Leptotrix
The content of the article:
- Leptotrix infection routes and risk factors
- Forms of leptotrichosis
- Symptoms of leptotrichosis
- Diagnostics
- Treatment of leptotrichosis
- Potential consequences and complications
- Forecast
- Prevention
Leptotrix (leptotrichia, leptotrix, leptotrichia) is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that belongs to the Fusobacteriaceae family. It has the form of a chain (trichia) or hair, with a thickened center and segmented ends. Does not bud or branch. In nature, it lives in tap water, swimming pools and natural reservoirs.
Leptotrix can cause a disease in humans called leptotrichosis.
Leptotrix infection routes and risk factors
Infection with leptotrix occurs mainly during swimming in open water. The bacterium can also be passed from person to person through sexual contact. In about 5% of healthy adults, leptotrixes are found in the vagina and oral cavity, therefore they are classified as opportunistic microflora. In the case of a weakened immunity in patients, a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of microflora occurs. As a result, the number of leptotrix increases and they acquire pathogenic properties, leading to the development of leptotrichosis of the vagina or oral cavity.
The factors contributing to the development of the disease are:
- hypothermia;
- chronic somatic and endocrine diseases;
- alcohol abuse;
- chronic stress;
- prolonged overwork;
- living in a region with poor ecology;
- installation of an intrauterine device;
- HIV infection;
- malignant neoplasms.
Getting into the body sexually in conditions of weakened immunity, leptotrix affects the cells of the vaginal mucosa, leading to an inflammatory process, which manifests itself in the swelling of the anus, perineum and labia, provoking genital itching.
In the oral cavity, leptotrix causes inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gums, tonsils, tongue, destruction of tooth crowns. Oral leptotrichosis in the vast majority of cases occurs in children of the first year of life.
Infection with leptotrix poses a serious danger to pregnant women, as it can lead to the development of choriamnionitis, cause spontaneous abortion, and low birth weight. In immunosuppressive women, infection with leptotrix can cause severe postpartum sepsis.
Forms of leptotrichosis
The following diseases are associated with infection with leptotrix:
- vaginal leptotrichosis;
- leptotrichosis of the oral cavity;
- choriamnionitis associated with leptotrix.
Symptoms of leptotrichosis
Symptoms of vaginal leptotrichosis are:
- swelling of the vulva;
- copious gray vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor;
- discomfort during intercourse;
- burning sensation and itching in the vagina and perineum.
With a severe course of the disease, the patient's general health may also worsen, which is associated with intoxication of the body.
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the reproductive system, leptotrichosis in men is practically not observed, and they are only carriers of the infection. But with a sharp weakening of immunity, leptotrix in men causes the development of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), the symptoms of which are:
- pain and cramps when urinating;
- gray discharge from the urethra;
- pain at the time of ejaculation.
With a severe course of the infectious process, leptotrix from the urethra penetrate the bladder and testicular tissue, causing the development of inflammation in them (cystitis, orchitis).
One of the first symptoms of infection with leptotrix of the oral cavity is the appearance of white styloid formations on the surface of the tonsils. Signs of inflammation are absent or minimal. In the future, appear:
- feeling of a foreign body in the pharynx;
- pain when swallowing;
- a gray coating on the surface of the tongue and tonsils.
In the absence of treatment, leptotrix continues to multiply and lead to gingivitis, tonsillitis, and tooth decay. The general condition of patients with oral leptotrichosis is usually not affected.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of infection with leptotrix is carried out according to microscopic examination of a smear of the separated vagina, urethra and / or from the oral cavity. The bacteria look like a bundle of tangled filaments with characteristic thickenings (dot-dash symptom), and therefore usually there are no difficulties with the identification of leptotrix by microscopy.
During a gynecological examination, attention is paid to the yellowish light of the vaginal mucosa, the presence of grayish spots on it.
In women, in many cases, infection with leptotrix is combined with another infection (fungal, trichomoniasis, chlamydial). In this regard, methods for identifying a possible mixed infection are included in the survey scheme.
Treatment of leptotrichosis
In the absence of clinical signs of an inflammatory process caused by leptotrix, treatment is not required. When severe symptoms of leptotrichosis appear, the following are prescribed:
- antibiotics from the group of aminoglycosides, beta-lactams or penicillins;
- bacterial preparations to normalize the intestinal microflora (pre- and probiotics);
- antifungal drugs - in order to prevent the development of fungal flora against the background of antibiotic therapy;
- immunomodulatory agents;
- vaginal suppositories with antiseptics or antibiotics.
Potential consequences and complications
Infection with leptotrix, leading to the development of an inflammatory process, in the absence of the necessary treatment, can cause the following complications:
- pathology of tooth enamel, destruction of the tooth crown;
- infection of the membranes;
- spontaneous miscarriage;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes and oral cavity in newborns.
Forecast
The forecast is favorable. A disease diagnosed and treated in time ends in full recovery.
Prevention
The following simple rules can prevent infection with leptotrix:
- using filters to purify tap water or boiling it before drinking it;
- careful observance of sanitary and hygienic standards;
- using a condom during accidental intercourse.
When swimming in open waters, do not swallow water.
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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!