Mycoplasma hominis in women: what is it, symptoms, treatment, how is it transmitted

An intracellular microbe called Mycoplasma hominis is capable of provoking the onset of an unpleasant disease in a person, regardless of gender, age -. What is this disease? Mycoplasma hominis in women is often observed. Harmful microorganisms penetrate through the mucous membrane of the organs of the reproductive structure during contact with a sick, bacteriological carrier.

This microbe is considered a conditionally pathogenic element, in a normal state it is located in the vaginal area in females. But due to the influence of negative circumstances, uncontrolled reproduction of mycoplasma hominis occurs, which further leads to the emergence of severe pathology, accompanied by burning, itching, painful sensations, etc. What are the symptoms and treatment of this pathology in women?

Causes of occurrence

Mycoplasmosis can develop in any person:

Mycoplasma hominis in women is manifested by the formation of discharge from the vaginal area of an unpleasant odor, burning sensation during urination, itching in the perineal area, attacks of pain during sexual intercourse, below the abdomen are also possible;
Mycoplasma hominis in men - the development of the disorder is characterized by cutting, burning in the urethra, discharge in the morning, pain in the groin area, which radiates to the scrotum and rectum. There is also a decrease in potency, swelling, redness on the skin tissues;
The active activity of this microbe during pregnancy can lead to intrauterine infection of the kidneys, nervous structure, eye organs, and skin of the fetus. An infected baby can be born with dystrophy due to circulatory disorders and die in the first day of his life.

An infectious source is a bacterial carrier, a sick person.

The process of spreading microbes mainly occurs through the sexual method, therefore this disease is referred to as an STD.

Another option of infection is from an infected mother to the fetus during the period of intrauterine development of the baby, to a newborn child when childbirth is taking place.

Different circumstances lead to the spread of infection:

Stress;
Long-term antibiotic therapy;
Immunodeficiency;
Use of steroids;
The presence of foci of chronic pathology;
Excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages;
Hormonal imbalance;
The presence of dysbiosis in different parts of the body structure;
Various medical procedures.

The risk group consists of the following individuals:

Homosexuals;
Pregnant women;
People with increased sexual activity;
Persons who do not adhere to hygiene standards in the genital area;
Already ill with other pathologies - candidiasis,.

Symptoms

This microbe can lead to serious consequences if a person does not promptly seek help from a doctor. Mycoplasma hominis can cause the following disorders:

Inflammation of the uterus, its appendages;
Bacterial vaginosis;
Urethritis.

Usually, the infection develops latently. But if there are provoking factors (the presence of other diseases, weakened immunity, stress), then mycoplasmas contribute to the development of acute pathologies, for example, to the appearance of endometritis.

The main signs of pathology:

Burning sensation when urinating, during sexual intercourse;
Strong discharge from the genital area.

Symptoms of the disease can periodically intensify, and then, on the contrary, disappear.

The disorder is often exacerbated during pregnancy. The microbe can cause the death of the embryo, spontaneous interruption of a pregnant state, premature birth.

In males, this pathology manifests itself through the occurrence of cramps during urination. In addition, the violation causes severe complications - prostatitis, kidney inflammation, infertility.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnosis of infection is expressed in the implementation of certain laboratory tests, which are previously required:

Collecting anamnesis of the disease, the patient's lifestyle;
Inspection.

Serological, microbiological analyzes are able to accurately establish the presence / absence of the disease:

Microscopy of the material taken - discharge from the urethra, also urine, prostate secretion;
PCR diagnostic method - the determination of the DNA of mycoplasma hominis. A positive result - the presence of mycoplasma hominis, a negative conclusion - there is no DNA of this microbe.
Analysis for mycoplasmosis:
Immunoassay research - detection of IgM, IgG antibodies. Negative findings, normal state - the above data are indicated with (-), immunity to mycoplasma hominis igg (+), IgM (-). Experts recognize a positive result - IgM (+), IgG (+), the patient in such a situation needs a treatment regimen. Absence of IgG, IgM, IgA - the patient is cured;
Analysis of discharge from the vaginal area, urethra - the sample is sown into the nutrient flora, incubation, determination of the detected pathogen, and its susceptibility to various antibiotic drugs is also investigated;

The healing process

Medicines required for treatment:

Antibiotic drugs from tetracyclines - Doxycycline is used, fluoroquinolones - drugs such as Cifran, Ciprofloxacin are used, from macrolides - Azithromycin, Clarithromycin are used, fluoroquinolones are represented by Cifran, Ciprofloxacin;
Antiprotozoal medication - the use of Trichopolum;
Suppositories with the presence of metronidazole for females, males - the use of Oflokain ointment;
Vaginal antiseptic substances with the presence of chlorhexidine - Hexicon;
Antifungal medicines to prevent the development of candidal infection - the use of Clotrimazole, Nystatin, Fluconazole, Livarol, Pimafucin;
Probiotic agents for normalizing the flora of the vaginal area - taking Lactonorm, Vagilak, Vaginorm, Gynoflora;
The use of immunostimulants to restore immune properties - Imunorix, Interphenol, Polyoxidonium, Immunal;
Vitamin complexes - taking Centrum, Elevit, Complivit, Undevit;
NSAIDs, if painful sensations are present - Ortofen, it is also possible to use Ibuprofen, Diclofenac;
Trays, douching with Miramistin, chamomile broth is also used, with calendula, yarrow, sage is possible.

Therapeutic therapy should concern both sexual partners, otherwise there is a high likelihood of re-infection. A month later, at the end of the treatment procedures, it is necessary to repeat the tests for the detection of antibodies.

Complications

Often the consequences of this disease are pyelonephritis, in difficult situations - infertility. The development of this infection during pregnancy is especially dangerous, since endometritis occurs, which provokes infection of the fetus, an increase in the tone of the uterus, bleeding, an early abortion, a frozen pregnancy. Heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness - all this can lead to the death of the patient.

