Ureaplasma parvum - harmless neighbor or a cunning enemy?

Ureaplasma parvum (ureaplasma parvum) is one of the microorganisms belonging to the mycoplasma family. At the present stage of the development of medical science, mycoplasma is commonly regarded as a conditionally pathogenic bacterium.

All mycoplasmas are slightly larger in size than viruses and slightly less than single-celled bacteria. The principal difference between ureaplasma and other mycoplasmas is the absence of its own cell membrane and the ability to split urine. Ureaplasmas due to the peculiarities of their structure can not exist in the external environment independently, therefore they have adapted to parasitize on the surfaces of membranes and inside the cells of the mucous membranes of the human body. Earlier, scientists isolated two subspecies ureaplasmas: Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Now they are considered to be different species.

In scientific circles, there are still lively disputes over the pathogenic properties of these bacteria. If a hypothesis was previously advanced that Ureaplasma urealyticum bacteria are the cause of urethritis in men, and the appearance of Ureaplasma parvum causes diseases of the female genitourinary system and is transmitted to newborns, today this data is not supported by clinical practice.

In analyzes of healthy people, both types of bacteria are found in a certain amount. Reliable information that Ureaplasma urealyticum with a decrease in immunity may cause the development of ureaplasmosis. According to statistics, ureaplasmosis complicates 60% of diseases of the genitourinary system. For example, with infection with chlamydia, Trichomonas, gonococci local immunity is violated, which also leads to increased reproduction of ureaplasmas.

Most often ureaplasmas attach to the epithelial cells of the urogenital system of adults and for decades have not been active. Under favorable conditions, multiplying intensely, Ureaplasma urealyticum causes inflammation of the bladder, urethra (urethra), prostatitis, vaginitis, endometritis. Sometimes they parasitize on spermatozoa (this can cause a decrease in motor activity and the death of sperms). Also, ureaplasma can cause damage to the respiratory system in infants infected by the mother during labor.

Ureaplasma parvum - what is it?

As already mentioned, ureaplasmas are conditionally pathogenic bacteria. That is, constantly upholstered in the mucous membranes, Ureaplasma parvum does not show itself - their reproduction is restrained by the immune system of a healthy organism. Unlike Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum are not considered pathogens. When these bacteria are detected, treatment is not always indicated in the analyzes. Many people do not understand why doctors do not want to prescribe a course of antibiotics if they detect Ureaplasma parvum in the analyzes. The fact is that the drugs used to destroy these bacteria are very poorly tolerated by the human body and in some cases can cause irreparable harm to health.

Ureaplasma parvum treatment

To diagnose ureaplasmosis, bacterial culture and PCR are used.

The decision on the prescription of medications must be made by the doctor on the basis of careful examination of the patient's complaints and the results of the tests.

Only if the number of Ureaplasma parvum found in the smear is significantly higher than normal, and the symptoms of the disease indicate ureaplasmosis, the combined treatment of both sexual partners is indicated.

The course duration of antibiotics is 2 weeks. Be sure to follow the diet. In parallel, instillations are administered to the urethra. It is necessary to use immunomodulators. After the course of antibiotics, the appointment of drugs that restore the normal microflora (bifido- and lactobacilli) and hepatoprotectors is mandatory. Men (with prostatitis) are prescribed a prostate massage.

It is extremely important to comply with all the prescriptions of the doctor absolutely absolutely and not to engage in self-medication. Preparations "Erythromycin", "Tetracycline" and others, prescribed for ureaplasmosis, are not only highly toxic and cause a number of side effects in patients. The consequence of their improper use may be the acquisition of ureaplasma immunity to antibiotics, which will significantly complicate the course of further treatment.