How can you become infected with mycoplasma: routes of transmission and methods of infection with mycoplasmosis. What are the ways of infection with mycoplasmosis? Is mycoplasmosis transmitted non-sexually?

Avoiding casual intimate relationships and using barrier contraception helps protect against infection. A woman should be regularly examined by a gynecologist, eat well, and monitor the state of her immune system. Timely elimination of inflammatory foci in the tissues of the genitourinary system is necessary.

Characteristics of mycoplasma

The pathogenic qualities of mycoplasma are associated with the presence of antigens, toxins, aggression enzymes and adhesins. The latter are used by microbes in the early stages for fixation on epithelial cells. Toxins penetrate the blood, contributing to the development of leukopenia, hemorrhage, and swelling. The most pathogenic is Mycoplasma hominis, which most often causes inflammation of the genital organs in women. How is mycoplasmosis transmitted?

Methods of infection

There are various routes of infection, the most common of which is sexually transmitted. Transmission of the infection during fetal development or childbirth is possible. Since the microorganism is unstable in the external environment, its spread through household means is impossible.

Provoking factors that contribute to increased proliferation of bacteria include:

• long-term use of antibacterial and hormonal drugs;
• stress;
• immunodeficiency states;
• alcoholism;
• endocrine disorders;
• bacterial vaginosis;
• surgical interventions.

The risk of infection is high if a person is promiscuous and refuses to use a condom. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in women who do not observe personal hygiene rules, homosexuals and people with other STDs.

Symptoms

The bacterium can cause the development of the disease immediately, or it can remain in the body without giving any symptoms. If there is one reason or another, mycoplasma is activated, causing pronounced symptoms to appear. manifested by inflammation:

• urethra;
• Bladder;
• prostate gland;
• kidney

In women it is most often found:

• vaginosis;
• cervicitis;
• endometritis;
• salpingitis.

A prolonged course of the inflammatory process can lead to infertility. It is necessary to begin treatment of urogenital mycoplasmosis in a timely manner.

The main symptoms of infection in men are pain and burning in the urinary canal, a feeling of heaviness in the groin area extending to the anus, problems with erection.

Activation of mycoplasma in pregnant women can contribute to damage to the brain, kidneys, skin and visual organs of the fetus. The infected child has low body weight due to impaired blood flow. Death can occur in the first days after birth. Infection in the first trimester significantly increases the risk of spontaneous abortion. With perinatal infection, meningitis or pneumonia develops.

How to detect the pathogen

Diagnosis of mycoplasma infection begins with laboratory tests, examination of the patient and medical history. Serological tests provide detection of bacterial DNA. The material for analysis is vaginal secretion, urethral smear, and urine. The preparation is stained and examined under a microscope. If DNA of the infectious agent is detected during PCR, we are talking about the presence of urogenital mycoplasmosis.

ELISA helps to detect antibodies to mycoplasma in the blood. The result is considered negative if all types of indicators have a sign (-). In the presence of IgG class antibodies, we are talking about the formation of immunity to the bacterium. If specific cells of type 2 are present, further diagnosis and therapy are necessary. The absence of antibodies in the blood after therapy indicates its effectiveness. To determine sensitivity to antibacterial drugs, genital secretions are placed on nutrient media.

Therapeutic measures

Broad-spectrum antibiotics (Doxycycline), macrolides (Azithromycin), fluoroquinolones (Cifran), antiprotozoal agents (Trichopol), and local antiseptics (Metronidazole suppositories) are considered the most effective. Oflokain ointment is used to treat the genital organs of men. To prevent candidiasis, which often occurs during the treatment of bacterial infections, Nystatin, Fluconazole, Clotrimazole are prescribed. Probiotics are used to normalize vaginal microflora.

