What are ureaplasma and mycoplasma infections?
Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are among the smallest free-living
bacteria. Unlike other bacteria however, these organisms lack a cell wall and
live inside cells. However, they can also live in cultures outside of cells,
similar to the way viruses live. Unlike viruses, though, they can be killed by
certain antibiotics.
What symptoms do ureaplasma and mycoplasma cause?
Symptoms can be "silent" or can cause noticeable symptoms such
as discharge, burning, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and pain.
How are ureaplasma and mycoplasma diagnosed?
Special laboratory tests and cultures (a method of multiplying
the bacteria to better identify them) is required. The diagnosis and treatment
of illnesses involving these organisms is particularly difficult due to the
following reasons:
- These organisms require special tests and even when these special tests
are conducted, it can still be very difficult to isolate the organisms and
treat the patient.
- The tests are not something done by a typical general practitioner or
gynecologist.
- Only a select few antibiotics kill these particular bacteria and the
antibiotics have to be taken for many days, weeks, or even longer.
- Many patients do not take their medications as prescribed; do not take
their medications long enough to be cured; or come in close contact with an
infected person and become reinfected.
It is important to note that the illnesses caused by these
bacteria can be acquired in all kinds of ways. As an example, one of the ways
ureaplasma can be acquired is through sexual relations. However, a diagnosis of
ureaplasma in yourself or your partner does not imply that infidelity took
place. There is no way of knowing for sure how or when the organism was actually
transmitted to the first partner. What is known for sure is that both partners
are treated to help prevent any possible spread and development of bladder
problems between the two individuals.
How are illnesses caused by ureaplasma and mycoplasma treated?
Treatment usually consists of the use of certain antibiotics,
out of a family of antibiotics called the tetracyclines or erythromycins. Be
sure to inform the doctor if you are allergic to the medication before taking
it. Do not engage in sexual activity while you are taking the antibiotic
prescription. Take the antibiotic as prescribed and for the full length as
directed on the prescription label. This is important to ensure that the
organism is fully eliminated.
Important. If you are sexually active, your partner will
need to be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. First-line treatments
are either:
- doxycycline 100 mg, 1 pill, taken by mouth twice daily for 14 days, or
- erythromycin 400 mg, 2 pills, taken by mouth four times a day for 7 days
Ideally, the partner should be placed on the same antibiotic as
the patient. You should be retested for the organism after finishing the course
of antibiotics, which can be done at your local hospital, your local doctor's
office, or a lab. At that time, a urine or vaginal specimen will be taken and
recultured to determine if the bacteria is completely eliminated from your body.
We advise that your partner be tested or retested for this organism. Sometime
you may need another round of antibiotic to treat the infection again.