Preventive measures

In order to prevent the development of this pathology, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:

Condoms should be used during intercourse;
Healthy lifestyle;
Balanced diet;
Strengthening the immune system;
Detection and treatment of infectious foci;
Do not forget about the norms of personal hygiene.

This disease often provokes the emergence of complex consequences. It is categorically not worthwhile to self-medicate, but immediately consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease are detected. The infectious process is capable of disrupting sexual intercourse, and is fatal for the child in his intrauterine development. If the characteristic signs of pathology are manifested, it is necessary to urgently seek help from a gynecologist who will conduct the necessary diagnostic studies and, if the results are positive, will prescribe a treatment for the disorder.

Mycoplasma hominis and genitalia are the causative agents of a disease called mycoplasmosis. It is a sexually transmitted infection.

Let's talk about what kind of infection it is, how it is transmitted and what to do if it is detected. Mycoplasma hominis is less pathogenic than genitalia. It may not cause inflammation. About 30% of people are carriers of mycoplasma. Not everyone develops symptoms. Like ureaplasma parvum, mycoplasma hominis provokes inflammation only with excessive growth.

Risk factors for contracting this infection:

low social status
young age
high sexual activity.

Mostly in women, mycoplasma hominis causes cervicitis or vaginitis. In men, it provokes - urethritis. In children, mycoplasmas can cause not only diseases of the genitourinary system, but bronchitis or pneumonia.

There are only two ways this infection is transmitted:

The main path is sexual... Moreover, infection with anal or oral contact is unlikely. Even if a microorganism enters the rectum or pharynx, it usually does not survive there.
Another way of infection is vertical, during childbirth. These are the consequences on the child, which arise as a result of the fact that the woman did not undergo the course of therapy on time.

Three methods are used to detect mycoplasma infection:

seeding tank

The latter has the least certainty. This is a screening test, not a confirmation test. It provides for the determination of antibodies to the causative agent of the infection. It is used only for preventive examination of patients without signs of inflammation of the urogenital tract.

For example, when:

preparing for pregnancy
finding the causes of infertility
preparation for IVF (in vitro fertilization) or other ART (assisted reproductive technologies)
the patient's desire to be tested for genital infections.

In the presence of signs of inflammation of the urogenital tract or in the case of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, PCR is mainly used.

To carry it out, smears are taken from the urogenital tract. The method is aimed at identifying the DNA of a microorganism. It gives practically no false results. In addition, it is carried out very quickly - the very next day you can get results and, if necessary, start treatment. PCR gives quantitative results. That is, this method gives an approximate number of DNA copies in clinical material. The threshold value is 10 4 copies per sample. For example, if mycoplasma hominis is detected at a concentration of 10 to the 5th degree, this means that the patient requires treatment. Because this amount of bacteria is fraught with inflammation. If mycoplasma is found in an amount of 10 to 2 degrees, the disease can be left untreated. There are few bacteria, an inflammatory process is unlikely in the near future. But it is still possible when creating favorable conditions for the growth of mycoplasmas.

These can be:

serious illness
immunodeficiency
concomitant infections
transferred operations
pregnancy, etc.

The infection is transmitted through sex. Therefore, it can only be practiced with a condom if the pathogen is detected in only one partner. At the same time, its obligatory treatment for epidemiological indications is not required. Another diagnostic technique is seeding. The material is applied to a nutrient medium and cultivated for several days. After the growth of colonies, the sensitivity of mycoplasma hominis to antibiotics is checked.

The seeding tank also gives quantitative results. The only difference is that the units of measurement are different - CFU (colony-forming units). The thresholds are the same. Research is used less often, since it takes a long time to conduct and is more expensive than PCR. But it is of great importance in the case of ineffectiveness of the treatment. Because it allows you to select the optimal drugs for drug therapy, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen.

Mycoplasma hominis in women

This type of bacteria is considered a conditionally pathogenic microorganism. Very often it does not cause any symptoms. But during pregnancy, mycoplasma becomes dangerous.

Because it can cause:

spontaneous abortion
complications during pregnancy
the formation of deformities in the fetus
premature birth.

It is believed that the detected mycoplasma in preparation for pregnancy does not have to be cured. When the bacteria concentration is low, most doctors do not prescribe antibiotics. They allow the woman to become pregnant. But in fact, this practice is very dangerous. An indication for the treatment of mycoplasmosis in the absence of an inflammatory process and with a low number of bacteria is a burdened obstetric history.

That is, you will only be treated if you have a history of:

miscarriages
infertility
complications during pregnancy
stillbirth, etc.

From the point of view of modern medicine, you first need to wait until mycoplasma provokes a spontaneous abortion, and only then be treated. We are of a different opinion. In order to prevent complications in pregnant women, it is better to be treated immediately, even at the planning stage. Moreover, the treatment is not particularly difficult. It does not require surgical operations or large material costs. All you need is to drink the drugs for several days. Agree, it is better to undergo antibiotic therapy in a timely manner than to put your baby at risk. And this risk is quite high. Because during pregnancy in the first trimester, there is an immunodeficiency. It occurs in all women. This is a physiological phenomenon associated with hormonal changes. Immunity decreases due to increased production of progesterone and glucocorticoids. Therefore, in the first trimester, the risk of infectious diseases increases.

The population of mycoplasma hominis, if present in the urogenital tract, may increase. As a result, the mother begins inflammatory reactions, there is a threat of infection of the fetus. It is best to carry out therapy before pregnancy, but this does not always work. Because women are sometimes examined late - not at the planning stage, but only after conceiving a child. Sometimes there is a need to prescribe medications during gestation. Treatment is usually carried out jointly by a venereologist and an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Traditionally used doxycycline, to which mycoplasma hominis is usually highly sensitive, is prohibited during pregnancy. Moreover, it cannot be applied at all periods. Because the negative effect of the drug on the fetus has been established. Mainly used macrolides. For pregnant women, the drug of choice for mycoplasmosis is josamycin.

