Ureaplasma urealyticum

What is Ureaplasma urealyticum?

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a small cell wall-deficient bacterium belonging to the mycoplasma family. It colonizes the urogenital tract and is a conditionally pathogenic organism.

Infection symptoms

• Often asymptomatic — present in 40-80% of sexually active women
• Cervicitis — cervical inflammation with discharge
• Urethritis — burning during urination, frequent urination
• Non-specific discharge — clear to whitish vaginal discharge

Impact on reproduction

• Infertility — may cause tubal inflammation and adhesions
• Preterm birth — associated with chorioamnionitis
• Low birth weight — fetal growth impact
• Male infertility — may affect sperm quality

Diagnostics

• PCR test — most sensitive diagnostic method
• Culture with antibiogram — enables antibiotic sensitivity testing
• Quantitative test — clinically significant colonization >10⁴ CFU/mL

Treatment

Treated with antibiotics (doxycycline, azithromycin, josamycin). Treatment is indicated for symptoms, infertility, or pregnancy planning. Both partners must be treated.