2086. Ureaplasma urealyticum, IgA antibodies

IgA antibodies to Ureaplasma urealyticum indicate an active or recent infection. This test helps diagnose ongoing inflammation in the genitourinary tract, especially in cases of infertility, recurrent STIs, or pregnancy complications.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium that is part of the normal microflora of the genitourinary tract. Under certain conditions (immunodeficiency, dysbiosis, sexually transmitted infections), it can become a factor in infectious and inflammatory diseases. In women, it is associated with cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, bacterial vaginosis, premature birth, and IVF complications. In men, it is associated with urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, and impaired fertility.

IgA antibodies are markers of current or recent mucosal infections. Their presence indicates an active immune response to U. urealyticum, even when other methods (smear or PCR) may fail to detect the pathogen due to a low load or deep localization.

Detection of IgA is particularly informative in the following cases:

• suspected chronic or asymptomatic infection;
• relapses after treatment;
• severe clinical symptoms but negative PCR results;
• clarification of the causes of infertility or unsuccessful IVF attempts.

• For symptoms of urogenital inflammation (abnormal discharge, pain, dysuria).
• Women with suspected cervicitis, endometritis, infertility, or pregnancy loss.
• Men with prostatitis, urethritis, and spermatogenesis disorders.
• Couples with infertility or those prior to reproductive programs.
• Following treatment, to assess residual activity.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: