Prevalence Of Mycoplasma Hominis Research Articles

Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum detection in urine and respiratory tract samples in Hiroshima, Japan

BackgroundMycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum are commensal bacteria that are associated with colonization and infection of the urogenital tract. However, colonization of the respiratory tract by these microorganisms in adults has not been fully investigated. MethodsUrine and respiratory tract samples (sputum, tracheal aspirates, and bronchoalveolar lavage) of patients aged 20−80 years were analyzed to detect the presence of M. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum using a conventional PCR method. The samples were submitted to the microbiological clinical laboratory of Hiroshima University Hospital from December 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. ResultsIn total, 334 urine and 238 respiratory tract samples were analyzed. The overall detection rates of M. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum were 2.9%, 1.7%, and 2.3% in male urine; 7.0%, 13.8%, and 1.9% in female urine; 2.2%, 0%, and 2.2% in male respiratory tract; and 0%, 2.0%, and 0% in female respiratory tract, respectively. In urine samples, the detection rates of M. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for women (29/159; 18.2%) than for men (10/175; 5.7%); however, in respiratory tract samples, the detection rates were not significantly different (p = 0.70) between women (2/101; 2.0%) and men (5/137; 3.7%). Further, both the urine and respiratory samples of 83 patients were analyzed. Three male samples were positive for M. hominis or U. urealyticum, and M. hominis and U. urealyticum were matched in both the urine and respiratory tract samples: M. hominis (n = 1), U. urealyticum (n = 1), M. hominis + U. urealyticum (n = 1). ConclusionM. hominis, U. parvum, and U. urealyticum were detected in the respiratory tract of not only the young patients, but also of patients aged 50−60 years. Further studies are required to understand the relationship of these microorganisms in urogenital and respiratory tract samples with extra-genital infections.

The prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis in Outpatients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in East India.

Introduction Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) is the first Mycoplasma isolated from humans in the year 1937. Though regarded as a commensal of the urogenital tract, it has been implicated in various genital and extra-genital infections namely bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, pyelonephritis, premature rupture of the membrane in pregnancy, infertility, sepsis in newborns, etc. The pathogenesis, prevalence, and epidemiology of genital mycoplasmas in general and M. hominis in particular in Indian women have been studied very minimally. This study aimed to study the prevalence of M. hominis carriage among symptomatic and asymptomatic sexually active women attending to the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in East India with or without clinically suspected genitourinary infections and to compare the detection of M. hominis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as compared to that of culture. Methods In this observational study, sterile Dacron swabs were used to collect two samples each from the genitourinary tract of 110 sexually active women aged 15-45 years (80 cases and 30 control). One sample was inoculated in mycoplasma broth for culture. The other was used for PCRto detect the presence of theM. hominis gene. Results Culture positivity for mycoplasma was seen in 4/80 (5%) patients clinically suspected of genitourinary infection (cases) based on their presenting signs and symptoms. In those without such suspicion (control), all cultures were negative (p=0.021). PCR was positive for M. hominis in 22 (20%) samples. Considering the PCR as the gold standard the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of culture are found to be 18.18%, 100%, 100%, and 88.25% respectively. The highest prevalence of M. hominis was in the age group 20-24 years (9/24) and 50% of all detections (11/22) were among 25-29 years. Detections were more frequent among patients with multiparity, multiple sexual partners, intrauterine contraceptive devices, lower socioeconomic status, and lower educational status. Conclusion Our study results showed that the presence of M. hominis is significantly higher in cases than in the control group. The study also indicates the need for continued research on this bacterium both in patients with genital symptoms and in asymptomatic patients.

Bacterial vaginosis and Mycoplasma infections in reproductive-age women: Clarifying the association with risk factors

ObjectivesThis study seeks to examine the association between predisposing risk factors and the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) as well as Mycoplasma hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infections in reproductive age women and investigate its relationship with infertility. MethodsThis cross-sectional, prospective study was carried out using sexually active females who presented at the Gynaecology Clinic with complaints of vaginal discharge. Two cervical smear samples were taken from the endocervical canal using sterile cotton swabs for each patient. The patients were questioned to obtain their demographic data and potential risk factors for lower genital tract infections, and their responses were recorded. ResultsOf 348 patients, BV was detected in 46.3%, UU in 26.7%, MH in 3.7% and UU and MH co-infection in 13.2%. The prevalence of BV concomitant with UU and/or MH was significantly high (p=.001). The most prominent risk factors for BV were UU and MH infection (AOR=6.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): [2.63–17.56]), vaginal douche use (AOR=6.80, 95% CI: [03.60–12.83]), abortion history (AOR=2.82, 95% CI: [1.55–5.12]) and high body mass indexes (BMI) (AOR=.81, 95% CI: [.74–.89]). The prevalence of BV, UU and MH was significantly higher in infertile patients than fertile patients (p=.002). ConclusionsBacterial vaginosis, MH, and UU co-infection were common in patients with vaginal discharge, and it was detected considerably higher in infertile patients than in fertile patients.

The Prevalence of Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Mycoplasma Hominis Infections in Infertile Patients in the Northeast Region of Romania.

Background and objectives: Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) are two commensal microorganisms that form the urogenital microbiota. Under a state of dysbiosis, both bacteria cause intrauterine infection. Material and methods: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of UU and MH among four hundred and eleven infertile women. Results: Women between thirty and thirty-five years old were the most affected group, followed by those that were 25 and 30 years old, respectively. Cumulatively, the prevalence of single UU and MH, and coinfection, was 28.46% (n = 117), (n = 2) 0.48%, and 2.91% (n = 12), respectively, with an overall detection rate of 31.87% (n = 131). To assess the associated drug susceptibility, endocervical samples were unequally sent to Regina Maria (n = 281) and Synevo (n = 130) laboratories for further analyses. Pristinamycin (100% vs. 100%) and Josamycin (100% vs. 98.00%) were the most efficient antibiotics in eradicating UU and MH, several others also displaying a high efficiency, among which can be mentioned Doxycycline (98.23%), Minocycline (96.00%), Tetracycline (96.48% vs. 68.00%), and Erythromycin (70.17% vs. 92.00%). Based on antibiograms, Clarithromycin (88.00%), Roxithromycin (88.00%), Levofloxacin (82.00%), and Azithromycin (78.94%) can be further used in treating such infections. On the other hand, Clindamycin (4.00%) and Ciprofloxacin (12.27% vs. 2.00%) are no longer viable because both UU and MH display an intermediate response towards gained resistance. Interestingly, the efficiency of Ofloxacin (22.79% vs. 60.00%) was conflicting, this possibly suggesting a transient stage to a gradual adaptability of these microorganisms to Ofloxacin. Conclusions: The most susceptible age groups in each case were women that were between twenty and forty years old. It can be concluded that four antibiotics can be safely used for treating UU, MH, or dual infections whose efficiency was over 95%.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of rectal Mollicutes in HIV-infected men who have sex with men at the University Hospital of Dresden, Germany

BackgroundRectal sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common in men having sex with men (MSM). Mycoplasma genitalium is increasingly being reported in this localization, but due to frequent lack of symptoms at this site, clinical significance is still unclear. Rectal prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species is not well studied so far. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of rectal Mollicutes in our HIV-cohort.MethodsIn 227 MSM presenting for annual STI-screening, 317 anorectal swabs were collected from January 2017 to December 2018. PCR was performed for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and also culture for M. hominis and Ureaplasma spec.ResultsPrevalence for M. genitalium, M. hominis, Ureaplasma spec., C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae was 8.2%, 7.3%, 12.0%, 5.1% and 1.9%, respectively. Patients were asymptomatic with few exceptions. Seroprevalence of syphilis in 227 MSM was 41.9%. In 20 strains of M. genitalium, resistance-associated mutations to macrolides and quinolones were found in 60% and 30%, respectively; in five strains (25%) to both. M. hominis and Ureaplasma spec. frequently occurred combined, mostly in significant quantity consistent with infection. M. hominis and Ureaplasma spec. regularly showed sensitivity to tetracycline.ConclusionAt screening, rectal colonization with Mollicutes was common in our patients, but rarely caused symptoms. Due to rising antibiotic resistance of M. genitalium against quinolones, therapeutic options are increasingly limited. Treatment should be guided by antibiotic resistance testing including quinolones. In persisting anorectal symptoms, M. hominis and Ureaplasma spec. should also be taken into account.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in Pregnant Iranian Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pregnant Iranian women. However, it is necessary to combine the previous results to present a general assessment. We conducted the present study based on systematic review and meta-analysis studies according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched the national and international online databases of MagIran, IranMedex, SID, MedLib, IranDoc, Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar search engine for certain MeSH keywords until June 16, 2017. In addition, heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and publication bias were performed. The data were analyzed using random-effects model and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 and P value was considered lower than 0.05. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in 11 surveyed articles that assessed 2864 pregnant Iranian women was 8.74% [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.40-13.84]. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was estimated 5.73% (95% CI: 2.09-14.73) and 13.55% (95% CI: 11.23-16.25) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively which the difference was not significant (P=0.082). The lowest and highest prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was estimated in Tehran province [4.96% (95% CI: 2.45-9.810)] and Ardabil province [28.60% (95% CI: 20.61-38.20)], respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Meta-regression for the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis based on year of the studies was significant with increasing slope (P=0.017). According to the systematic review, the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Urea plasma urealyticum indicated 2 to 22.8% (from 4 articles) and 9.1 to 19.8% (from 3 articles), respectively. There was no evidence of publication bias (P value for Begg and Eggers’ tests was 0.161 and 0.173, respectively). The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis is high among pregnant Iranian women. Screening pregnant women as part of preventive measures seem necessary considering the potential for maternal and fetal complications.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma spp. in Routine Gynecological Care in Sao Paulo City, Brazil

Background: Mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma spp.) are sexually transmitted organisms found primarily in the human urogenital microbiota. These microorganisms are frequently associated with some diseases including non-gonococcal urethritis, vaginosis, pregnancy complications, prenatal infections, systemic infections and infertility. Objectives: The current studyaimedto evaluate the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominisandUreaplasmaspp. in routinegynecological care. Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study with simple random sampling was designed. A total of 6,810 patients with the age range of 11 to 80 years were evaluated, during a six-month period from January 2015 to June 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. DNAs were extracted from cytological samples (ThinPrep™) to detect microorganisms by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: The high prevalence of M. hominis (n = 79), Ureaplasma spp. (n = 2,026) and the co-colonization of both (n = 199) with P < 0.0001 in the samples were verified, mainly in sexually active aged females. The results also indicated a negative and significant correlation between co-colonization of Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis, Ureaplasma spp., and age. Conclusions: In conclusion, the data showed that high rate of females harbor these microorganisms in the genital microbiota. This finding suggests the importance of routine gynecological tests, mainly in pregnant females, during the second and third trimesters, and in asymptomatic females under infertility clinical investigation. Furthermore, the application of molecular methods is suggested; since they provide a fast and accurate diagnosis of these microorganisms, but sensitivity of the tests should be considered in the clinical relevant concentration of microorganisms in the genital microbiota

Vaginal microbiocenosis in women with trichomoniasis

Background. Trichomoniasis is accompanied by substantial colonization of the genital tract by various opportunistic microorganisms and reduced amount of lactobacilli. Both processes have a negative impact on the reproductive health and fetal development. Today, however, in the treatment of trichomoniasis insufficient attention is paid to the restoration of the normal vaginal microflora. Aim. An attempt was made to assess the vaginal microbiocenosis of patients with trichomoniasis using traditional and novel molecular methods.Matherials and Methods. Archived vaginal samples from 37 women with trichomoniasis were used, which were placed on slides, fixed in the flame and stained according the Gram method and by methylene blue and stored in boxes within last 15 years. The preparations were evaluated using microscopy and the nucleic acid amplification based test Femoflor and tests for the detection of DNA of sexually transmitted agents.Results. According to the microscopic examination, disorders of the vaginal microbiocenosis were detected in 89.2% of patients with trichomoniasis. C. trachomatis was detected in 8.1% of the samples. Obligate anaerobic microorganisms were determined in all samples, accounting for 8% to 100% of the total bacterialthe majority of the women. Facultative anaerobic microflora was also found in all the patients. Lactobacilli were detected in 8.1% of the women, and mycoplasma – in 37.8%. Conclusions. It was shown that in women with trichomoniasis there are often disturbances of the normal vaginal flora, manifested as the presence of a variety of opportunistic bacteria, accompanied by an inflammatory response. Almost half of the preparations showed bacterial vaginosis. Noteworthy, there was high prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis. For the first time, a technique of DNA testing in the materials placed on glass slides after prolonged storage was applied.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum among women infected with HIV in Yaoundé-Cameroon

Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum among women infected with HIV in Yaoundé-Cameroon

DETECTION OF &lt;i&gt;MYCOPLASMA HOMINIS&lt;/i&gt; IN PATIENTS WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Mycoplasma hominis is one of the well known genital mycoplasma agent that has been recognized as potentially pathogenic species and associated with various infectious diseases in adult men and woman. The organism could cause pelvic inflammatory disease, postpartum, postabortion fever and pyelonephritis. The Aim of this prospective study was to detemine the occurrence and prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis in patients with urinary tract infections, since they are usually not detected by routine microbiological examination of urine samples in laboratory department. For this purpose, Culture method was to be attempted as the current laboratory methods of choice for detection urogenital mycoplasmas infections. This study was designed as a case-control study in which a total of 100 patients with mean age of the of 42.78±22.49 (95% CI = 39-49.17) in case group as well as a mean age of 48.18±18.81 ((95% CI = 42.83-53.53) in the control group. The patients of both sexes were investigated for the presence of M. hominis and they were admitted to the urology department at asser central hospital in Abha (a city in southwest region of Saudi Arabia), during over a period of one year (February, 2013-March, 2014). A detailed history with specific urinary symptoms and signs was obtained as a result. These patients were divided into two groups: The first group (or case group) and the second group (or control group): The case group, included 50 symptomatic patients who had been admitted in hospital and they were examined for the presence of one or more of the following specific urinary symptoms and signs: Urinary frequency, dysuria, suprapubic/pelvic pain. Unlike the case group, the control group included 50 asymptomatic patients who were free of any specific urinary symptoms and they were matched by the first group for their age index. First voided urine specimens were tested using urine microscopy, culture for M hominis was performed and the isolates were identified serologically by growth inhibition test (disc method). In the case group, 8 cases out of 50 and in control group 1 out 50 were positive for M. hominis infection. The incidence of M. hominis was higher and statistically significant among case symptomatic patients group (8/50, 16%) than control asymptomatic patients group patients (1/50, 2%). On applying tests of significance to the observed data for isolation of Mycolplasma hominis among cases and controls, the values were found to statistically significant. Chi-square test with Yate’s correction [χ2 4.396; p value 0.036] and the Fisher’s exact test (2 tailed) [p value = 0.0309] indicated the relevance of the findings. The Relative Risk (RR) for the occurrence of Mycoplasma hominis infection was estimated to be 8 (95% C.I = 1.0386 -61.6235). The odds ratio was determined to be 0.1071 (95% CI = 0.129-0.892) and the risk ratio was 0.2063 (95% CI = 0.0322-1.3224). This is the first report study for the detection of M hominis in patients with urinary tract infections performed in Saudi Arabia. Infection caused by M hominis was associated with higher incidence rate in patients with symptomatic urinary tract diseases. Further work studies is needed for their rapid detection of these organism in urine samples using other diagnostic methods such as PCR. Further knowledge of the role and the effect of this pathogen in patients with urinary tract infections can be a prospective field of study.

Epidemiological Trends of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women in Cheonan, South Korea, 2006-2012

A lack of investigation in specific regions has impeded the understanding of epidemiological trends in the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in South Korea. To help fill this research gap, this study used multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) to determine the prevalence of STIs detected in clinical specimens collected from women in Cheonan, South Korea between August 2006 and November 2012, and analyzed the prevalence of STIs according to age, bacterial pathogen, and time period. Of the 1,618 specimens collected from 1,523 patients, 536 (35.2%) tested positive for at least 1 pathogen, with 407 (25.2%) testing positive for 1 pathogen, 103 (6.4%) for 2 pathogens, 20 (1.2%) for 3 pathogens, and 6 (0.4%) for 4 pathogens (n = 697 pathogens total). The median ages of all patients and of STI-positive patients were 37.8 and 33.3 years, respectively, and both decreased annually over the study period. Mycoplasma hominis (MH) was detected in 62.1% of the positive specimens, Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) in 28.4%, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in 23.1%, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in 7.8%, Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in 6.5%, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in 2.1%. Whereas the prevalence of MH, MG, and TV infection did not vary greatly over the study period, that of UU decreased by one-fifth and that of both CT and NG increased 4-fold. The results indicate great variability in the rates of infection with each pathogen and a decreasing trend in overall STI prevalence, age of patients seeking STI testing, and age of STI-positive patients.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplazma Urealyticum Among Women of Reproductive Age in Albania

The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of Mycoplasma Hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU) among infertile women and women who had abortion in the first trimester in Albania. Our study included 150 women of reproductive age hospitalized at the Obstetric-Gynecologic University Hospital "Mother Geraldine" in Tirana during the period 2011-2012. All women were tested for the presence of MH and UU. In addition, data on the age of women, age of the first intercourse, number and type of abortion, number of births, and number of sexual partners were collected. The overall prevalence of MH was 30.4%, whereas the prevalence of UU was 54.3%. The prevalence of MH and/or UU was the highest among women who had experienced spontaneous abortions (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively), women who reported more than one abortion (P = 0.02 for both), women with more than one sexual partner (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively), and women who reported early first (before the age of 18 years) sexual intercourse (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05, respectively). Our findings indicate a high prevalence of both MH and UU in Albanian women seeking specialized Obstetric-Gynecologic care in Tirana. We conclude that for each case of spontaneous abortion it should be carried out the analysis of MH and UU. Conversely, among infertile women, the testing for MH and UU is recommended in the absence of another confirmed etiologic factor.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in Chinese women with genital infectious diseases

Previous studies have confirmed that the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) increases the risks of various diseases including genital infections in women. Hence, the surveillance policies for the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of UU and MH are important for both the prevention and the treatment of the diseases associated with genital mycoplasmas. The objective of this study is to investigate the characteristics of UU and MH prevalence and its antimicrobial susceptibility in Chinese women with genital infection. By using commercial mycoplasma strips, we investigated the incidence and antimicrobial resistance of UU and MH in 3306 Chinese women with genital infection between January 2005 and December 2009 in Changzhou China. (1) The overall positive incidence of genital mycoplasmas was 62.16%. The most common pattern was UU monoinfection (46.52%), the UU-MH coinfection pattern ranked second (13.91%) and MH monoinfection was lowest (1.71%). According to annual analysis, MH infection revealed an increasing trend between 2005 and 2009. However, a significantly higher infection rate by genital mycoplasmas was found in young women (age range: 16-35 years). (2) Overall, MH susceptibility rates remained high only to doxycycline (DOX), minocycline (MIN) and josamycin (JOS), while UU had high susceptibility rates only to DOX, MIN and clarithromycin (CLA). The resistance rates of UU-MH-mixed isolates to most of drugs were significantly higher than those of UU- or MH-single isolates. High infection rates and severe drug resistances of genital mycoplasmas were found in Chinese women with genital infections. The laboratory screening and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for genital mycoplasmas is vital to treat the infection.

Mycoplasmas in the urine of HIV-1 infected men

The aim of this study was determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium, M. fermentans, M. pirum, M. penetrans and Ureaplasma urealyticum in HIV-infected patients. Culture and PCR were used to detect six species of Mycoplasma in first-void urine of HIV-1 infected men. A total of 497 HIV/AIDS patients (age range 5-75 years, mean 37 years) were screened in the study. All presented positive for at least one kind of mycoplasma, especially U. urealyticum and M. hominis. Six mycoplasmas were significant in the homosexual contact and heterosexual contact groups. The distribution of M. hominis, M. penetrans, and M. pirum were significantly different in this four-transmission category. CD4+ cell count levels were lower in the AIDS-associated Mycoplasma-positive group than in the Mycoplasma-negative group (P<0.01). This study indicates that U. urealyticum, M. hominis and M. fermentans are prevalent in HIV-1-infected male patients. This may be an indication of whether mycoplasmas are co-factors in the progression of HIV disease.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in infertile women and their husbands