Interferon and Polyoxidonium restore the functions of the immune system and increase the body's resistance. In the presence of pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Additionally, taking multivitamins is recommended. Douching with a decoction of chamomile and sage, Miramistin, helps to alleviate the condition. Both partners should be treated for mycoplasmosis at the same time. Otherwise, the risk of re-infection remains, and therapy becomes useless. A month after completion of treatment, a control test is carried out.

Prevention of urogenital mycoplasmosis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to refuse casual sexual contacts, observe the rules of intimate hygiene, and use a condom during sex with an unfamiliar partner. The activation of mycoplasma infection is prevented by the timely elimination of foci of infection in the body. With mycoplasmosis, you should not self-medicate; if a person shows signs of the disease, he should visit a doctor and start taking medications.

Sores in the mouth, bad odor from it, insufficient dental care and bleeding gums indicate a lack of concern for one’s own health. This unpleasant bouquet causes hostility even at the thought that someone will kiss a person with these symptoms. People are even more afraid of relationships with people who have mycoplasmosis. A completely logical question immediately arises: is mycoplasma transmitted through a kiss? Although they say that you can only get this disease through sexual intercourse, you should find out everything in advance so as not to risk your own health.

In addition to affection, emotions and warmth during a kiss, people involuntarily exchange saliva, which is present on the mucous membranes of the mouth. How many microbes live here! Kissing is known to transmit tooth decay because saliva contains staphylococci that cause it. Many viruses contained in dental plaque cause gingivitis, which is also transmitted through mutual kissing with copious amounts of saliva. Herpes, laryngitis, and mononucleosis are also spread through passionate kissing. There are cases of transmission of urethritis and gonorrhea in the absence of sexual contact, when partners exchange only hot kisses. However, scientists and doctors who conducted examinations of the oral cavity did not find the Mycoplasma genitalium virus there. So, perhaps, the answer to the question for the most curious has already been received, whether mycoplasma is transmitted from partner to partner through a kiss.

The answer is almost obvious. All doctors unanimously report that mycoplasma is not transmitted through a kiss if the genitals are not touched. It has been proven that oral sex is one of the ways of transmitting mycoplasmosis.

To avoid mycoplasmosis, you should monitor oral hygiene. Remember that kissing people who have mouth ulcers is also dangerous because they can infect their partners. If not mycoplasma, then candidiasis or flu can be caught in those few minutes of pleasure. Mouthwash will significantly reduce these risks and reduce the possibility of transmitting many diseases. Although the chance of catching mycoplasma through a kiss is negligible, you should not kiss people with mycoplasmosis.

Mycoplasmas are unicellular, prokaryotic, gram-negative bacteria whose size does not exceed 200 nm. They are the smallest organisms with a cellular structure.

With their size and lack of a cell wall, mycoplasmas resemble large viruses. But their structure and living conditions are the same as those of bacteria. These microorganisms reproduce by binary fission. They are also distinguished from viruses by the presence of DNA and RNA in cells (despite the fact that only one of the nucleic acids is observed in viruses).

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Mycoplasma hominis.
• Mycoplasma
• Mycoplasma fermentas.
• Mycoplasma penetrans.

Mycoplasmas differ in shape; they can be spherical, ring-shaped, branched, filamentous, or coccobacillary.

How can you become infected with mycoplasma?

Recently, urogenital mycoplasmas have been excluded from the list of pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted exclusively through sexual contact. Colonization of the vagina with these bacteria is 3 times more common than the urethra in men

The infection can be transmitted in several ways:

• Sexual. Infection occurs through unprotected vaginal intercourse. Many people are interested in the question of what is the likelihood of infection in this case. It ranges from 6 to 80% depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the state of the immune system.
• Oral. Theoretically, mycoplasma can be transmitted through oral sex, but for this to happen, contact with the partners’ genitals must be close and mutual.
• Ascending. In this case, the fetus becomes infected in utero. Many researchers believe that due to their small size, mycoplasmas easily penetrate into the amniotic fluid, where infection occurs (in 35% of cases, these microorganisms are sown). It is much more likely that the baby will become infected while passing through the birth canal. Mycoplasma hominis can be detected in 25% of female newborns, while in boys this percentage is much lower. Also, in premature babies, these microorganisms are found three times more often than in those born at term.
• Hematogenous. Microorganisms are carried in the blood.
• Translocation. Mycoplasmas move from one organ to another.
• By everyday means. In very rare cases, infection occurs through underwear or a washcloth. The infection is also transmitted through the use of untreated medical instruments (spatulas, speculums).

