Mycoplasma genitalium infection and resistance-associated mutations to macrolides and fluoroquinolones among high-risk patients in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging etiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with increasing resistance to antimicrobials. Surveillance on the epidemiology of M. genitalium infection and antimicrobial resistance is warranted. METHODS: Between September 2021 and August 2023, people with HIV (PWH) and people without HIV (PWoH) at risk of STIs were screened for M. genitalium infection using a multiplex polymerase-chain-reaction assay of specimens collected from the rectum, urethra, oral cavity, and vagina. The prevalences of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) of M. genitalium to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracycline were investigated. RESULTS: During the 2-year study period, 1021 participants were enrolled, including 531 PWH and 490 PWoH. Overall, 83 (8.1%) and 34 (7.6%) participants had M. genitalium infection at baseline and during follow-up, respectively, with the rectum being the most common site of detection (61.5%). With the first course of antimicrobial treatment, 27 of 63 (42.9%) participants with M. genitalium infection were cured during follow-up, including 24 of 58 (41.4%) who received doxycycline monotherapy. The prevalence of RAMs to macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines at baseline were 24.3%, 22.4%, and 7.9%, respectively. Though PWH had more M. genitalium infection (10.2% vs 5.9%, p = 0.01), a higher rate of RAMs to macrolides (41.0% vs 14.7%, p < 0.01) was found in PWoH. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk populations, the prevalence of M. genitalium infection was 8.1%. The overall genotypic resistance of M. genitalium to macrolides and fluoroquinolones was moderately high in Taiwan. Detection of M. genitalium infection and antimicrobial resistance is warranted to ensure resistance-guided antimicrobial treatments to be administered.

Primary malignant melanoma of the genitourinary tract: case series of a rare form of primary mucosal melanoma.

Primary malignant melanoma of the genitourinary tract is extremely rare. We present two such cases in elderly Caucasian females. An 81-year-old female with urinary retention and polypoid urinary bladder mass and a 72-year-old female with gross hematuria and urethral caruncle. After thorough evaluation, they were both eventually diagnosed with primary urogenital melanoma (SOX10 and MART1-positive in tumor cells). In both cases, the presence of melanoma-in-situ and absence of primary melanoma in other sites were consistent with primary urogenital melanoma. Immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors and use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment are promising, as treatment guidelines remain unclear and overall survival is low. Additional clinical reporting of primary urogenital melanomas can help in better understanding and ultimately treating it.

Primary melanomas of the bladder and urinary tract are rare and usually deadly. They represent only 0.2% of all melanomas, including melanomas of skin. They can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to how rare they are and the lack of clear treatment guidelines. We present two cases of elderly Caucasian women who were unexpectedly diagnosed with primary melanoma cancers of the bladder and urinary tract after having surgery and analyzing tissue that was removed. Both tissue samples had features specific to melanoma and there was no cancer in any other organ, thus making them primary melanomas of the bladder and urinary tract. Current treatment approaches with surgery and chemotherapy have not improved the survival outcomes and prognosis associated with this disease, but treatment before and after surgery as well as cancer treatments that harness the person's own immune system are promising. By reporting additional clinical experiences of this often fatal disease, we hope it can be better understood and appropriately managed in the future.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies in the pediatric urogenital tract are rare but urgent clinical conditions that can cause severe symptoms and complications. The current management remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies. Through a retrospective analysis of patient data, valuable insights into the management of this condition are offered to facilitate the development of more effective management strategies. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study design was employed, reviewing clinical data of 30 pediatric patients with urogenital tract foreign bodies admitted to Anhui Children's Hospital from October 2016 to May 2023. This included 16 cases of urethral and bladder foreign bodies and 14 cases of vaginal foreign bodies. Among them, there were 14 males and 16 females, with a median age of 6.3 years. Treatment methods included transvaginal endoscopic removal, cystoscopic removal, pneumovesicum laparoscopy removal, and perineal incisional foreign body removal. Surgical time, blood loss, hospitalization days, and postoperative follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: Key clinical presentations included vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, hematuria, dysuria, urinary retention, and perineal pain. Preoperative routine examinations included ultrasound, abdominal radiography, and, in some cases, CT scans. All 30 patients underwent successful surgery, with a median surgical time of 30.5 min (IQR 16.8-50.8), minimal intraoperative bleeding, and a median postoperative hospital stay of 2 days (IQR 2-3). Follow-up from 3 months to 1 year revealed no abnormalities in the urogenital system, no residual foreign bodies, and no occurrence of severe complications. No cases of recurrent foreign body insertion were observed. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies are crucial to reduce patient suffering and the risk of complications. The choice of surgical method depends on the type, size, and location of the foreign body, with endoscopy being the preferred option. Laparoscopic cystoscopy and open surgery are also effective treatment modalities.