General information about the study

Mycoplasma hominis is considered a conditionally pathogenic microorganism that is dangerous to humans only under certain conditions during rapid reproduction. Often, mycoplasma is detected in bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis). The incubation period is 3-5 weeks. Symptoms of mycoplasma infection are nonspecific and often absent. With a decrease in immunity, Mycoplasma hominis in women and men can cause inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (non-gonococcal urethritis, chronic prostatitis, orchiepididymitis, endometritis, adnexitis, cystitis). For pregnant women, mycoplasma hominis is dangerous by premature termination of pregnancy, postpartum or post-abortion endometritis, as well as intrauterine infection of the fetus, meningitis and sepsis of newborns.

In addition, with a decrease in immunity, Mycoplasma hominis can lead to respiratory diseases.

Mycoplasmosis is often accompanied by diseases caused by opportunistic flora, coinfection with gonococci, Trichomonas, ureaplasmas, and HIV.

The only way to diagnose Mycoplasma hominis is the polymerase chain reaction method, which allows you to identify the DNA of a specific type of mycoplasma in the studied biomaterial. Its principle is based on a multiple increase in the number of copies of a DNA region specific for a given pathogen.

What is research used for?

To establish the cause of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary or respiratory system.
For the differential diagnosis of diseases with similar symptoms, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, ureaplasma infection (along with other studies).
To evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
For preventive screening examinations.

When is the study scheduled?

If you suspect a mycoplasma infection, including with frequent change of sexual partners.
With sluggish inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system (especially in the absence of gonococci, chlamydia, Trichomonas and Mycoplasma genitalium).
For respiratory tract diseases with unexplained causes.
When planning pregnancy (for both spouses).
With infertility or miscarriage.
1 month after antibiotic therapy.
With HIV.

Mycoplasmas are a bacterial group, representatives of which are small in size (from 125 to 250 microns). Such bacteria are characterized by pronounced polymorphism and the ability to reproduce in the extracellular environment. These microorganisms use sterols (cholesterol) for their own growth, they are resistant to sulfa drugs, benzylpenicillin, but are sensitive to erythromycin and tetracycline.

When sown on a special nutrient medium, mycoplasma forms colonies with a darkened center and light edging (the so-called "type of fried egg"). The bacteria do not revert to their original microbial form, which distinguishes them from the L-forms of microorganisms.

Mycoplasma is at an intermediate stage between viruses, microbes and protozoa. They are able to survive and be stored for years in a lipophilic dry state under a certain temperature regime.

In the urogenital system, it is Mycoplasma hominis that is more common. The bacterium germinates on a medium such as bovine heart tryptic digest, which is supplemented with 20% horse serum and 10% yeast extract (pH 7.4). On a dense nutrient medium, the usual papillary form of bacteria is formed.

Life cycle of mycoplasma hominis

Infection with Mycoplasma hominis often occurs during labor: the infant acquires the infection from the carrier mother. In adulthood, infection occurs after sexual contact with a carrier partner.

In general, the main number of causes of infection can be distinguished:

Any kind of unprotected sexual contact, including oral, anal, vaginal sex. For this reason, in order to avoid re-infection, treatment should be carried out by both partners.
Weakness of the immune system caused by an improper lifestyle, poor diet, the presence of other infections in the body, hypothermia.
Infection from a sick mother to a child during childbirth.

Pathogenesis

The following factors contribute to the increased reproduction of Mycoplasma hominis:

frequent douching;
douching with chlorine-containing antiseptic drugs (for example, Gibitan, Miramistin);
the use of contraceptive drugs, which include 9-nonoxynol (such drugs include vaginal suppositories Patenteks Oval, Nonoxynol);
the use of barrier protective agents with spermicidal treatment (9-nonoxynol);
promiscuous sex life, frequent change of partners;
antibiotic treatment with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity;
treatment with vaginal tablets and suppositories with a wide range of antibacterial activity (Terzhinan, Betadin, Polizhinax);
a sharp weakening of the immune defense, hypothermia.

How is Mycoplasma hominis spread?

Previously, it was believed that Mycoplasma hominis can be transmitted by an indirect method of infection - for example, through various household items (bed, towels, baby pot), as well as through insufficiently disinfected medical instruments (vaginal tips, rubber gloves, gynecological mirrors).

However, to date, the likelihood of domestic infection is defined as "extremely unlikely" (almost impossible). It is believed that Mycoplasma hominis can enter the body in only two ways: during childbirth from the mother and sexually.

If the disease manifested itself spontaneously, then this may indicate that the bacterium Mycoplasma hominis was already present in the body, which, under favorable circumstances, was activated. That is, a person has been a carrier for some time.

Epidemiology

Mycoplasmas are the smallest microorganisms that live on the surface of plants and inside mammalian organisms. The human body can become a "haven" for 16 types of mycoplasmas. Among them, six varieties are localized on the mucous membrane of the genitourinary system, and the other ten - in the oral cavity and oropharynx.

The first six varieties include:

ureaplasma urealiticum;
mycoplasma primatum, spermatophilum, penetrance;
Mycoplasma hominis and genitalia.

The listed bacteria belong to the type of opportunistic microorganisms. This means that their presence can cause the development of the disease, but they may well live “peacefully” in an absolutely healthy person.

Infection often occurs during childbirth - from mother to child (more often to girls than to boys).

Infection in adults occurs during sexual intercourse; household transmission is unlikely.