The disease is not transmitted through kissing. You also cannot become infected with genital mycoplasmosis in saunas, baths, swimming pools, through food or cutlery.

Mycoplasmas die very quickly outside the body under the influence of external factors. In a humid and warm environment, these microorganisms can exist for no more than 6 hours. But at the same time, mycoplasmas are very resistant to cold.

The pathological effect of mycoplasma on the human body is associated with the rare biological properties of these bacteria. Due to their small size, the absence of a cell wall and high mobility, even a small number of microorganisms that enter through sexual contact quickly penetrate cell membranes and begin to reproduce.

How is Mycoplasma pneumonia transmitted?

Many people have a question about how mycoplasma pneumonia is transmitted. Unlike other species, Mycoplasma pneumonia enters the body of another person through airborne droplets. Most often, children under 5 years of age become infected. About 20% of pneumonias are mycoplasma.

The disease in most cases manifests itself in the form of headache, hoarseness, rhinitis and is accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Reasons for activation of mycoplasmosis

Often, patients who are carriers of mycoplasma do not show symptoms of the disease. The following factors can activate the disease:

• Impairment of the immune system as a result of hypothermia, chronic diseases, stressful situations or surgical interventions.
• Weakening of the body's defenses during pregnancy.
• Presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. At the same time, mycoplasmas begin to multiply much more actively.
• After mycoplasmosis is transmitted from a sexual partner.

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How does mycoplasmosis manifest?

With mycoplasmosis, there are practically no specific signs that accurately indicate the disease. The symptoms that arise may indicate other diseases of the genitourinary system. The incubation period between infection and the appearance of the first signs of the disease lasts 2–3 weeks.

How does the disease manifest in men?

The following symptoms may indicate mycoplasmosis in men:

• Mucus discharge, which most often appears after defecation or urination.
• Pain and burning in the urethra (in rare cases).
• Itching in the urethra.
• Aching pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the sacrum, perineum and testicles.
• Infertility.
• If the disease is not treated, it can be complicated by prostatitis or urethritis, resulting in a painful urge to urinate and a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied.
• Erectile dysfunction may also occur, manifesting itself in the form of erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or loss of orgasm.

Typically, mycoplasmas in men colonize in the foreskin and urethra.

In approximately 40% of men, mycoplasmosis occurs latently, and the disease can be activated as a result of a weakening of the body's defenses.

How does the disease manifest in women?

Regardless of the route of transmission, mycoplasmosis can cause the following symptoms:

• Weak mucous discharge.
• Brown discharge between periods.
• Redness and swelling of the external genitalia.
• Burning and itching in the urethra.
• In rare cases, pain in the lower abdomen, worsening during menstruation.
• Purulent discharge from the cervix that is detected during examination by a gynecologist.

Classification of the disease

According to the course, mycoplasmosis is divided into:

• Fresh. Develops immediately after the end of the incubation period.
• Spicy. The symptoms of the disease are pronounced.
• Subacute. Symptoms of the disease are mild.
• Chronic. The disease periodically worsens.
• Carriage. There are no clinical signs of the disease; the analysis reveals mycoplasmas at a titer of 103 CFU/ml.

What is the threat of mycoplasma?

The opinions of doctors are divided, some of them believe that these microorganisms do not play a role in the development of the inflammatory process, while others classify them as absolute pathogens that contribute to the appearance of many diseases.

