Mollicutes antibiotic resistance profile and presence of genital abnormalities in couples attending an infertility clinic

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify Mollicutes infection in the reproductive system. We also examined the microbiological, biochemical, and antimicrobial profiles of Mollicutes infection, which are potentially associated with clinical reproductive abnormalities causing infertility in couples. Methods: Thirty-seven couples who were attending an infertility clinic were enrolled. Detection of genital mycoplasmas was performed in cervicovaginal samples or male urethral swabs. Microbiological culture and biochemical and antimicrobial profiles were characterized using a Mycoplasma kit. The results were associated with reproductive abnormalities, as assessed by medical specialists from the infertility clinic. Results: Up to 28.3% of all biological samples (n ¼ 74) showed positive cultures. Bacterial isolates were Ureaplasma urealyticum (71.4%), Mycoplasma hominis (9.5%), or coinfections (19%). Most Mollicutes showed significant resistance to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracycline; and showed susceptibility to doxycycline, josamycin, and pristinamycin. The presence of resistant strains to any antibiotic was significantly associated with genital abnormalities (v 2 test, relative risk ¼ 11.38 [95% confidence interval: 5.8-22.9]), particularly in women. The highest statistical association was found for macrolide-resistant strains. Conclusion: The microbiological antibiotic resistance profile is epidemiologically associated with abnormalities of the reproductive system in couples attending an infertility clinic.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Mycoplasma Hominis in the Romanian Population

“…Lastly, after the inoculation of each of the domes, two or three drops of pure mineral oil were added. The gallery was incubated at 37°C, and the results were recorded at 24 and 48 hours [4,5].…”

An overview regarding the relationship between Mollicutes, infertility and antibiotic resistance (Review)

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) defines clinical infertility as a condition of the reproductive system characterized by ‘the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse’, in the absence of any contraceptive methods ( 1 ). This condition, affecting one in seven couples, can be attributed to factors related to either the female, the male or both partners ( 1 , 2 ). The current paper does not cover any organic, hormonal or other external causes of infertility; the authors only scrutinized the infectious trigger.…”

“…In men, Ureaplasma is related to conditions such as urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis and infertility. Studies have shown that both Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma hominis can negatively impact sperm quality ( 1 , 2 ). Reproductive tract infections can induce leukocytosis in semen, trigger the release of inflammatory factors and disrupt levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially resulting in vas deferens obstruction and subsequent infertility in men ( 1 , 3 ).…”

“…Reproductive tract infections can induce leukocytosis in semen, trigger the release of inflammatory factors and disrupt levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially resulting in vas deferens obstruction and subsequent infertility in men ( 1 , 3 ). On the other hand, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma hominis in women can contribute to various conditions, such as acute urethritis, bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal infertility ( 2 , 4 ).…”

“…Furthermore, asymptomatic infections caused by these microorganisms may provoke pro-inflammatory immune responses in the endometrium, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes ( 2 ). Sexually transmitted infections can impair fertility through direct damage to reproductive organs and gametes, as well as through inflammation-induced tissue damage, scarring and obstruction.…”