Mycoplasma hominis is found on the genital surface of 25% of female newborn babies. The percentage of boys affected is much lower. Moreover, predominantly in boys, self-healing can subsequently be observed: the bacteria die on their own. In girls, this also happens, but much less often.

According to statistics, in girls of senior school age, Mycoplasma hominis is found only in 10-17% of cases (meaning only virgins). With the onset of sexual activity, the level of spread of the bacteria increases, which is explained by sexual transmission of the infection.

In general, Mycoplasma hominis is present in the body of 20-50% of females. Men become carriers much less often; self-healing is often recorded in them.

Mycoplasma genitalia is much less widespread than Mycoplasma hominis.

The most common diseases caused by this bacterium:

male urethritis;
female bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis);
inflammation of the internal genital organs in women;
pyelonephritis.

Symptoms

In most cases, the carriage of Mycoplasma hominis does not show any symptoms. In the vast majority of people, the presence of bacteria is imperceptible. It is for this reason that the diagnosis of the disease becomes possible only when the colonies of microorganisms become too numerous.

Under certain conditions - for example, with a sharp weakening of the immune defense, after severe stress or hypothermia, Mycoplasma hominis is activated, the first characteristic symptoms of the disease appear.

In women, pathology is manifested by a lesion of the urethra, glands of the vestibule, ovaries, uterus, tubes, vagina. Symptoms may include:

the appearance of different volumes of discharge, itching and burning sensation;
discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse.

Men usually complain of the appearance of a small volume of urethral discharge (usually in the morning after waking up), drawing pains in the groin, and lack of comfort during urination. If the microorganism affects the epididymis, then an increase in their size is observed, and a sluggish soreness appears in the scrotum.

In the advanced stage, there is a noticeable clouding of urine, the appearance of pus in the urine, there are frequent urges to urinate (especially at night).

Incubation period

The defeat of Mycoplasma hominis, as in any infectious pathology, has its own incubation period, the duration of which is still not clearly defined. According to various information, this period can last from 3 days to five weeks. The average incubation time is taken as 15-19 days.

Infection with Mycoplasma hominis does not in all cases lead to the development of the disease. This is indicated by the frequent detection of microorganisms in healthy patients, as well as the detection of antibodies in people who have not had mycoplasmosis.

Latent, asymptomatic mycoplasma infectious pathology is often activated with the onset of pregnancy or labor, after hypothermia, severe stress.

First signs

Experts point to the following main signs of Mycoplasma hominis lesions, typical for women and men:

sensation of irritation on the outer surface of the genitals;
the appearance of a clear or purulent secretion from the vagina or urinary tract;
discomfort during and after urine discharge;
discomfort during and after sexual contact;
pain in the lower abdomen (pain can be given to the lumbar region);
in men, pain in the scrotum;
inflammatory processes in the genitourinary organs;
increased urge to urinate, urinary disorders;
signs of general intoxication (feeling of weakness, headache, loss of appetite, thirst).

Mycoplasma hominis can cause other symptoms: it depends on the stage of pathology, on the stage of development of bacteria, on the total duration of the disease, on the general condition of the body.

Mycoplasma hominis in women

If a woman becomes a carrier of Mycoplasma hominis, then often she herself does not know about it. In approximately 10-20% of cases, the course of carriage is latent, without any symptoms - until some circumstance leads to activation of the infection. Sometimes in a woman, this bacterium can be present throughout her life, and does not manifest itself in any way.

If Mycoplasma hominis affects the external genitals, then the accumulation of infection occurs on the mucous tissues of the vagina and urethra. In most cases, there are no complaints, almost transparent discharge and mild itching rarely appear.
If the infection affects the internal reproductive organs, then a woman may complain of pain in the lower abdomen, discomfort when urinating, and multiple purulent vaginal discharge.

The defeat of Mycoplasma hominis in women may be accompanied by the development of bacterial vaginosis, urethritis, endometritis, salpingo-oophoritis, pyelonephritis. Often, mycoplasmosis in the female body is found simultaneously with ureaplasma and chlamydia. In about 10-50% of cases, the presence of the microorganism does not cause the development of the disease.

Mycoplasma hominis in pregnant women

To date, there is no unambiguous answer to the question of the effect of Mycoplasma hominis on the course of pregnancy. Some experts are inclined to consider this microorganism an exclusively pathogenic bacterium that can significantly complicate the gestation process: spontaneous miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, fetal fading, postpartum problems, etc. are mentioned as complications.

However, most scientists believe that mycoplasma can only under a certain set of conditions cause the appearance of infectious complications, so it does not pose any danger to a woman.

Infection of the baby with bacteria most often occurs during childbirth. In such a situation, the organs of vision, the upper respiratory tract, and the genitals become the entrance gate for infection. There were cases when the presence of a microbe led to the development of conjunctivitis in a baby, congenital pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, chronic pulmonary pathologies, encephalitis, sepsis - but, as a rule, this applies to other types of mycoplasma infection.

Premature babies are at greater risk. If the infection occurred in a full-term baby, then the elimination of the bacteria is gradually observed, therefore, no symptoms are noted. It is worth noting that in the diagnosis of infectious carriage in newborns, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the opportunistic microbe is detected against the background of the presence of other infectious agents. Monopathology, like mono-media, almost never occurs.

Mycoplasma hominis in men

In the male population, Mycoplasma hominis often has the form of a carrier, however, the development of the disease can occur at any suitable moment.

Signs of lesion - mycoplasmosis - cannot be called specific. Men may present such complaints:

burning sensation at the exit of the urinary tract;
almost transparent discharge from the urethral outlet (mainly after a night's rest);
sharp soreness when urinating;
slight swelling and redness of the urethral outlet, its adhesion;
flaccid pain in the groin area, in the testicular area.

