Fourteen serotypes of ureaplasma urealyticum (T-mycoplasmas) demonstrated by the complement-dependent mycoplasmacidal test

Ureaplasma infections: update on epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis

Human Ureaplasma species are being increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens in human genitourinary tract infections, infertility, adverse pregnancy, neonatal morbidities, and other adult invasive infections. Although some general reviews have focused on the detection and clinical manifestations of Ureaplasma spp., the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis of Ureaplasma spp. have not been adequately explained. The purpose of this review is to offer valuable insights into the current understanding and future research perspectives of the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis of human Ureaplasma infections. This review summarizes the conventional culture and detection methods and the latest molecular identification technologies for Ureaplasma spp. We also reviewed the global prevalence and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance for Ureaplasma spp. Aside from regular antibiotics, novel antibiotics with outstanding in vitro antimicrobial activity against Ureaplasma spp. are described. Furthermore, we discussed the pathogenic mechanisms of Ureaplasma spp., including adhesion, proinflammatory effects, cytotoxicity, and immune escape effects, from the perspectives of pathology, related molecules, and genetics.

Hemadsorption by colonies of Ureaplasma urealyticum

Hemadsorption by colonies of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma pneumoniae differed quantitatively and qualitatively. Using standard methodology, few strains of U. urealyticum hemadsorbed; with a modified method, most strains hemadsorbed, indicating a second type of association. Scanning electron microscopy of tannin-osmium-stained preparations showed guinea pig erythrocytes embedded in ureaplasma colonies and craters left when erythrocytes were dislodged.

Modified indirect immunofluorescence test for serotyping large numbers of Ureaplasma urealyticum clinical isolates

A technical modification of the indirect immunofluorescence test for serotyping Ureaplasma urealyticum clinical isolates is described. The use of a tissue culture plate filled with ureaplasma agar made the serotyping easier to perform and proved to be very handy, especially for performance of large series.

Expanded serotyping scheme for Ureaplasma urealyticum strains isolated from humans

For the last decade the serological heterogeneity of strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum isolated from humans has been represented by eight serotypes. We have identified two additional serotypes, strains Vancouver and Western. Using a modified metabolic inhibition test and a colony indirect epifluorescence method, we tested antisera to the above 10 types against the 11 members of the independent Lin-Kass classification. Four of the latter, K2, U24, U26, and U38, showed unique specificities; these were confirmed by reciprocal testing with antisera prepared against the respective strains. With the addition of these strains, the serotyping scheme now has 14 members. Since this expanded classification allows greater discrimination between strains, it will allow also for their future characterization. It provides, in addition, a potentially more effective epidemiological tool.

Serological characterisation of Ureaplasma urealyticum strains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

A modification of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the serological characterisation and identification of strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum. The eight recognised human serotypes of U urealyticum and antisera produced against them were used as reference for the evaluation and standardisation of the method. The serological profile illustrating reactions of antigen with homologous and heterologous antisera was specific and reproducible for each serotype. The homologous reaction was always very prominent but some cross-reactivity was seen, most clearly between serotypes 2 and 5. The method was found to be suitable for serological typing of clinical isolates of U urealyticum because of rapid and simple technical procedure, good reproducibility of the results and economical consumption of antisera and other reagents.