Changes in microbial composition and interaction patterns of female urogenital tract and rectum in response to HPV infection.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that changes in the microbial community of the female urogenital tract are associated with Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, research on this association was mostly focused on a single site, and there are currently few joint studies on HPV infection and multiple sites in the female urogenital tract. METHODS: We selected 102 healthy women from Yunnan Province as the research object, collected cervical exfoliation fluid, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs for microbial community analysis, and measured bacterial load, and related cytokine content. The link between HPV, microbiota, and inflammation was comprehensively evaluated using bioinformatics methods. FINDINGS: The impact of HPV infection on the microbial composition of different parts varies. We have identified several signature bacterial genera that respond to HPV infection in several detection sites, such as Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Campylobacter, and Cutibacterium have been detected in multiple sites, reflecting their potential significance in cross body sites HPV infection responses. There was a solid microbial interaction network between the cervix, vagina, and urethra. The interrelationships between inflammatory factors and different bacterial genera might also affect the immune system's response to HPV infection. INTERPRETATION: It might be an effective strategy to prevent and treat HPV infection by simultaneously understanding the correlation between the microbial changes in multiple parts of the female urogenital tract and rectum and HPV infection, and controlling the microbial network related to HPV infection in different parts.

Characteristics of common pathogens of urogenital tract among outpatients in Shanghai, China from 2016 to 2021.

Background: Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the prevalent causes of several genital diseases worldwide; however, their characteristics in different genders have not been well documented in Shanghai. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of common pathogens among outpatients, considering variations by gender and age. Methods: From January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021, the urogenital swabs of 16216 outpatients aged 3-95 years from two general hospitals in Shanghai were collected. All participants' swabs were investigated for U. urealyticum, C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae by isothermal RNA-based simultaneous amplification and testing. The basic information of all participants was also recorded, including age and gender. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence between different genders, age groups, and infection patterns. Results: There were 5,744 patients (35.42%) with positive samples whose ages ranged from 7 to 80 years (33.23 ± 8.63 years), and 62.14% of them were women. The most common pathogen detected was U. urealyticum (85.08%). The highest prevalence rate of all three pathogens was found in patients aged ≤ 20 years (40.53%, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 33.80%-47.63%). The prevalent rate of U. urealyticum was higher in men (33.36%, 95% CI: 32.19%-34.55%). The overall prevalence rates of U. urealyticum, C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae were 30.14% (95% CI: 29.44%-30.85%), 6.00% (95% CI: 5.64%-6.38%), and 2.10% (95% CI: 1.89%-2.33%). Conclusions: Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most prevalent pathogen in the population, and its prevalence decreased with age. Young men aged ≤ 20 years were more frequently infected. Regular screening for sexually transmitted pathogens in different genders and age groups are warranted, particularly in young men.

Comprehensive evaluation of hematospermia in patients with acute epididymitis compared to patients with isolated hematospermia.