In their opinion, mycoplasmas can provoke the following pathologies:

• Inflammation of the genitourinary system (prostatitis, urethritis, salpingoophoritis, pyelonephritis). When performing PCR analysis, mycoplasmas were detected in approximately 40.6–76.5% of patients.
• Bacterial vaginosis. 52% of women with this disease have mycoplasmosis.
• Infertility. In 85% of cases, people suffering from infertility are carriers of mycoplasma.
• Pregnancy pathologies (early miscarriage, premature birth). Developmental defects were observed in 50% of stillborn children in whom mycoplasma was detected.
• Fetal pathologies. With intrauterine mycoplasmosis, the activity of the respiratory system may be disrupted, the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and skin of the fetus may be damaged. The baby may be born with pneumonia.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Since in most cases the disease manifests itself in the form of minor symptoms that the patient may not pay attention to, it is quite difficult to identify it. With proper treatment, you can get rid of mycoplasma in two weeks. In this case, the drugs need to be taken not only by the person who has the disease, but also by his sexual partner, even if he does not have symptoms of mycoplasmosis.

There is no immunity to this disease, and if both sexual partners are not treated in a timely manner, re-infection is possible.

You need to contact the laboratory to get tested for mycoplasmosis in the following cases:

• When identifying symptoms of the disease.
• In the event that there are other sexually transmitted diseases.
• After unprotected sexual intercourse with an unreliable partner.
• When identifying inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.
• For infertility.
• In the event that a couple is planning to conceive a child.
• If one of the partners is diagnosed with mycoplasmosis.
• If a pregnant woman is at risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
• If an ultrasound examination reveals pathologies in the fetus.
• If the child was born dead or with pathologies.
• With habitual miscarriage.

Mycoplasma hominis belongs to the category of opportunistic microorganisms. A person is surrounded by a huge number of infections, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Many of them are completely safe, while others can provoke the development of all sorts of diseases. Mycoplasma hominis belongs to the second category, so you should be extremely careful with it.

To begin with, it would be a good idea to figure out what it is. Mycoplasma hominis is a small bacterium that belongs to the mycoplasmas. About 16 species of mycoplasmas can be found in the human body, including hominis.

Some mycoplasmas affect the respiratory system, while others harm the genitourinary system. If we talk about hominis or hominis, then such mycoplasma is a potential threat specifically to the human genitourinary system. Studies have shown that the virus poses a greater threat to women than to men, although it can cause serious health problems for the latter.

Hominis is also an opportunistic microorganism. It has been studied in sufficient detail, and therefore effective methods for diagnosing and treating mycoplasmosis diseases have been developed.

Considering the fact that this bacterium or virus is opportunistic in nature, mycoplasma hominis can provoke diseases only in certain situations when the human body is affected by provoking factors.

At the same time, hominis can be completely asymptomatic, and is detected only during routine examinations or some kind of medical commissions.

If about 5-10 percent of carriers fall on the male half, then among women the figures are 25-30 percent carriers of the hominis virus.

How does infection occur?

For hominis mycoplasma there are several main routes of infection, that is, penetration from the host body into an uninfected body.

1. Sexual path. This is the most common method of transmission of Mycoplasma hominis virus. Infection occurs through unprotected sex with a carrier. Women are much more likely to become infected than men. For example, a woman has a 70 to 90% chance of becoming infected with Mycoplasma hominis when in contact with a carrier of this virus;
2. Vertical. This path is more rare. In this case, the virus is transmitted from mother to child. Less often this happens during pregnancy, and more often during childbirth, that is, during the passage of the baby through the birth canal. A high concentration of mycoplasmas in the vagina contributes to the child becoming infected. Moreover, infection is more often observed in girls rather than boys.

For some mycoplasma viruses, household contact and airborne transmission are also considered relevant. But scientists have found that these pathways are not relevant for hominis.

What does infection lead to?

As we have already determined, mycoplasma DNA penetrates the genitourinary system, and therefore causes problems in this particular area. When a virus and provoking pathogenic factors are attached, a chain reaction is started, which entails the development of various diseases.

