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Review
. 2021 Feb 22;22(4):2170.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22042170.

The Impact of Selected Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases on Pregnancy and Female Fertility

Katarzyna Smolarczyk  1 , Beata Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska  1 , Ewa Rudnicka  2 , Dariusz Szukiewicz  3 , Blazej Meczekalski  4 , Roman Smolarczyk  2 , Wojciech Pieta  2
Affiliations
Review

The Impact of Selected Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases on Pregnancy and Female Fertility

Katarzyna Smolarczyk et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium are a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to tubal factor infertility (TFI). TFI is one of the most common causes of infertility, accounting for 30% of female fertility problems. STIs can also have an impact on pregnancy, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Escalating antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium represents a significant problem and can be therapeutically challenging. We present a comprehensive review of the current treatment options, as well as the molecular approach to this subject. We have given special attention to molecular epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, current and new treatments, and drug resistance.

Keywords: STI; fertility; genotyping; pregnancy; resistance mechanisms.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Symptoms and possible impact on fertility.
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