BACKGROUND: Among the most commonly known causes of hematospermia are infections in the genitourinary tract, but no study exists that has comprehensively investigated hematospermia in patients with acute epididymitis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of hematospermia in patients with acute epididymitis and its association with clinical, microbiological, and semen parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since May 2007, a total of 324 sexually active patients with acute epididymitis were recruited in a prospective cohort study. Patients received a comprehensive medical and sexual history, and clinical, sonographic, laboratory, and microbiological diagnostics. Antibiotic therapy was given according to European Association of Urology guidelines. Semen analysis was offered 14 days after the first presentation and initiation of therapy. Since 2013, a separate control group of 56 patients presenting with isolated hematospermia (= no other urogenital symptoms) was prospectively recruited, and differences between the groups were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Of 324 patients with acute epididymitis, 50 patients (15%) had self-reported hematospermia. This occurred with a median of 24 h before the onset of scrotal symptoms and was associated with significantly elevated prostate-specific antigen levels compared to 274 patients without hematospermia (3.1 vs. 1.8 ng/ml, p < 0.01). The two most common etiological pathogens were Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis, and the bacterial spectrum was comparable in both epididymitis subgroups (p = 0.859). Semen analysis at 14 days still showed hematospermia in 24% of patients associated with massive leukocytospermia. Compared to the hematospermia control group, the two epididymitis subgroups showed significantly increased inflammation markers (pH, leukocytes, and elastase), reduced sperm concentration, and reduced levels of alpha-glucosidase and zinc (always p < 0.01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In sexually active patients who develop acute epididymitis, self-reported hematospermia is evident in 15% of patients as early as one day before the onset of scrotal symptoms. Conversely, none of the 56 patients presenting with isolated hematospermia developed epididymitis within the next 4 weeks.

Multiparity Reduces Urethral and Vaginal Pressures Following the Bulboglandularis Muscle Stimulation in Rabbits.

Unlike male mammals showing a well-delimited external urethral sphincter, female mammals have urogenital sphincters shaped by muscles like the urethrovaginal sphincter. Childbirth-related injuries affect morphometry and function of urogenital sphincters in women, which frequently underlies pelvic floor disorders, including stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The bulboglandularis muscle (Bgm) seems to shape a urogenital sphincter in rabbits. We determined herein the effect of multiparity on urethral and vaginal pressures generated by the Bgm stimulation in age-matched nulliparous and multiparous chinchilla-breed rabbits to stimulate the Bgm with trains of ascending frequencies (from 1 to 100 Hz; 4 s duration each). Subsequently, the Bgm was excised, measured in width, and weighed. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were determined with Mann-Whitney U or Student t-tests or repeated measures two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey tests. Spearman's partial coefficients were calculated to investigate the correlation between the highest pressure (urethral or vaginal) and the Bgm width. Multiparity reduced the weight and the width in the Bgm origin and medial regions. Urethral and vaginal pressures increased in response to the electrical stimulation of Bgm with frequencies from 20 to 100 Hz. Multiparas showed significant reductions in both types of pressures. We detected a strong correlation (conditioned by multiparity) between the medial Bgm width and the highest vaginal pressure. Our present findings demonstrate that multiparity impairs the function of Bgm, resulting in diminished urethral and vaginal pressures. Furthermore, the significant narrowness of the Bgm was correlated with the vaginal pressure recorded.

Low genitourinary tract risks in women living with the human immunodeficiency virus.

This review analyzes the clinical associations between specific low genitourinary tract clinical circumstances in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV). Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves survival and reduces opportunistic infections and HIV transmission. Despite appropriate ART, WLHIV may display menstrual dysfunction, risk of early menopause, vaginal microbiome alterations, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, vasomotor symptoms and low sexual function as compared to women without the infection. They have increased risks of intraepithelial and invasive cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The reduced immunity capacity may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, side-effects or toxicity of ARTs, and opportunistic infections. Menstrual dysfunction and early menopause may contribute to the early onset of vascular atherosclerosis and plaque formation, and increased osteoporosis risks requiring specific early interventions. On the other hand, the association between being postmenopausal and having a low sexual function is significant and related to low adherence to ART. WLHIV deserve a specific approach to manage different low genitourinary risks and complications related to hormone dysfunction and early menopause.

