Question

Which species is not associated with NGU? a. Neisseria gonorrhoeae b. Mycoplasma hominis c. Chlamydia trachomatis d. Mycoplasma genitalium

Short answer

a. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Step-by-step solution

Understand NGU

NGU stands for Non-Gonococcal Urethritis, which is an inflammation of the urethra not caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Identify each species

Examine the provided species: a. Neisseria gonorrhoeae b. Mycoplasma hominis c. Chlamydia trachomatis d. Mycoplasma genitalium

Determine which species is related to NGU

Recall that Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not NGU. The other species (Mycoplasma hominis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium) are known to be associated with NGU.

Identify the correct answer

Since Neisseria gonorrhoeae is not a causative organism of NGU, it is the species not associated with NGU.

Key concepts

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection known as gonorrhea. This bacterium infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in both men and women. It can also infect the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.
This organism is highly contagious and transmission occurs primarily through sexual contact.
Unlike the bacteria that cause Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU), Neisseria gonorrhoeae is specifically linked to gonorrhea and not NGU.

• Common symptoms include painful urination, abnormal discharge, and in women, pelvic pain. However, many individuals may be asymptomatic.
• Treatment typically involves antibiotics, often alongside treatment for potential co-infections with other sexually transmitted bacteria.

Mycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma hominis is a type of bacteria that can be associated with Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU). It is unique because it lacks a cell wall, which makes it inherently resistant to many common antibiotics like penicillin that target cell wall synthesis.
This bacterium can be part of the normal flora in the human urogenital tract, but under certain conditions, it can cause infections.

• In women, Mycoplasma hominis is often linked to bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and postpartum fever.
• In men, it can lead to NGU, a type of urethritis not caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, evidenced by urethral discharge and pain during urination.
• Treatment usually involves antibiotics like tetracyclines, macrolides, or fluoroquinolones, which target bacterial processes other than cell wall synthesis.

Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infections worldwide and is a significant causative agent of Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU). This bacterium infects the epithelial cells of the genital tract, including the cervix in women and the urethra in men and women.
Infections often go unnoticed because many individuals are asymptomatic.

• When symptoms do occur, they can include urethral discharge, burning sensation during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse.
• Untreated chlamydial infections can lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased susceptibility to other STIs.
• The standard treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis infections involves antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a relatively newly recognized pathogen that is also associated with Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU). Similar to Mycoplasma hominis, it lacks a cell wall and presents challenges in treatment due to its resistance to certain antibiotics.
This bacterium causes infections primarily through sexual transmission, affecting the reproductive and urinary tracts.

• Symptoms of Mycoplasma genitalium infection can include urethritis, characterized by painful urination and urethral discharge. However, many infected individuals may remain asymptomatic.
• In women, it can lead to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), potentially causing complications like infertility.
• Treatment typically involves antibiotics like azithromycin or moxifloxacin, although resistance to first-line treatments is an emerging concern.