important information: When planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to undergo a complete examination of the body to identify possible sexual infections.

Mycoplasmosis is an insidious disease that can lead to dangerous consequences even with minimal symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a doctor at the first manifestations of the disease. If treatment is started in a timely manner, the prognosis for mycoplasmosis is favorable. In this case, a complete recovery is possible without serious complications.