Among the most common diseases that occur due to Mycoplasma hominis are the following:

• pyelonephritis;
• inflammation of the uterus;
• inflammation of the ovaries;
• bacterial vaginosis;
• urethritis;
• cystitis;
• prostatitis.

The body can treat mycoplasma differently. This largely depends on the state of the immune system and individual characteristics. The fact that hominis is an opportunistic microorganism indicates the optional development of these diseases upon penetration of the virus.

The hominis bacterium or virus can remain in the human body for a long time and not manifest itself in any way. There are even cases where self-healing occurred without the intervention of various medications or other methods of therapy. The body produces antibodies that can resist the virus. However, it is impossible to fully recover from hominis, according to experts.

Competent treatment and further prevention help to avoid relapses and relieve all symptoms. However, there is always a possibility of re-infection or transition of the opportunistic microorganism hominis to the active stage. Therefore, the main task of providing protection against the virus is to maintain immunity and prevent exposure to provoking factors.

How dangerous are mycoplasmas?

Let's say right away that mycoplasma hominis cannot lead to death. However, there are other threats posed by this virus.

Hominis is considered the most dangerous in the following situations.

1. During pregnancy, hominis can cause miscarriage or premature onset of labor. Also, one should not exclude the risk of pathological effects on the fetus. Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to do a PCR and IGG test for mycoplasma;
2. Hominis bacteria negatively affect the production and activity of sperm in men under certain conditions. If treatment for mycoplasma hominis is not started in a timely manner, this threatens a man with infertility or difficulties when trying to conceive;
3. Symptoms of hominis for women threaten inflammation of the ovary and uterus. If you do not start timely therapy, the likelihood of adhesions increases. Because of them, it is difficult to conceive and carry a child to term.

Symptoms

What symptoms should you look out for? The following symptoms may indicate the presence of Mycoplasma hominis in the body:

• quite strong burning sensation during urination;
• painful and frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• masses with impurities of pus and a characteristic odor may be released from the urethra;
• redness is observed on the genitals of men and women and these areas itch;
• the urine or semen of men contains blood impurities, the color and smell change;
• there is pain in the back;
• cystitis is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, burning sensation and frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• the menstrual cycle is disrupted;
• There is vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor.

In fact, the symptoms are varied and directly depend on what kind of disease develops against the background of mycoplasma hominis. This could be urethritis, cystitis, vaginosis, etc.

Diagnostic methods

Several steps may be required to test for Mycoplasma hominis. This way the doctor will be able to make a final diagnosis, identify the causes of the disease and prescribe the optimal treatment regimen.

1. Analysis of urine. In some situations, it allows you to get a fairly detailed picture of what is happening if bacteria are present in the bladder or urethra;
2. PCR. This is a polymerase chain reaction. PCR is based on reactions in which viral DNA is directly involved. Using this test, the presence of mycoplasma and its type are determined;
3. Bac sowing. The doctor will need to take a swab from you. It is usually taken from the urethra or vagina. After this, the sample is placed in a special environment in the laboratory, due to which mycoplasma is detected;
4. ELISA test. Designed to detect antibodies in the patient's blood that are involved in the fight against the virus. Alas, antibodies cannot always be produced in a person infected with mycoplasma.
5. PIF test. The smear is treated with special compounds, which helps detect viruses and bacteria.

Having discovered hominis and the consequences that these mycoplasmas have led to, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment regimen.

Of course, this is the main way of contracting such an infection. In more than ninety percent of cases, mycoplasma hominis and genitalia are transmitted through sexual contact. Most often, the carriers of infections are female. Men can also spread this viral infection, but they mainly become victims of infection from women after unprotected sex.

The risk of infection among those who neglect to use a condom is significantly higher than among those using this barrier type of contraception.

People at particular risk are:

1. Frequently changing sexual partners;
2. Unsure about your partner’s health;
3. Without a regular sexual partner;
4. Not taking into account the rules of personal hygiene;
5. Having sexual intercourse early.

