- Irregularly shaped Bacteria in the genus Mycoplasma, that lacks a cell wall (Penicillin resistant)
- Colonizes as well as causes symptomatic urogenital, oral and anal infections (sexually transmitted)
- Among normal vaginal flora in 60% of healthy sexually active women
- May infect the lower urinary tract resulting in Urethritis
- Four serovars (1, 3, 6, and 14) were previously classified as Ureaplasma Urealyticum (now classified as Ureaplasma Parvum)
- May be associated with Mycoplasma Genitalium infections
- Dysuria in Women
- Urethra may also have a small yellow mucoid discharge
- Difficult to culture (fastidious)
-
Ureaplasma is urease positive
- Urease metabolizes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide
- Urine pH may increase (7.5 to 8.5)
-
Ureaplasma DNA PCR testing availability is increasing
- Urethal swabs are preferred
- Primary Antibiotic Regimens (adult dosing)
- Doxycycline 100 mg orally or IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
- Alternative Antibiotic Regimens (adult dosing)
- Azithromycin 500 mg orally or IV for 10 to 14 days OR
- Levofloxacin 500 mg orally or IV daily for 10 to 14 days OR
- Moxifloxacin 400 mg orally or IV daily for 10 to 14 days
- Infertility secondary to pelvic infections (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
- Pregnancy loss or premature labor
- Neonatal Sepsis, Pneumonia and Meningitis may occur
- Other infections include Septic Arthritis, Osteomyelitis, Pneumonia, endocarditis
- Hyperammonemia Syndrome (Immunocompromised patients, esp. lung transplant)
- (2024) Ureaplasma Urealyticum, Sanford Guide, accessed on IOS, 5/5/2024