Acute epididymitis: etiology and therapy.

Fifty patients with acute epididymitis were evaluated prospectively by history, examination, and microbiologic studies, including cultures for aerobes, anaerobes, N. gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. E. Coli was the predominant pathogen isolated from the urine of men over 35 years old and C. trachomatis and N. gonnorrheae were the predominant pathogens isolated from the urethra of men under 35. The etiologic role of E. Coli and C. trachomatis was confirmed by isolation from epididymal aspirates from a high proportion of men with positive urine of urethral cultures for these agents. C. trachomatis epididymitis accounted for two thirds of "idiopathic epididymitis" in men, and was often associated with oligozoospermia. Of nine female sexual partners of men with C. trachomatis infection, six had antibody to C. trachomatis, of whom two had positive cervical cultures for this organism, and the others had nongonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline was effective for the treatment of men with C. trachomatis epididymitis, and should be offered to their female sex partner.     

The frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis in acute epididymitis

Twenty-five patients with bacteriologically proven epididymitis were studied between 1984 and 1986. Thirteen were less than 35 years old and in 11 of them Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated; of the 2 remaining patients Escherichia coli was found in 1 and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the other. In patients more than 35 years old, gram negative bacteria were the cause of infection in 10 and only 1 case was attributable to Chlamydia trachomatis. These results suggest that Chlamydia trachomatis is much more frequent in men under the age of 35 and the difference is statistically significant.     

Local antibody in semen for rapid diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis epididymitis

Etiologic studies including micro-immunofluorescence serology for Chlamydia trachomatis were done on 45 consecutive men with acute epididymitis. Of the men 21, all less than 35 years old, had type specific Chlamydia trachomatis antibody in the semen. All patients with semen antibody also had Chlamydia trachomatis antibody in the serum, while only a few of the patients without semen antibody had serum antibody. Chlamydia antibody titers in the semen specimens were higher than those in the sera and they persisted longer. In only 1 patient with semen antibody was another potential etiological agent for epididymitis demonstrated, while most of the patients without semen antibody had bacterial causes for the epididymitis. It was concluded that measurement of Chlamydia trachomatis antibody in semen offered a noninvasive, sensitive and specific method, useful despite prior antibiotic therapy, for diagnosis of the etiology of epididymitis in young men.     

The relevance of Chlamydia trachomatis in acute epididymitis in young men

Young men presenting to a General Surgical Unit with acute epididymitis underwent microbiological investigation, including culture for Chlamydia trachomatis. The results were compared with similar investigations in an asymptomatic control population and with patients presenting to the Department of Genito-urinary Medicine with urethral discharge. Chlamydia trachomatis was cultured from 15% of patients with acute epididymitis and a further 15% had serological evidence of exposure to Chlamydia. Nearly 50% of patients attending the Genito-urinary clinic grew Chlamydia from the urethra. The background prevalence of Chlamydia in the control population was low. It is necessary to identify the significant minority of young men with acute epididymitis associated with chlamydial infection, because of the risk of pelvic inflammation and infertility in their female partners. At present this can only be achieved by submitting all young men with acute epididymitis to full microbiological investigation.     

Acute epididymitis: why patient and consort must be investigated

In this prospective study of 49 patients under 35 years of age with clinically diagnosed epididymitis, detailed microbiological investigation identified an infective cause in 67%. Chlamydia trachomatis was the commonest agent, present in 25 patients, but in 12 of these detection was based solely on raised antibody titres; 20 of the 28 female consorts screened were partners of men with chlamydial epididymitis and 80% of them were also positive for this infection. Isolating the micro-organism from 14 of 16 consorts indicated active infection despite the negative swabs from the men. If this important infection is to be adequately treated we recommend that all patients in this age group with epididymitis and their partners should be referred to a specialist unit with access to full chlamydia laboratory facilities.     

