Prevalence of genital Mycoplasma and response to eradication treatment in patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques / Prevalencia de micoplasmas genitales y respuesta al tratamiento de descolonización en pacientes de reproducción humana asistida

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have reported greater success of fertilisation by ART in couples who were not infected by Ureaplasma. Increased semen quality and better results have also been observed in couples who were treated with antibiotics to eradicate the infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of genital mycoplasmas in urine samples from male partners enrolled in the Assisted Reproduction Program (ARP) in our healthcare area so that, positive cases can be treated prior to the use of ART in order to increase the quality of semen, improve the embryo implantation rates and minimize the risk of adverse effects during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included couples enrolled in the ARP during 2016. Mycoplasma detection was made using real-time PCR. In positive cases, both members of the couple were treated with antibiotics until eradication of the microorganism. The antibiotics used were: azithromycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and clindamycin. RESULTS: Of the 205 men studied, 33 were positive: Ureaplasma urealyticum 15.1%, Mycoplasma hominis 3.9%. Eradication treatment with azithromycin failed in 50% compared to 10.2% for doxycycline. Of the 5 cases treated with levofloxacin, only 2 achieved elimination of U. urealyticum. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that genital mycoplasma routine screening could be useful in order to increase the quality of semen which could simplify the in vitro fertilisation procedures and raise the success rate of embryo implantation and pregnancy, especially when fast, sensitive and specific technics as real time PCR are used

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se han publicado estudios que demuestran mayores tasas de éxito en las técnicas reproducción asistida (TRA) en parejas no infectadas por micoplasmas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de los micoplasmas genitales en muestras de orina del miembro masculino de las parejas incluidas en el Programa de Reproducción Asistida en nuestro Área Sanitaria realizando un tratamiento descolonizador con el fin de incrementar la calidad del semen, mejorar las tasas éxito de la embriotransferencia y minimizar los efectos adversos sobre la gestación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron parejas incluidas en el Programa de Reproducción Asistida durante 2016. La detección de los micoplasmas se realizó por PCR en tiempo real. En los casos positivos, la pareja fue tratada con antibióticos hasta la erradicación del microorganismo. Los antibióticos usados fueron: azitromicina, doxiciclina, levofloxacino, moxifloxacino y clindamicina. RESULTADOS: De los 205 hombres estudiados, 33 fueron positivos: Ureaplasma urealyticum 15,1%, Mycoplasma hominis 3,9%. Azitromicina fracasó en el 50% de los casos y doxiciclina en el 10,2%. Con levofloxacino solo en 2 de 5 se consiguió la erradicación de U. urealyticum. CONCLUSIONES: El cribado de rutina de los micoplasmas genitales puede ser útil para mejorar la calidad del semen. Esto permitiría simplificar los procedimientos de fertilización in vitro e incrementar las tasas de éxito en la implantación de los embriones y en la gestación, especialmente con la aplicación de técnicas diagnósticas rápidas y específicas como la PCR en tiempo real

Prevalence of genital Mycoplasma and response to eradication treatment in patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have reported greater success of fertilisation by ART in couples who were not infected by Ureaplasma. Increased semen quality and better results have also been observed in couples who were treated with antibiotics to eradicate the infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of genital mycoplasmas in urine samples from male partners enrolled in the Assisted Reproduction Program (ARP) in our healthcare area so that, positive cases can be treated prior to the use of ART in order to increase the quality of semen, improve the embryo implantation rates and minimize the risk of adverse effects during pregnancy. METHODS: This study included couples enrolled in the ARP during 2016. Mycoplasma detection was made using real-time PCR. In positive cases, both members of the couple were treated with antibiotics until eradication of the microorganism. The antibiotics used were: azithromycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and clindamycin. RESULTS: Of the 205 men studied, 33 were positive: Ureaplasma urealyticum 15.1%, Mycoplasma hominis 3.9%. Eradication treatment with azithromycin failed in 50% compared to 10.2% for doxycycline. Of the 5 cases treated with levofloxacin, only 2 achieved elimination of U. urealyticum. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that genital mycoplasma routine screening could be useful in order to increase the quality of semen which could simplify the in vitro fertilisation procedures and raise the success rate of embryo implantation and pregnancy, especially when fast, sensitive and specific technics as real time PCR are used.

A simplified method to recover urinary vesicles for clinical applications, and sample banking.

Urinary extracellular vesicles provide a novel source for valuable biomarkers for kidney and urogenital diseases: Current isolation protocols include laborious, sequential centrifugation steps which hampers their widespread research and clinical use. Furthermore, large individual urine sample volumes or sizable target cohorts are to be processed (e.g. for biobanking), the storage capacity is an additional problem. Thus, alternative methods are necessary to overcome such limitations. We have developed a practical vesicle isolation technique to yield easily manageable sample volumes in an exceptionally cost efficient way to facilitate their full utilization in less privileged environments and maximize the benefit of biobanking. Urinary vesicles were isolated by hydrostatic dialysis with minimal interference of soluble proteins or vesicle loss. Large volumes of urine were concentrated up to 1/100 of original volume and the dialysis step allowed equalization of urine physico-chemical characteristics. Vesicle fractions were found suitable to any applications, including RNA analysis. In the yield, our hydrostatic filtration dialysis system outperforms the conventional ultracentrifugation-based methods and the labour intensive and potentially hazardous step of ultracentrifugations are eliminated. Likewise, the need for trained laboratory personnel and heavy initial investment is avoided. Thus, our method qualifies as a method for laboratories working with urinary vesicles and biobanking.

