Ureaplasma is a microscopic bacterium that inhabits the human urogenital tract. Unlike most bacteria, it lacks a rigid cell wall, which contributes to its very small size and flexible nature. Due to its microscopic nature, Ureaplasma is invisible to the naked eye.
Microscopic Appearance of Ureaplasma
Individual Ureaplasma organisms are among the smallest known free-living bacteria. Their lack of a cell wall means they do not maintain a fixed shape, appearing variable under magnification (pleomorphic). Visualizing these individual bacteria requires powerful tools like electron microscopes.
When grown in a laboratory on specialized culture media, Ureaplasma colonies exhibit a distinctive “fried egg” appearance under a light microscope. The central, dense part of the “egg” consists of colonies embedded in the agar, while the lighter, spreading outer ring grows on the agar surface. This characteristic morphology is a key visual cue for detection in a clinical laboratory setting.
Signs and Symptoms of Ureaplasma Infection
While Ureaplasma is not visible, its presence can cause symptoms when it leads to an infection. Many people carry Ureaplasma without symptoms. However, if an overgrowth or infection develops, symptoms commonly arise in the urinary and genital tracts.
In both men and women, an infection can lead to urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra. This condition often presents with symptoms such as painful or burning sensations during urination and unusual discharge. For women, symptoms may also include abnormal vaginal discharge, an unusual vaginal odor, and lower abdominal or pelvic pain.
The symptoms of Ureaplasma infection are not exclusive to this bacterium and can overlap with those of other conditions, including other sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, experiencing these symptoms necessitates medical consultation for accurate diagnosis.
How Ureaplasma is Identified Through Testing
Because Ureaplasma cannot be seen directly, medical professionals rely on specific laboratory tests to identify its presence. A common and highly sensitive method is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. PCR tests detect the genetic material (DNA) of Ureaplasma in various samples, including urine, vaginal swabs, cervical swabs, urethral swabs, or tissue.
PCR is often preferred because it can detect the bacteria even when present in small quantities, and it can differentiate between different Ureaplasma species. Another diagnostic approach involves culture tests, where samples are placed on specialized media to allow the bacteria to grow. If Ureaplasma is present, its characteristic “fried egg” colonies will form, which are then observed under a microscope.
While culture tests can identify Ureaplasma, they are often more laborious and take several days compared to PCR. Definitive diagnosis of a Ureaplasma infection requires these laboratory tests, as symptoms alone are insufficient to confirm its presence.