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Classification of non-gonococcal urethritis: a review

  • Urology - Review
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Abstract

Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is the most common disease of the genital tract in men. Recent studies have recommended avoiding the empiric antibiotic administrations that constitute the classical treatment approach in NGU and to aim toward treatment of causative pathogens. However, the classification of NGU agents remains controversial. In addition, the relevance of the commensalism of Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, and Gardnerella vaginalis, which are among the opportunistic pathogens found in the urethral flora, has yet to be determined. Furthermore, there are certain pathogens on which sufficient studies have not been conducted, although they are known to be NGU pathogens, and their statuses should be updated. In this review, the classification of NGU pathogens is summarized in the light of the current literature.

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Abbreviations

CDC:

Centers for disease control and prevention

CT:

Chlamydia trachomatis

EBV:

Epstein–Barr virus

EAU:

European Association of Urology

GSS:

Gram-stained urethral smear

GU:

Gonococcal urethritis

GV:

Gardnerella vaginalis

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency virus

HSV:

Herpes simplex virus

MC:

Moraxella catarrhalis

MG:

Mycoplasma genitalium

MH:

Mycoplasma hominis

MSM:

Men sex with men

NAAT:

Nucleic acid amplification test

NGU:

Non-gonococcal urethritis

NM:

Neisseria meningitidis

PCR:

Polymerase chain reaction

PID:

Pelvic inflammatory disease

PMNL/HPF:

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes/high-power fields

STD:

Sexually transmitted disease

TV:

Trichomonas vaginalis

UP:

Ureaplasma parvum

UU:

Ureaplasma urealyticum

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  1. Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mehmet Sarier

  2. Department of Urology, Medical Park Hospital, Muratpaşa, Antalya, Turkey

    Mehmet Sarier & Erdal Kukul

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  1. Mehmet Sarier
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Correspondence to Mehmet Sarier.

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Sarier, M., Kukul, E. Classification of non-gonococcal urethritis: a review. Int Urol Nephrol 51, 901–907 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-019-02140-2

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