Population based study of genital Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence and associated factors in Norway: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The number of diagnosed cases of Chlamydia trachomatis infection has been increasing in the past years in Norway although the testing rate has been relatively stable. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis in young men and women in one county in Norway and determine associated factors in order to better target preventive measures. METHODS: We mailed to a random sample of 10,000 persons aged 18-25 in Rogaland county a mail-back urine sample kit and a self-administered questionnaire with questions on socio-demographic details, health seeking behaviour and symptoms of and history of sexually transmitted diseases. Associations between current Clamydia trachomatis infection and the above mentioned factors were studied by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The response rate among women was 18.9% (930/4923) and 11.9% (605/5077) among men. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 5.8% (95% CI 4.5-6.8) among women and 5.1% (95% CI 3.8-6.8) among men. For men a greater number of partners during the last year (p for trend < 0.001), and living in a municipality without a local youth clinic increased the odds of infection (OR 8.6, 95% CI 2.2-33.9). For women a greater number of partners during the last year (p < 0.001) and not having consulted a family doctor for STIs (OR 2.1 95% CI 1.1-4.2) were positively associated with infection while not having a previous Chlamydia trachomatis diagnosis decreased the odds of having this infection (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the importance of having a visible youth clinic in each municipality. It also suggests targeting women who have had a previous Chlamydia trachomatis infection diagnosed before.

Molecular epidemiology of genital chlamydial infection among male patients attending an STD clinic in Taipei, Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiology of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among men attending an STD clinic in Taipei, Taiwan. STUDY: Between July 2004 and June 2005, a total of 426 first-void urine specimens from male patients were tested for C. trachomatis by using a urine-based PCR DNA amplification assay. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of genital C. trachomatis infection was 16.4%. Youth, current symptoms, the presence of N. gonorrhoeae infection, and inconsistent use of condoms were positively associated with C. trachomatis infection. The most common chlamydia strain present was genotype E, followed by D and Da, F, K, J, G, and H. CONCLUSIONS: C. trachomatis genital infection was prevalent among male patients attending a STD clinic in Taipei. Young Taiwanese men attending STD clinics should be counselled on condom use.

[Systematic home screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infections of asymptomatic men and women in family practice by means of mail-in urine samples]. / Systematische opsporing van infecties met Chlamydia trachomatis bij mannen en vrouwen zonder klachten in de huisartspraktijk met behulp van per post verstuurde urinemonsters.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and determinants of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among asymptomatic men and women in general practice. To determine participation rates in a systematic screening programme in general practice, using home obtained mailed urine samples. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: In 15 general practices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a sample of 11,005 persons (5541 women and 5464 men), aged 15-40 were invited to send in a urine sample and a completed questionnaire by mail. The urine samples were tested using the ligase chain reaction for DNA amplification. Patients diagnosed with CT were treated and partner notification was performed. RESULTS: 33% of invited males (1809/5464) and 50% of females (2751/5541) sent in the study material. Older patients participated more frequently than younger patients. Participation rates among persons with a Dutch background were higher than rates among persons from other ethnic groups. In 42 men and 79 women a CT infection was identified (2.3% and 2.9% respectively). Infections were more prevalent in patients from Surinam and the Dutch Antilles and in the age category 21-25 years. Type of health insurance as a proxy measure of socioeconomic status was not an indicator of infection. CONCLUSION: The participation in this systematic screening using mail-sent urine samples was 33% in men and 50% in women. The CT prevalences among asymptomatic men and women were 2.3% and 2.9% respectively.

Clinical study of the effectiveness of a dual amplified immunoassay (IDEIA PCE Chlamydia) for the diagnosis of male urethritis.

A clinical study of patients with male urethritis (n=316) was undertaken to determine the sensitivity potential for a new dual amplified immunoassay (IDEIA PCE Chlamydia). Increased sensitivity (98.8%, 84/85) was obtained for IDEIA PCE Chlamydia compared to a conventional antigen detection test (IDEIA Chlamydia, 81.2%, 69/85) when testing urine samples. In a smaller patient population (n=104) the positivity rate for the first-void urine tested with IDEIA PCE Chlamydia of 30.8% (32/104) was similar to the 27.9% (29/104) obtained from urethral swabs tested with a DNA probe assay (PACE 2). The increased sensitivity of the test was confirmed with a commercial PCR kit (Amplicor) and nested PCR. The IDEIA PCE Chlamydia kit has the sensitivity potential to be a clinically reliable alternative for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis.

Detection of male genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using an automated multiplex PCR system (Cobas Amplicor).