The listed symptoms can disappear and appear again, depending on the presence of an immune response. In addition, microbial damage can affect individual organs, with the development of the following inflammatory processes:

urethritis;
vesiculitis;
orchiepididymitis;
colliculitis;
balanoposthitis.

In accordance with the disease that occurs under the influence of Mycoplasma hominis, certain symptoms will also be noticed. However, men often experience self-healing.

Mycoplasma hominis in children

Among infectious children's pathologies, infection with chlamydia and mycoplasma is most often diagnosed. In many cases, there is a latent carriage.

More acute lesions are observed with intrauterine infection of the infant: however, such diseases are caused mainly by mycoplasma pneumonia.

Mycoplasma hominis, found in children within the normal range, usually does not cause any painful manifestations and does not require treatment. In boys, self-healing is often observed: the number of the microorganism gradually decreases until it disappears completely.

Girls can carry Mycoplasma hominis throughout their lives.

Complications and consequences

The defeat of Mycoplasma hominis is a rather controversial process, which over time can cause the development of unpleasant consequences, but this is not always the case and not for everyone. Scientists cannot yet say why in some patients the disease proceeds without symptoms and complications, while in others it develops rapidly, with further problems arising due to the lack of treatment.

Here are some of the likely troubles caused by this bacterium:

difficulties with conceiving a child in women (due to constant inflammatory processes, narrowing of the tubal lumen, adhesions);
difficulties with conceiving a child in men (due to a slowdown in sperm function, violations of the qualitative and quantitative composition of sperm fluid);
deterioration of erectile function, impotence (due to the inflammatory process, constant flaccid pain in the external genital area);
spontaneous miscarriage in pregnant women, frozen pregnancy;
chronic fetal hypoxia, encephalitis, impaired functionality of vital organs in a newborn child.

However, it must be borne in mind that in many people Mycoplasma hominis is present in the body as part of the normal flora, and does not lead to complications.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of mycoplasma hominis is carried out in stages. First, you need to consult a specialized specialist - for example, a gynecologist or urologist. A doctor who detects an inflammatory process in the cervix, vagina and cervical canal, after indicating the appearance of a discharge with a pungent odor, may suspect the presence of an infectious agent in the body. To clarify the diagnosis, he can advise the patient to conduct ultrasound diagnostics of the pelvic organs, as well as other types of research. For example, it is necessary to make a bacterial culture of the material taken from the mucous membrane of the cervix. This will help to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine its response to antibiotic treatment.

Along with bacterial culture, informative methods are PCR diagnostics and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Conducting common smear microscopy in this case is impossible, since Mycoplasma hominis is difficult to stain and has an extremely small size.

Let's consider the main tests for determining bacteria in more detail.

Microbiological analysis on mycoplasma hominis is carried out by sowing biological material on a liquid and solid nutrient medium. In this case, the material is taken from the vagina, urethra and cervix: after taking it, it is placed on a liquid transport medium and delivered to the laboratory.

Material for research is never taken during menstrual bleeding, due to the high probability of obtaining a distorted result. The main "plus" of bacterial sowing is that this analysis allows you to determine both the quantity and quality of mycoplasmas. So, the rate of Mycoplasma hominis is a value of up to 10 4 - 10 6 CFU / ml (usually they speak of it as a carrier of mycoplasma, without clinical signs of the disease). If the tests indicate such a rate, then there is no need for antibacterial treatment. If the number of microorganisms exceeds the permissible limits, then the doctor may assume that the bacterium really affects the development of the infection, and prescribe antibiotic therapy.

Bacterial culture also determines the degree of sensitivity of mycoplasma hominis to antibiotics. This allows you to choose the most optimal treatment. But the following fact must also be taken into account: if the patient took any antibiotics before the test, then the growth of bacteria on the nutrient medium may be limited, and the result may be unreliable.

PCR diagnostic method is considered more reliable compared to bacterial sowing. It allows you to detect not only mycoplasma hominis, but also a more dangerous variety of such bacteria - mycoplasma genitalium. Any of the following biological materials is suitable for diagnostics:

smear, scraping from the mucous tissues of the genitourinary system;
sperm fluid;
urinary fluid;
discharge of the prostate gland.

This PCR procedure is considered to be of the highest quality, since it involves the isolation of Mycoplasma hominis DNA. Therefore, with a negative PCR result, one can be sure that it is Mycoplasma hominis that is absent in the body, and other pathogens, most likely, have become a factor in the development of the inflammatory process.

But this method is also not without its drawbacks: for example, it does not allow quantitative analysis for mycoplasma hominis, but only determines the presence of genetic material.

Linked immunosorbent assay is able to determine the titers of antibodies to mycoplasma hominis - that is, to clarify the types of immunoglobulins (for example, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD). The serological definition of this pathology is not accurate enough, because mycoplasmas do not cause a strong immune response from the body. For example, it is generally accepted that antibody titers increase at different stages of the disease:

Mycoplasma hominis IgG antibodies begin to be produced approximately 15-20 days from the moment of infection and are present throughout the entire period of the disease;
Mycoplasma hominis IgA antibodies increase mainly in elderly patients;
Mycoplasma hominis IgM antibodies are determined in the latent course of the disease.

For a more accurate diagnosis, experts recommend carrying out bacteriological inoculation on mycoplasma hominis simultaneously with the PCR method. Blood serum is used for an enzyme immunoassay diagnostic procedure.

Mycoplasma hominis in a smear is determined by the following criteria:

Positive result:
- DNA of Mycoplasma hominis is determined against the background of the presence of symptoms of inflammation, and in the absence of other pathogenic microorganisms (for example, gonococcus, mycoplasma genitalia, Trichomonas) - mycoplasma infection is confirmed;
- the DNA of Mycoplasma hominis is determined in small numbers, against the background of the absence of pathological symptoms from the urogenital sphere - the carriage of the bacterium is confirmed.
Negative result:
- the presence of Mycoplasma hominis in the body has not been confirmed.