231例淋病患者临床特征及应用头孢曲松钠疗效

目的探讨淋病患者的临床特征以及应用头孢曲松钠的疗效。 方法收集2013年5月至2019年12月就诊于首都医科大学附属北京地坛医院皮肤性病科经临床和实验室确诊为淋病且给予头孢曲松钠治疗的患者，筛选出有随访结果的231例患者，对其临床特征、合并感染及治疗随访结果进行分析。 结果231例淋病患者中男性196例（84.8%）、女性35例（15.2%），年龄为[30（26，35）]岁。224例（97%）患者有尿道炎等临床症状。43例（18.6%）患者合并沙眼衣原体感染，50例（21.6%）患者合并解脲脲原体感染，其中15例（6.5%）患者同时合并沙眼衣原体和解脲脲原体感染。女性患者合并沙眼衣原体[31.4%（11/35）]或者解脲脲原体[77.1%（27/35）]的感染率均高于男性[沙眼衣原体：16.3%（32/196）、解脲脲原体：11.7%（23/196））]，差异均具有统计学意义（合并沙眼衣原体：χ² = 4.471、P = 0.034；合并解脲脲原体：χ² = 74.912、P < 0.001）。入组患者经高剂量（≥ 1 g）头孢曲松钠治疗后淋球菌均为阴性，但10例（4.3%）患者随访复查发现淋球菌再感染。 结论淋病患者常合并沙眼衣原体等其他性病病原体感染，本研究尚未发现高剂量（≥ 1 g）头孢曲松钠治疗失败病例，但淋病患者治愈后可发生再感染，故淋病患者治疗后应多次随访复查，及早发现治疗失败或再感染。     

Acute epididymitis: a microbiological and ultrasonographic study

In a prospective study of 24 men (mean age 28.3 years) with acute epididymitis who underwent epididymal aspiration, micro-organisms were detected in 15 (62.5%). Chlamydia trachomatis accounted for 10 (42%) of the cases, being located in both the urethra and epididymis in 5 individuals. Chlamydial serology supported the diagnosis of chlamydial infection, there being a strong correlation between the detection of C. trachomatis and elevated titres of both chlamydial IgG and IgM antibodies. In 4 patients (mean age 55.5 years), Escherichia coli was cultured from both mid-stream urine and epididymal aspirate. Transrectal ultrasound revealed abnormal prostatic scans in 19 patients (79%). These data confirm the aetiological role of C. trachomatis, support the notion that micro-organisms spread intra-canalicularly and suggest that the prostate is also involved in the inflammatory process in acute epididymitis.     

Postmenopausal tubo-ovarian abscess due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a renal transplant patient: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an uncommon cause of infection in the female genital tract. We report a case of postmenopausal tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) due to P. aeruginosa in a renal transplant recipient. The presentation included mild abdominal symptoms with rapid progression of peritonitis and surgical abscess drainage. This is the first such case in an organ transplant recipient described in the English literature. METHODS AND RESULTS: Published reports of 1040 cases of TOA were reviewed. The most common features were a history of sexually transmitted disease or pelvic inflammatory disease, and symptoms including abdominal pain and fever. Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently encountered pathogens. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which are frequently isolated from cervical cultures, are uncommonly isolated from tubo-ovarian abscesses. Forty percent of patients were treated with antibiotics alone, 18.8% with abdominal surgery, and 32% with surgery and antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSION: This report illustrates the muted presentation and atypical microbiology of gynecologic infection in an organ transplant recipient.     

Orchi-epididymitis

The term orchiepididymitis encompasses inflammation of the epididymis and/or testis, i.e. epididymitis, orchitis, and true orchiepididymitis. Epididymitis is defined as inflammation of the epididymis. Young adults are predominantly affected, with a frequency peak between 20 and 40 years of age. The cause is usually an infectious agent, and the main route of access to the epididymis is retrograde propagation through the vas deferens. From puberty to 35 years of age, many cases are sexually transmitted. The main causative agents are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In prepubertal children and in adults older than 35 years of age, epididymitis is among the commonplace genitourinary infections usually caused by enterobacteria. A urinary tract abnormality, most notably an obstruction of the distal urinary tract, is often the cause of the infection. Orchitis, a less common condition, is defined as inflammation of the testis. Again, most cases are related to an infection. Dissemination of the organism occurs either via the bloodstream, particularly with viruses (the most classic example being orchitis due to mumps) or by direct spread from a focus in the epididymis (producing true orchiepididymitis). In patients younger than 35 years of age who have urethritis and suspected sexually transmitted disease, tetracyclines are the best agents and can be given intravenously at first if needed. Tetracyclines are effective not only on C. trachomatis but also on N. gonorrhoeae. This last agent also responds to other antimicrobials, such as ceftriaxone. Macrolides and second-generation quinolones are also effective on C. trachomatis. Typically, treatment is given for 3 weeks. Sexual partners should be evaluated and treated. In patients older than 35 years who have positive urine cultures for bacteria, urinary tract symptoms, a prior diagnosis of a urinary tract abnormality, or a history of a recent endourethral procedure, treatment can be given orally provided the symptoms are of moderate intensity. Either extra-strength cotrimoxazole or second-generation quinolones should be used. Patients with severe disease should be admitted for parenteral therapy with an aminoglycoside and a cephalosporin in combination, followed by oral cotrimoxazole or a second-generation quinolone. If needed, the antibiotics should be changed according to antibiotic susceptibility test results.     