Fatal multiple organ dysfunction caused by commensal bacteria of urogenital tract infection in adult lung transplant recipients: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Infection following lung transplantation has been the focus of clinical concerns. The colonization rate of commensal bacteria of the urogenital tract, including Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), is high, which may cause secondary infection after transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: Twenty-three-year-old and 67-year-old women underwent lung transplantation for different causes. Shortly after the operation, they developed perineal skin ulcers, hypoxia, and intractable epilepsy. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed lung consolidation, and cranial CT showed shallowing sulci and gyri. UU and HSV-2 were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by next-generation sequencing, and HSV-2 was shown in the cerebrospinal fluid of both patients. Despite active treatment, both suffered irreversible brain function damage within 72 h of the seizure. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should know that commensal bacteria of urogenital tract infections can lead to fatal multiple organ dysfunction after lung transplantation.

Urogenital tract and rectal microbiota composition and its influence on reproductive outcomes in infertile patients.

Introduction: Microbiota in the human body are closely related to human diseases. Female urogenital tract and rectal microbes have been considered as important factors affecting female pregnancy, but the mechanism is unknown. Methods: Cervical, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs were collected from 22 infertile patients and 10 controls, and follicular fluid was extracted from 22 infertile patients. The microbial composition of different sampling sites of infertile patients was examined. By comparing the microbial composition difference between infertile patients and controls and combining bioinformatics methods to analyze the potential impact of the female urogenital tract (cervical, vaginal and urethral) and rectal microbial diversity on female infertility and pregnancy outcomes. Results: Lactobacillus predominated in the female urogenital tract, but its abundance decreased in infertile patients, whereas the abundance of Gardnerella and Atopobium increased. The microbial changes in the urethra had the same trend as that in the vagina. Compared with healthy controls, the cervical and rectal microbial diversity of infertile patients were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. There might be interactions between microbes in different parts of female. Geobacillus thermogeniticans was enriched in the urogenital tract and rectum of infertile patients, and has a good predictive effect on infertility. Compared with infertile patients, L. johnsonii was enriched in the vagina, urethra, and intestine of the control group. L. acidophilus in follicular fluid might be associated with Non-pregnancy. Conclusion: This study found that the microbial composition of infertile patients was changed compared with that of healthy people. The translocation of Lactobacillus between the rectum and urogenital tract might play a protective barrier role. The changes of Lactobacillus and Geobacillus might be related to female infertility or pregnancy outcome. The study provided a theoretical basis for the future treatment of female infertility from the perspective of microorganisms by detecting the microbial changes associated with female infertility.

Update on canine anorchia: A review.

Abnormalities of the external genitals are an important issue in dog breeding because of the unfavourable qualities and characteristics of breeds, resulting in consistent economic losses. Despite their significance, little scientific attention has been given to these problems. Although there are several reviews on cryptorchidism in dogs, none have described anorchia. Testicular agenesis is a rare reproductive disorder with a congenital origin. Moreover, no author has described the diagnostic procedure for making a definitive diagnosis of anorchia in dogs. It is important to have a well-structured diagnostic scheme to help practical veterinarians make a confirmatory diagnosis. This review article aims to provide an update on canine anorchia diagnosis based on the poor research studies published in recent years. We have also contributed to the pathogenesis of this disorder using human medicine studies. Finally, the review includes therapeutic hypotheses that can be expanded in future studies.

Leptospira interrogans Serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae Failed to Establish Distinct Infection in Naïve Gilts: Lessons Learned from a Preliminary Experimental Challenge.