The more unprotected contacts there are with a carrier of the virus, the greater the likelihood of getting sick. It is difficult to say anything definitive about infection as a result of a single contact: the probability can range from five to eighty percent.

The fact of contact with a human carrier does not mean that infection will necessarily occur. If a person has a strong immune system, he will fight infection from entering the body.

Mycoplasmosis: airborne infection

Transmission of mycoplasmosis can also occur in this way. Of course, this occurs less frequently than transmission of infection through other types of sexual intercourse. Penetration of infection in this way causes mycoplasmosis of the respiratory tract.

Transmission of the infection in this way occurs when a carrier person coughs or sneezes and a healthy person is directly near him.

After a person is infected with a type of mycoplasma such as pneumonia, this person poses a danger to others for ten days. This countdown usually begins when the first clinical signs of the disease appear ().

In the chronic form of such mycoplasmosis, an infected person is dangerous to people around him for three months or more. The patient who infects others may feel well and not notice any signs of mycoplasmosis.

Mycoplasmosis is contagious to humans in cases where there are outbreaks of influenza and acute respiratory diseases. Such periods usually occur in late autumn or early spring.

Is it possible to become infected with mycoplasmosis of the respiratory tract through one contact with a carrier? Yes, but the likelihood of such infection is usually minimized. Mycoplasmosis, the routes of infection for which are few, usually infects a person during prolonged contact with an infected person.

The greatest threat of contracting mycoplasmosis comes from being in places such as:

1. Schools and kindergartens;
2. Sport sections;
3. Cramped office space;
4. Military units.

Mycoplasmosis: transmission routes by other means

We also often talk about other ways of contracting mycoplasmosis. Some of these abilities actually exist, and some have become fiction.

1. How is mycoplasmosis transmitted through household methods? Yes, such a method really exists, but the likelihood of becoming infected through household methods is still very low. The threat most often affects those people who share personal hygiene items. But at the same time, one of them must be a carrier of mycoplasmosis. It must be remembered that when released into the environment, mycoplasma quickly dies because it can coexist outside the human body. It is for these reasons that the contact route is not the leading one in the number of cases of mycoplasmosis;
2. Infection through animals, feline mycoplasmas exist, and exactly the same can be said about dogs. But mycoplasmosis of cats and dogs cannot be transmitted to humans. A cat can only infect another cat, the same situation is observed with dogs. These types of mycoplasmas are not dangerous to humans. Therefore, if such an infection was found in a pet, the owner should not worry about the penetration of such an infection into his body;
3. Hematogenous route. This method involves infection through blood transfusion. Such cases are recorded, but very rarely. Also, in this way, you can become infected during an organ transplant from one person to another and if the doctor neglects the rules of sanitation and uses unsterile instruments;
4. Vertical path. This route involves the transmission of infection from mother to child during delivery. This also doesn't happen often. In addition, mycoplasma has the ability to penetrate the placenta to the baby and cause infection.

Transmission of mycoplasmosis to a child during pregnancy

If a woman is planning her pregnancy, she undergoes various examinations the day before. A thorough diagnosis eliminates the presence of serious problems in the body that could harm the unborn fetus.

But what happens if the infection occurs directly during pregnancy?

1. Many doctors say that mycoplasmas can cause the baby to freeze in the womb or premature birth;
2. If the infection occurs late in gestation, damage to the amniotic fluid may occur. In this case, they may begin to leak, which will ultimately cause premature birth;
3. With a large spread of infection in the body, women may suffer from polyhydramnios, serious pathologies of the genitourinary system and other disorders;
4. Mycoplasmas can have the most detrimental effect on a child when he passes through the mother’s birth canal;
5. If a child is infected in the mother’s womb, global damage to its organs and systems is possible, for example, disruption of the normal functioning of the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, skin, tissues, and lymph nodes.