Urologie pro praxi 5-6/2007

INTRACELLULAR PATHOGENE IN UROLOGY

Urinary tract infections are a common problem for a clinical urologists. The infections are generally caused by common fecal bakteria (mainly Enterobacteriaceae) but the incidence of an intracellular STD (sexually transmitted diseases) pathogens have also significantly increased. Among most common bacterial STD pathogens diagnosis for patient visits to physician office nowadays are Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium. Patient may complain only of urethral itch, urethral discharge or clinical symptoms could include dysuria, frequency, urgency, voiding of small urine volumes, and epididymitis. Asymptomatic infection is also very common, especially among contacts of sexual partners. But late consequences of STDs could be serious. Appropriate management with aim to cure and to stop of spreading an STD include use of condoms of both sexual partners and with antibiotics (azithromycin, doxycycline or quinolones are usually the treatment of choice). Unfortunately, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics can result in the development of resistant strains. Responsible approach and good cooperation between patients and medical professionals is necessary.

Keywords: urinary infections, STD, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, azithromycin, Quinolones