Urethritis in white men--a microbiological appraisal.

The incidence of infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasmas has been assessed in White men with urethritis who were attending a Johannesburg clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Infection with N. gonorrhoeae was demonstrated in 54% of 212 patients with urethritis. C. trachomatis was isolated from 37% of patients with non-gonococcal urethritis, and from 25% with proven gonococcal infection. Although T-mycoplasmas were isolated significantly more often from patients with urethritis (41%) than from controls (23%) (P less than 0,05) their role in the aetiology of urethritis is uncertain.     

Epididymitis: aspects concerning etiology and treatment

Extended microbiological studies were performed on 49 patients with acute or chronic epididymitis, including bacteriology of epididymal specimens in cases of scrotal surgery. In no patient had instrumentation or catheterization resulted in epididymitis. The microbiological data showed a prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis epididymal infections in men less than 40 years old, whereas common urinary tract pathogens prevailed in older patients. Cultures of urethral swabs and midstream urine provided reliable information on the type of microorganism that caused epididymitis. Ofloxacin, an antibiotic of the new quinolone group, was proved to be highly effective in the treatment of acute and chronic bacterial as well as chlamydial epididymitis.     

Acute urethritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Chlamydia trachomatis

A 16-year-old heterosexual man presented to our hospital with a purulent urethral discharge and pain at voiding. These symptoms began seven days after oral-genital contact (fellatio) with his partner. A Gram-stained smear from the urethral discharge showed Gram-negative diplococci, and the antigen of Chlamydia trachomatis from urine was positive. We initially made a diagnosis of urethritis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. However, N. meningitidis was isolated by culture. Clinicians should pay attention to the possibility of N. meningitidis infection in all cases resembling gonococcal urethritis.     

Urogenital infections in reproductive medicine

Urogenital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis belong to the most prevalent sexually-transmitted bacterial diseases. In women, they can cause chronic salpingitis with subsequent tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancies. In men, C. trachomatis can cause urethritis, prostatitis and epididymitis. Urogenital infections can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic urogenital infections might impair male fertility. In vitro, C. trachomatis affects sperm motility and viability. However, there is no clear evidence that asymptomatic urogenital infections have an adverse effect on male fertility. Because C. trachomatis can be sexually transmitted and lead to female infertility, it is also of significance in male infertility work-up. Because of their high sensitivity, nucleic acid amplification tests should be used to examine first-void urine specimens. Both partners should be treated. The role of Ureaplasma urealyticum in reproductive medicine has been discussed controversially. There is no evidence that U. urealyticum has a significant impact on female or male infertility.     

The microbiological etiology of acute pelvic inflammatory disease in Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein

In 40 women with acute pelvic inflammatory disease (APID) specimens for microbiological study were obtained from the rectum, urethra, vagina, cervix and peritoneal cavity. In most patients (83%) the aetiology of the infection was polymicrobial. Chlamydia trachomatis was the most common invader (73.3%), followed by anaerobic organisms (46.6%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (40%) and aerobic organisms (26.6%). Only 1 patient had a positive peritoneal culture for N. gonorrhoeae. All the other positive Chlam. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae cultures were obtained from rectal, urethral and cervical specimens. The positive anaerobic and aerobic cultures were all from peritoneal cavity specimens.     

The role of Chlamydia trachomatis in epididymitis

Microbiological studies have identified an infective micro-organism in 28 of 54 patients (52%) with epididymitis. Chlamydia trachomatis was the commonest infection isolated, occurring in 15 patients. An additional 17 patients (31%) who were culture negative had serological evidence which suggested recent chlamydial infection. Most patients with chlamydia were under 26 years of age, in contrast to patients over 35 years, in whom coliform infections predominated. Of the 12 consorts of patients with chlamydial epididymitis who were screened, nine were also positive for this micro-organism. These findings have important implications in the management of epididymitis, especially in young men.     