We evaluated Cobas Amplicor, a highly automated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system, to test first-void urine (FVU) and urethral swab specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Results were compared against an in-house radioimmune dot blot (DB) test for C. trachomatis and selective culture for N. gonorrhoeae. Three hundred and ninety sets of specimens were obtained from 378 consecutive new and returned-new patients. Gonorrhoea prevalence was 9.49%, with no significant difference in sensitivity or specificity between culture and PCR. Chlamydia prevalence was 15.4%, with sensitivities of: DB 55%, PCR of FVU 86.7%, urethral swab PCR 90%. The specificity of PCR on FVU and urethral swabs was 100%. We have shown that Cobas Amplicor PCR is highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in men attending an STI clinic. Further economic and scientific studies are needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of this technique for screening in primary care settings.

Dipstick testing of urine--can it replace urine microscopy?

One thousand consecutive urine specimens were studied to assess the sensitivity of a commercially available dipstick (Chemstrip 8, Boehringer Mannheim Corp., Indianapolis, IN) to predict the presence or absence of microscopic abnormalities. The Chemstrip 8 had a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 54%, and a false negative rate of 38%. An additional 1,000 consecutive urine specimens were then studied using the Chemstrip 9, a reagent dipstick that includes the leukocyte esterase (LE) test. The Chemstrip 9 had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 42%, and a false negative rate of 36%. Chi-squared analysis revealed that the two dipsticks were not significantly different (chi 2 = 0.17, P greater than 0.5). Clinical review of patients with false negative results showed that approximately one-third to one-half of these patients had either spinal cord injury or genitourinary problems. Maximal potential savings in workload of approximately 10% were found if microscopic examinations were to be performed only on urine specimens with abnormal dipsticks. Our data suggest that in our patient population, we should not eliminate microscopic urine examination based on abnormal dipstick findings.

Usefulness of microscopic examination in urinalysis.

The authors evaluated 500 patients who yielded urine specimens containing red and white blood cells but that gave negative reagent test strip reactions to determine the medical usefulness of the microscopic examination in such cases. Half of the patients had a history of, or current signs and symptoms of genitourinary or renal disease (GURD), or had indwelling catheters, hypertension, or diabetes. The other half did not display these conditions. Red blood cells occurred rarely, and no red blood cell associated GURD was detected in these patients. Five had lower urinary tract infection. Seventy-two underwent further workup, but no GURD was found. Physicians did not comment or take action on the report in other patients. The authors found the test for leukocyte esterase and nitrite (LN) to have a predictive value for a negative result of 97% for exclusion of bacteruria. Based on these observations, the authors established in 1982 a policy that microscopic examination would be performed only on specimens negative by reagent test strip (including LN) if a "diagnostic urinalysis" (DU) was ordered. The authors recommended that DU be requested only for patients suspected of GURD. This has eliminated microscopic examinations on 25% of specimens and reduced costs.

The role of chlamydiae in genitourinary disease.

The incidence of chlamydial organisms in early morning urine specimens obtained from 53 men and 50 women without evidence of urinary tract pathology was 2 per cent in both groups. Early morning urine specimens and/or prostatic fluid or semen was examined in 50 patients with chronic prostatitis and 39 (56 per cent) yielded this organism. Of 31 patients with epididymo-orchitis the early morning urine specimens yielded chlamydiae in 12 (39 per cent) and in those with the acute form of disease the incidence was 56 per cent. The chlamydia recovery rate was 27 per cent in 119 women with cystourethritis. Within these groups of patients approximately 50 per cent of sexual partners had urine cultures positive for chlamydia. The importance of reinfection and the need for careful treatment of patients and consort should be stressed. An appropriate transport medium is necessary for specimen collection and adequate culture facilities are required to achieve effective chlamydial recovery. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline were used effectively in the study for primary and secondary drug therapy.

Genitourinary tract infections due to atypical mycobacteria.

A patient with chronic prostatitis caused by Mycobacterium kansasii is reported, demonstrating that these organisms occasionally cause urinary tract infections. Criteria useful in evaluating the clinical significance of atypical mycobacteria isolated from the urine are suggested. Application of these criteria to 19 patients encountered in routine clinical practice demonstrates their usefulness.

Hematospermia.

During a 15-year period, 200 patients with hematospermia were seen at the Mayo Clinic. General physical examination, including digital rectal palpation and urinalysis, was performed on all 200 patients. Of these, 26 had no additional urologic evaluation. In the remaining 174 patients, cystoscopy and K.U.B. roentgenography were done. The results of urologic evaluation in the 174 patients revealed various minor abnormalities in 64; however, in no instance was there significant urologic disease. During follow-up of five to 23 years in 150 of the 174 patients, 106 had no further hematospermia whereas 44 had recurring hematospermia, which persisted in some for more than ten years. None of these patients developed any significant disease related to the hematospermia. In our experience, the occurrence of hematospermia in an otherwise asymptomatic man with normal findings on physical examination, including digital rectal examination, seems not to be associated with the presence of, and does not lead to future development of, significant urologic disease.