The quality of the result can be adversely affected by the intake of antibacterial agents, as well as contamination of samples with third-party DNA and inhibition of PCR by components of biological samples (such components can be hemoglobin, heparin, etc.).

Additional instrumental diagnostics is carried out to clarify the diseases that have developed in the body under the influence of infection. The following procedures are usually prescribed:

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, small pelvis, kidneys;
rarely - cystoscopy.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is to exclude other genital infections: such infection options as chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium, ureaplasma, gardnerella, genital herpesvirus, HPV, candida, etc. are considered.

Mycoplasma hominis and genitalium: what's the difference?

Treatment

The general principles of treatment for mycoplasma hominis are divided into systemic and external. The following drugs are commonly used:

Antibiotics for mycoplasma hominis:
- Doxycycline (analogs can be Monocycline, Vibramycin, etc.);
- macrolide antibiotics (Azithromycin, Josamycin, Rulid, Clarithromycin);
- fluoroquinolone preparations (Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin).
Preparations to prevent the development of fungal infection:
- Fluconazole;
- Diflucan;
- Flucostat.
Immunomodulatory agents to activate the immune response and accelerate recovery:
- Cycloferon;
- Genferon;
- Viferon;
- Kipferon.
Drugs to prevent the development of dysbiosis (probiotics):
- Lactofiltrum.

Against the background of systemic therapy, an external treatment regimen is also used: Mycoplasma hominis is destroyed locally, in men - in the urethra, and in women - directly in the vagina.

External treatment consists in intraurethral or intravaginal administration of antiseptics (sometimes only surface irrigation is used) - Chlorhexidine, Dioxidin, Miramistin are used more often. Women can use antiseptic medications in the form of vaginal suppositories.

	Method of administration and dosage	Side effects	special instructions
Sumamed (Azithromycin)	It is taken orally one hour or two hours after a meal, once a day. Average dosage is 4 capsules at a time. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.	Pain in the head, visual disturbances, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood.	In pediatrics, the drug is used to treat children weighing at least 45 kg.
Doxycycline	It is taken orally with food, 100 mg twice a day. The course of treatment lasts at least a week.	Allergic reactions, skin rashes, headache, fatigue, tinnitus, dyspepsia.	In pediatrics, it is used to treat children from 12 years of age.
Clarithromycin	Take 250 mg every 12 hours, regardless of food intake. The course of treatment lasts 7-14 days.	Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, change in taste.	For children under 12 years of age, the drug is prescribed in the form of a suspension.
Ciprofloxacin	It is taken orally twice a day, 500-750 mg. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.	Development of fungal superinfection, allergic reactions, headache, dyspepsia, tinnitus, decreased visual acuity.	Allowed for use in children's practice.
Chlorhexidine	Applied intravaginally or intraurethrally, 1-2 times a day for 7-10 days. If necessary, the course can be extended up to 20 days.	Rarely - dry mucous membranes, skin rashes.	Women can use candles Chlorhexidine 1 pc. twice a day for 7-10 days.

Is it necessary to treat mycoplasma hominis?

If there is a positive test result for mycoplasma hominis, but the patient is not worried about anything (no complaints), then there is no need to prescribe urgent treatment. It is necessary to pass tests (secretions from the urethra and prostate, sperm fluid, vaginal secretions) for the presence of other pathogens of infections that are sexually transmitted.

Carriage of Mycoplasma hominis as a conditionally pathogenic microorganism is not a reason for prescribing treatment.

Vitamins

In order to find out which vitamins need to be additionally introduced into the body when Mycoplasma hominis is damaged, it is not enough just to decide on a list of their names. You need to understand what role each of the vitamins plays in the recovery process of the body.

Vitamin A is essential for repairing damaged cells and tissues. In any infectious process, a large number of epithelial cells are damaged. Regular intake of retinol accelerates tissue regeneration.
Vitamins of group B - for example, riboflavin (B 2), activates the immune system, forcing it to produce antibodies to mycoplasma hominis. Antibodies are a kind of defenders that attack painful antigens. Accordingly, the more such defenders in the body, the more chances you have to defeat the infection. The action of riboflavin is so mild that it is recommended even for people suffering from autoimmune pathologies.

Other essential representatives of these vitamins are thiamine and pyridoxine (B 1 and B 6). These substances contribute to the speedy recovery of the mucous membrane and improve the work of the glandular system.

Ascorbic acid is a well-known remedy for strengthening the immune system. In addition, vitamin C strengthens the vascular walls, accelerates recovery - however, for this, the agent must be taken in a sufficiently large amount - at least 100 mg daily.
Tocopherol in the amount of 10 mg per day perfectly stimulates the immune defense. In addition, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from damage.
Nicotinic acid (PP) is able to dilate blood vessels and improve tissue blood supply. The patient should receive from 20 to 30 mg of vitamin PP per day, which will ensure a faster recovery.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy can perfectly complement the main treatment of diseases caused by Mycoplasma hominis, as well as prevent the development of complications with inflammation of the urogenital system. Physiotherapy reduces the formation of adhesions, accelerates regeneration, relieves pain, potentiates the action of medications, stimulates immunity and metabolism.

When treating a frequently recurring infection, physical therapy can help minimize the burden of antibiotic therapy.

For example, laser treatment accelerates the processes of cellular renewal, activates self-regulatory mechanisms. Thanks to laser therapy, blood vessels are cleansed, and tissue trophism improves.

Magnetotherapy stimulates the immune defense in the body, actively complements drug treatment for prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, etc.