Leptospira is a pathogen involved in fertility problems in pigs. Nevertheless, little information is available on pathogenicity, transmission, tissue tropism, and immune response. The objective of this preliminary study was to induce a diagnostically detectable infection in naïve gilts using Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae to gain the knowledge required for designing a large-scale trial. Eight seronegative fertile gilts were divided into three groups: control (n = 2), challenge (n = 3; 10 mL of 108 leptospires/mL intravenously), and contact (n = 3). A daily clinical examination and periodic sampling of blood, urine, and vaginal swabs were performed until four weeks after infection when necropsy was undertaken. Seroconversion of infected animals was detected first by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) between four and seven days after inoculation. No clinical signs were observed except pyrexia. Laboratory data primarily remained within reference intervals. Leptospira were undetectable in all groups by real-time PCR (sera, urine, vaginal swabs, and tissue samples) and bacterial culture (urine and tissue samples). However, histologic evidence for tubulo-interstitial nephritis could be found. Based on the study results and limitations, questions to be solved and approaches to be reconsidered are raised for the conduction of further experimental studies to understand the pathogenesis and the role of Icterohaemorrhagiae in pig health.

Association between virulence factors and biofilm formation in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from semen of infertile men.

PROBLEM: Enterococcus faecalis is a common microbial semen contaminant. Although virulence factors and biofilm formation have often been analyzed in Enterococcus spp., there is little information about these features in isolates obtained from the genitourinary tract. This study was intended to characterize and determine the relationship between biofilm-forming ability and the presence of E. faecalis virulence factors isolated from human semen. METHOD OF STUDY: A total of 32 patients diagnosed with primary infertility and 28 healthy men were included in the study. Semen analyses were performed according to the WHO guidelines. PCR reactions were applied for the detection of ace, esp, efeA, gelE, asa1, and cylA genes. Microtiter plate assay, via measurement of OD560, was used to measure the biofilm-forming ability of the isolates. RESULTS: Sixty E. faecalis isolates from semen of infertile and fertile men were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods. The prevalence of ace, esp, efeA, gelE, asa1 and cylA were reported to be 81.3%/100.0%, 81.3%/89.3%, 81.3%/85.7%, 71.9%/53.6%, 8.8%/75.0%, and 62.5%/67.9% in infertile/fertile groups; respectively. Strong, weak, and non-biofilm reactions were reported to be 50.0%/21.4%, 40.6%/64.3%, and 9.4%/14.3% in infertile and fertile groups; respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant relationship between fertility and weak biofilm reaction and also between biofilm formation and possession of the esp gene (P < .05). It could be speculated that colonization with E. faecalis with a strong ability for biofilm formation could become a potential threat to men's fertility.

PECULIARITIES OF DISTRIBUTION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT STRAINS OF E. COLI - E. FAECALIS ASSOCIATION IN THE UROGENITAL TRACT OF PREGNANT WOMEN.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains from the association of E. coli - E. faecalis in the urogenital tract of pregnant women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Used bacteriological method of sectoral culture of urine on nutrient media and identification of strains to the species. The susceptibility of strains to antibiotics was determined by disk-diffusion method, the interpretation of results - according to current EUCAST recommendations. Statistical processing was performed in MS Excel (Analysis of variance (ANOVA)). RESULTS: Results: The number of resistant to cefuroxime, cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, norfloxacin and trimethoprim uropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli does not change depending on the monostrain and associated strain of E. coli from the urine of pregnant women in Dnipro. It was found that the differences in the number of fosfomycin-resistant uropathogenic strains of E. coli depending on the type of culture - the number of fosfomycintolerant urostrains E. coli is 2 times higher among the associated strains, compared with monostains of the studied microorganism. The number of uropathogenic strains of E. faecalis resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and norfloxacin does not change depending on the type of culture isolated from the urine of pregnant women in Dnipro. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The symbiotic type of existence of two representatives of the normal intestinal flora on the uroepithelium of pregnant women may be associated with the development of Escherichia coli antibiotic resistance only to fosfomycin compared with monoinfection caused by each of these microorganisms.

Mycoplasma maculosum and Mycoplasma spumans associated with fertility disorders in dogs from a Bernese Mountain dog kennel / Mycoplasma maculosum y Mycoplasma spumans asociados con desórdenes defertilidad en perros de un criadero de boyero de Berna

Abstract The aim of this short communication is to describe a case of subfertility and otheranomalies associated with the presence of Mycoplasma spumans and Mycoplasma maculosumin a Bernese Mountain Dog kennel. After the arrival of two dogs from abroad, some fertilitydisorders, such as unsuccessful mating, pregnancy losses and abnormal sperm analysis results,were observed. Two consecutive samplings (vaginal swabs) of three and two bitches with prob-lems, respectively, were performed and M. spumans and M. maculosum were identified by PCRand sequencing. After treatment for 15 days with doxycycline and 9 days with azithromycin,successful pregnancies were achieved and the results of the sperm analyses were reversed.Considering that no other infectious agents causing subfertility problems were detected andthat no management measures or other medication apart from these antibiotics were applied,it was concluded that fertility problems were due to the presence of these two Mycoplasmaspecies.

Urogenital Microbiota:Potentially Important Determinant of PD-L1 Expression in Male Patients with Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital microbiota may be associated with the recurrence of bladder cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The notion that microbiota can upregulate PD-L1 expression in certain epithelial tumors to promote immune escape has been demonstrated. Thus, we hypothesized that the urogenital microbiota may be involved in the recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) by upregulating the PD-L1 expression. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between urogenital microbial community and PD-L1 expression in male patients with NMIBC. RESULTS: 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to analyse the composition of urogenital microbiota, and the expression of PD-L1 in cancerous tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The subjects (aged 43-79 years) were divided into PD-L1-positive group (Group P, n = 9) and PD-L1-negative group (Group N, n = 19) respectively based on their PD-L1 immunohistochemical results. No statistically significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics between group P and N. We observed that group P exhibited higher species richness (based on Observed species and Ace index, both P < 0.05). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that the increase in number of PD-L1 positive cells was accompanied by increased richness of urogenital microbiota. Significantly different composition of urogenital microbiota was found between group P and group N (based on weighted Unifrac and unweighted Unifrac distances metric, both P < 0.05). Enrichment of some bacterial genera (e.g., Leptotrichia, Roseomonas, and Propionibacterium) and decrease of some bacterial genera (e.g., Prevotella and Massilia) were observed in group P as compared with group N. These findings indicated that these genera may affect the expression of PD-L1 through some mechanisms to be studied. CONCLUSION: Our study provided for the first time an overview of the association between urogenital microbiota and PD-L1 expression in male patients with NMIBC, indicating that urogenital microbiota was an important determinant of PD-L1 expression in male NMIBC patients.

Mycoplasma maculosum and Mycoplasma spumans associated with fertility disorders in dogs from a Bernese Mountain dog kennel.

The aim of this short communication is to describe a case of subfertility and other anomalies associated with the presence of Mycoplasma spumans and Mycoplasma maculosum in a Bernese Mountain Dog kennel. After the arrival of two dogs from abroad, some fertility disorders, such as unsuccessful mating, pregnancy losses and abnormal sperm analysis results, were observed. Two consecutive samplings (vaginal swabs) of three and two bitches with problems, respectively, were performed and M. spumans and M. maculosum were identified by PCR and sequencing. After treatment for 15 days with doxycycline and 9 days with azithromycin, successful pregnancies were achieved and the results of the sperm analyses were reversed. Considering that no other infectious agents causing subfertility problems were detected and that no management measures or other medication apart from these antibiotics were applied, it was concluded that fertility problems were due to the presence of these two Mycoplasma species.

Current research and future directions in non-malignant urologic research - proceedings of the annual CAIRIBU meeting.

The Annual Collaborating for the Advancement of Interdisciplinary Research (CAIRIBU) Meeting in 2022 highlighted basic, translational, and clinical non-malignant urology research within five main areas affecting the urinary tract: urinary dysfunction due to prostate disease, microbes and infection, bladder function and physiology, neurology and neuromuscular influences and calculi and obstruction. In this paper, we summarize main findings and future directions outlined by CAIRIBU-affiliated scientists who presented as part of the scientific sessions.