Background: Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum microorganisms may play a role in infertility. The aim of this study is to determine prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum microorganisms in infertile women and their husbands. Methods: In this Cross-sectional study presence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were examined in infertile couples who have been referred to infertility clinics (Avicenna Institute in Tehran) by gynecologists. Referred patients with cervical smear and their husbands with semen fluid culture were asked to fill in a questionnaire. The samples were sent to microbiology laboratories. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square, Mann‑Whitney and T‑test methods. Results: 56 infertile women and their husbands were studied and compared. The average age in subjects was 30.41 year and their marriage age was 22.96 year. Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis in women was 27.39% (22 out of 56) and in their husbands was19.64% (11). Prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum in women was 58.92% (33) and in their husbands was 46.42% (26). There was no statistically significant difference between the infection and patient age, marriage age, educational levels and infertility duration. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of mycoplasma hominis and ureaplasma urealyticum infection in both infertile women and their husbands. However, the prevalence of infections in women was higher than their husbands. We concluded that treatment of infected women is necessary and further studies are required to be done to better understand the role of these infections in infertility of women.

The demographic and behavioural profile of women with cervicitis infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum and the comparison of two medical regimens

The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of single dose oral azithromycin with twice-daily, 7-day doxycycline in women with chlamydial, mycoplasmic or ureaplasmic cervicitis and to demonstrate the demographic and behavioral profile of infected women. Five hundred and thirty-three women with various gynecologic complaints were recruited for this study. All women were screened for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Mycoplasma hominis (MH) by enzyme immune assay tests. Patients positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae were excluded. Women treated for these infections were tested after completing medical therapy. Educational levels of infected women were similar in each group. The prevalence of CT, UU and MH was 3.4% (18/533), 11.8% (63/533) and 0.9% (5/533), respectively. In 452 patients, no treatment was administered. The remaining patients were either treated with azithromycin (n=41) or doxycycline (n=40). The eradication rate for the infectious agents was 87.3% and 93.5% in the group of azithromycin and doxycycline, respectively (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between single dose azithromycin and a 7-day course of doxycycline with respect to the treatment of culture-positive cases. Recurrences were observed in five cases in azithromycin group (12.5%) and in three cases in doxycycline group (7.5%). The treatment of uncomplicated chlamydial, mycoplasmic and ureaplasmic cervicitis with a single dose of azithromycin administered under supervision in the clinic is as effective as a 7-day course of doxycycline. This regimen may overcome the problem of compliance with the standard twice-daily, 7-day regimen of doxycycline.

Pelvic inflammatory disease in the People's Republic of China: aetiology and management.

To study the causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in Shenyang, Northeastern China, and to assess the efficacy of the syndromic management flowchart for PID recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). 200 outpatients with PID attending Gynaecologic Clinic of No. 1 and No. 2 hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, and 155 control women without symptoms underwent pelvic examination, and were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), bacterial vaginosis (BV), Candida albicans (CA) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). In PID patients, the prevalence of MH was 26%, of BV 26%, of CT 16%, of CA 11%, of TV 4% and of NG 2.5%. In the control population, prevalences were 5.2%, 8.4%, 0%, 5.2%, 0.7%, 0% respectively. MH, BV and CT were significantly more common in PID patients than in controls (P<0.01). One hundred and thirty-seven of the 200 patients with PID (68.5%) returned for follow-up. Symptoms had resolved completely in 64 (47%), and had improved in 68 (50%). There was no improvement in five (4%). The management protocol for female lower abdominal pain recommended by WHO is effective in this setting.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum (T strains) in urine of adolescents.

Adolescent children were surveyed for colonization with Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum by culturing urine specimens. Rates were compared between three study groups: (i) 397 children attending parochial schools, (ii) 293 children attending an adolescent clinic specializing in adjustment problems, and (iii) 86 children attending a renal clinic. The recovery rate was higher among postpubertal girls attending the renal clinic (33%) and the adolescent clinic (26%) than among students attending parochial high school (males 2%, females 8%). Girls had approximately eightfold higher rates than boys of the same age. Isolation of Mycoplasmataceae was associated with certain sociological determinants, such as dating, cigarette smoking, and coming from a broken home, but also with abnormal findings (protein, leucocytes) in urine.