Modern methods of physiotherapy can be widely used in medical practice. However, it must be remembered that there are contraindications for this type of treatment. First of all, we are talking about malignant formations and blood diseases.

Traditional treatment

Some infections - for example, the defeat of Mycoplasma hominis, sometimes can be cured using folk remedies. But it is imperative to remember that not in all cases the bacterium is sensitive to this type of treatment. The result of using this or that remedy depends on the state of the body, on the neglect of the disease, on the quality of the main drug treatment.

It is important to understand that herbal medicine alone is often not enough. Therefore, one should treat folk remedies, not as the main, but as an auxiliary treatment.

A mixture is prepared from ingredients such as walnut kernels, garlic, dill seeds and honey. 250 g of nuts are chopped and mixed with 100 g of crushed garlic, 3 tbsp. l. ground dill seeds and 1 liter of honey. The mixture is consumed in 1 tbsp. l. per day one hour after each meal.
Grind one and a half dozen garlic cloves, pour 700 ml of hot boiled water, insist for a day. Then the liquid is filtered and used for washing and douching (daily for 10-14 days).
Take 1 tbsp. l. black poplar buds, pour 10 tbsp. l. alcohol, kept for 20 days in a dark place. Next, the infusion is filtered and taken with food, 25-30 drops, three times a day.

Herbal treatment

In the presence of Mycoplasma hominis, do douching and washing with an infusion of oak bark, chamomile blossom, nettle, sage and yarrow leaves. Two tablespoons of an equal herbal mixture are poured into 500 ml of water and brought to a boil, after which they are cooled, filtered and used for douching.
In addition, you can douche and rinse the genitals with a decoction of St. John's wort (2 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with 200 ml of boiling water, insisted for 15-20 minutes). The same infusion is recommended to be taken orally - 100 ml three times a day.
Prepare an equal collection of shepherd's purse, bird highlander, white mistletoe, mountain arnica. Pour 1 tbsp. l. mixture with one glass of boiling water, insist for 15-20 minutes. Drink infusion of 100 ml twice a day every day for a couple of weeks.
Take 1 tbsp. l. chopped burdock rhizomes, pour 200 ml of boiling water and boil for 20-30 minutes. Next, the agent is cooled and filtered. Drink to get rid of mycoplasma 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies can be a good addition to the main treatment for mycoplasma hominis, or an analogue of some drugs if the patient has a drug allergy.

Berberis - used for infectious lesions of the urinary system, for pain, burning sensation in the groin, with a change in the color of urine.
Borax - is prescribed for lesions of mucous membranes, with false urge to urinate, with frequent urination, with difficulties in conceiving a child.
Cannabis sativa - used for difficulty urinating, with cloudy urine, with hypertrophy of the urethral mucosa.
Cantaris - helps with burning, acute pain related to the genitourinary system. Can be used for urinary retention, for any inflammatory processes of the urogenital tract.
Causticum - used for often recurrent diseases, with itchy urethra, with weakness of the bladder.
Equisetum - prescribed for pain in the kidney, bladder, ureters, in the presence of mucus and protein in the urine.
Mercurius solubilis - has a wide spectrum of activity, is used in inflammatory processes with a tendency to suppuration.

The above means can be combined with each other, alternated. A small homeopathic dilution is used (6) - for example, you can use 3 grains of the drug a quarter of an hour before a meal, three times a day. With mycoplasma hominis, a long course of treatment is usually recommended - for several months.

Surgery

Surgery is not a priority treatment for patients with isolated Mycoplasma hominis. The operation can be carried out according to indications - for example, in men with varicocele, purulent processes, abscesses, with chronic epididymitis, etc., and in women - with adhesions, cysts, purulent inflammatory diseases.

Prevention of mycoplasma hominis

Preventive measures are to prevent the entry of Mycoplasma hominis into the body. What does that require?

Avoid casual sex.
Use barrier protection (condoms).
Maintain the immune defense at the proper level by following a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, hardening, etc.
Timely treat and identify any carriers and gynecological diseases.
It is imperative to make sure that any infectious diseases are completely cured, using the necessary diagnostic methods.

It is important to take care of your health, not to ignore the rules of personal hygiene, sexual hygiene. The listed recommendations will help to avoid infection not only with mycoplasma, but also with other infections that can be transmitted sexually.

Forecast

The prognosis for the defeat of Mycoplasma hominis depends on the type of pathology. With congenital infection, the prognosis is not always favorable: it is possible to develop a generalized infectious process, inflammation of the meninges, diseases of the liver and other internal organs. In addition, with intrauterine infection, babies in some cases are born prematurely, or with developmental disorders - this happens when during pregnancy there is a pronounced exacerbation of the inflammatory process with the participation of mycoplasmas.

To prevent intrauterine mycoplasmosis, a woman should be examined at the planning stage to exclude infection. It is equally important to avoid casual sex and unprotected sex during pregnancy. The expectant mother should carefully observe the rules of her own hygiene, not use other people's washing accessories, bedding and underwear, since the household transmission of Mycoplasma hominis is unlikely, but it cannot be completely ruled out.

The most unfavorable consequence that Mycoplasma hominis can leave behind is chronic inflammation of the reproductive organs, urinary system, with periodic relapses and a sluggish course.

There are a huge number of viruses and bacteria that cause various diseases. This article will tell you in detail about the pathogen called mucoplasma hominis.

What it is?

Mucoplasma hominis Is a conditionally pathogenic bacterium. In 80% of cases, it lives in a healthy body without causing pathological conditions. Refers to the type of mycoplasma. The causative agent predominantly affects the female body (25 - 45%) than the male (10-15%). In another article, we described in detail the urogenital mycoplasma -.

This infection is found in newborn girls in 20% of cases, and in boys in 5%, which heals itself as the child grows up. Also, representatives of the weaker sex are more often carriers of mycoplasma hominis than representatives of the stronger sex.