Chlamydia trachomatis infection as a problem among male partners of infertile couples

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease supposed to cause urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis and infertility in men. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of C. trachomatis infection in male partners of infertile couples at childbearing age. Sixty infertile couples and a control group of 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Urethral swabs were taken from all the male participants and cervical swabs from the female partners of the infertile couples. Culturing on McCoy cell line and PCR were the methods used for detection of the infection. C. trachomatis was found in five out of the 60 male urethral samples. Three of the female partners of these five positive males were diagnosed with C. trachomatis infection, too. We registered a woman with C. trachomatis infection whose partner's samples were negative for the bacterium. The control group showed one specimen positive for C. trachomatis . The frequency of C. trachomatis infection was 8.3% in the male partners of infertile couples at childbearing age when compared with 2.5% in the control group. It is most likely that infertility in the couples with chlamydial infection was due to the pathogen studied.     

Sexual behavior survey and screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in university students in South Korea

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to define the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections and status of sexual risk behavior among university students (18-25 years old) in the capital region of South Korea. METHODS: Participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire related to sexuality. First-void urine was analyzed for chlamydial and gonococcal infection by strand displacement amplification (BDProbTecET, BD Diagnostic Systems, MD). RESULTS: A total of 622 students from 15 colleges in three universities took part in the study. The median age was 21 and 39.1% of them reported having sexual intercourse at least once. The prevalence of C. trachomatis among sexually active men and women was 8.4% and 10.6%, respectively. Gonococcal infection was noted in one symptomatic male. Factors significantly associated with infection were the number of sexual partners during past year and lifetime and condom use. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening in university students in South Korea. Urine-based STI screening was both feasible and acceptable in university students in South Korea. It should be considered a routine part of programs to control STI nationally.     

Sexually transmitted viral hepatitis and enteric pathogens

Hepatitis viruses, enteric pathogens, and anorectal infections may commonly be transmitted by various sexual practices. Because of their larger numbers of sexual partners and sexual practices such as anilingus and anal intercourse, homosexual men are at particularly high risk of acquiring hepatitis B, giardiasis, amebiasis, shigellosis, campylobacteriosis, and anorectal infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus, and human papilloma viruses. The evidence for sexual transmission of these infections as well as their diagnosis and treatment are discussed.     

用DNA探针检测沙眼衣原体

目的 :建立一种敏感而特异的沙眼衣原体分子生物学检测方法。　方法 :用PCR扩增 5 17bp的沙眼衣原体种特异性基因片段并标记成探针 ,建立DNA探针杂交检测沙眼衣原体的方法。　结果 :探针只与沙眼衣原体L2、TE5 5株DNA呈阳性杂交斑点 ,与其他两种衣原体、解脲支原体、淋病奈瑟菌、大肠埃希菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、流感嗜血杆菌及白色念珠菌DNA斑点膜无阳性杂交信号。从 10 0例慢性宫颈炎和前列腺炎病人生殖道分泌物中检出阳性 2 2例 ,阳性率 2 2 %。　结论 :建立的DNA探针检测沙眼衣原体方法具有较高的敏感性和特异性 ,可用于批量临床标本的检测     

Case-control study of men with suspected chronic idiopathic prostatitis

We studied prospectively 50 asymptomatic men (24 men from infertile couples and 26 normal volunteers) with no history of genitourinary infection and 34 men referred for symptoms of chronic prostatitis. Both groups were evaluated by urethral and prostatic secretion cultures for Chlamydia trachomatis, 4-glass prostatic localization cultures for facultative aerobic bacteria (Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and selected fungi) and counts of prostatic fluid leukocytes. The men with symptoms of prostatitis had more than 1,000 leukocytes per mm. in prostatic secretions more often than did controls (11 of 27 versus 0 of 44, p less than 0.001). The concentration of Ureaplasma urealyticum in prostatic secretions was 1 log higher in prostatic fluid localization cultures than in first voided urine in 0 of 30 patients versus 13 of 50 controls (p equals 0.0014). Chlamydia trachomatis was not isolated from any patient or control. No other significant differences were found between patients and controls. We did not identify an infectious cause of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.