According to statistics, girls who are not sexually active have a reduced risk of infection (8-10%) compared to women.

Characteristics of the pathogen

Mucoplasma hominis Are prokaryotic gram-negative unicellular microorganisms that do not have a nucleus and their own cell wall. They are limited only by a three-layer plasma membrane: due to this, they easily attach to the epithelial cells of the genitourinary system and spermatozoa.

Mycoplasmas have polymorphism, that is, they are able to change their shape. (For example, they can be pear-shaped, thread-like, and others). They are characterized by intracellular reproduction through division of mother cells or budding of daughter cells.

Due to their small size (0.3 - 0.8 microns), they easily penetrate any cellular barriers and have resistance to human immune cells.

Mycoplasmas are conditionally pathogenic bacteria, therefore they can cause a number of unpleasant diseases, but they can also be inactive in a healthy body. This requires certain conditions for the mechanisms of human infection to work. For example, decreased immunity, stress, hypothermia, concomitant pathologies, etc.

Currently, there are 200 types of mycoplasmas, 17 of which inhabit the body of a healthy person, 6 species are localized in the genitourinary system, and only 3 of them are capable of causing disease.

What diseases does mycoplasma cause?

Mucoplasma hominis causes diseases of the genitourinary and reproductive systems in women and men, such as:

Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
Pyelonephritis (an inflammatory process in the kidneys that affects the parenchyma of the kidneys, calyx and renal pelvis).
Bacterial vaginosis or gardnerellosis (non-inflammatory disease of the vagina, characterized by a change in microflora). can be found in this article.
Cystitis (inflammation in the bladder).
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland in men).
Ureaplasmosis (in the genitourinary organs). Here you can read more about (Ureaplasma parvum).
Endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus).
Adnexitis (an inflammatory process in the uterine appendages - fallopian tubes and ovaries).

Infection symptoms

For a long time, the pathogen may not manifest itself, which is considered to be a latent (latent or asymptomatic period).

But after a while, symptoms appear that you should pay attention to:

Pain, burning sensation during urination.
Unpleasant sensations during intercourse.
Frequent urination.
Vaginal discharge is grayish.
Discharge mucous or mixed with pus from the urethra.
Violation of the menstrual cycle in women.
Discomfort in the lumbar region and lower abdomen. (May indicate the penetration of infection into the pelvic organs)
Men first have mild pain in the lumbar region, and then erection problems begin.
Mycoplasmas can also cause postpartum fever and endometritis in postpartum women.

If you have at least one symptom, you should consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment of the disease that has arisen. You should not postpone the visit to the doctor - this is fraught with adverse consequences!

Transmission routes

Mycoplasma is transmitted only sexually during unprotected intercourse (but leads to illness after a decrease in immunity or in the presence of other sexually transmitted infections) and vertical (from mother to fetus). This type of pathogen is not transmitted by household and airborne droplets.

The incubation period is 2-3 weeks. After that, the pathogen manifests itself in the body.

Pathogen transmission mechanisms:

Transplacental (transmitted from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, during childbirth through the birth canal.)
Sexual (during intercourse without barrier methods of contraception). The infection is transmitted through semen in men and through secretions in women.

Contact and aerogenic transmission mechanisms are completely excluded.

Is it dangerous?

Mycoplasmas can cause extremely unfavorable complications.

Such as:

Based on the above, we can say that the infection is quite dangerous. It is only necessary to start treatment in time in order to prevent such consequences.

Diagnostics

This is a very important stage, since the correct diagnosis will allow the pathology to be identified as soon as possible and the treatment can be started in a timely manner.

Methods for diagnosing the disease:

PCR diagnostics. A very informative method that allows you to identify the DNA of the pathogen of any stage (acute, chronic) and form (even asymptomatic).
Biological material is being collected... In women, discharge from the urethra, vagina, cervix and urine collection to detect bacteria; in men also from the urethra, semen, urinalysis and discharge from the prostate. The smear is applied to a sight glass, and then it is examined using a microscope.
Cultural method(the material is sown on a nutrient medium). The result will be known in 5 - 7 days.
Direct immunofluorescence reaction (RPIF). This is a specific method that allows you to determine the species of the studied cultures.
Indirect immunofluorescence reaction (RNIF). The research method is carried out similarly to RPIF.
Serological methods. A blood test is carried out for the presence of special proteins (antigens) against mycoplasmas. (RSK, RNGA.)
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Based on the determination of antibodies to bacteria in a smear.
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.(To prevent complications from exposure to microorganisms)

How to treat?

Only an obstetrician-gynecologist is engaged in treatment.

For treatment, a conservative method is used (with drugs):

Antibacterial therapy.(Used to eliminate the infection itself. Mycoplasmas quickly get used to antibiotics, so you need to use different groups, but macrolides are considered the most effective group. Erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, doxycycline, metranidazole, clindamycin are used; pregnant women are advised to take josamycin.)
Antifungal drugs.(Long-term use of antibiotics (more than 7 days) provokes fungal diseases. For example, women may develop vaginal candidiasis. Drugs such as flucostatine, nystatin, fluconazole, mycosist, etc. are used)
Immunomodulators. We need drugs that strengthen the immune system. Thanks to them, the duration of treatment can be shortened. (cycloferon, vitamin complexes, etc.)
Hepatoprotectors. Prescribed to protect the liver from the harmful effects of antibiotics. For this, Karsil, Essentiale, silymarin and other drugs of this group are used.
Antihistamines(must be taken to prevent allergic reactions). For example, suprastin, loratadine.

Prophylaxis

It must be remembered that prevention is an important step. Observing it, you can prevent the occurrence of diseases, and, consequently, complications.

The following are methods to be aware of and not ignore: