List of hidden infections in women. Hidden infections in women: an asymptomatic threat with serious consequences. Tuberculosis and pneumococcus

Let's talk about the main hidden infections that enter and develop in female body, one way or another, striking him. So what is it?

Herpes virus: symptoms

Herpes is a viral disease. Its main symptom is the appearance of grouped blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. The causative agent is HSV (herpes simplex virus). In the affected area are: skin, mucous membranes (including the genitals), central nervous system and brain.

Symptoms of herpes simplex: grouped blisters with clear contents. The patient complains of itching, sometimes chills, burning of the skin, and malaise.

Symptoms of herpes zoster: accompanied by headache, swollen lymph nodes, increased body temperature. It manifests itself as a group of crowded vesicles, first with transparent and later purulent bloody contents.

Course of the disease:

• Stage 1 - itching or tingling in the affected area;
• Stage 2 - the appearance of a small painful vesicle;
• Stage 3 - rupture of the bubble
• Stage 4 - a crust forms over the formed ulcers.

The main danger of herpes for women is that the disease can cause unusual mucous discharge, indicating possible erosion of the cervix, early pregnancy failure, cancer, and infertility. Therefore, if the disease does not go away within 10 days, you should consult a doctor!

Human papillomavirus: symptoms, disease development

HPV is a pathophysiological lesion transmitted sexually and domestically (through minor damage to the skin), as well as from mother to child during childbirth. Self-infection from one part of the body to another is possible. Manifested by the appearance of warts and genital warts in intimate areas.

Development of the disease:

• During transmission, the virus penetrates the upper layers of the skin.
• For some time it does not make itself felt and can only be detected by a special PCR analysis.
• The virus begins to disrupt cell division by accelerating it. Detection occurs using PCR, as well as cytology and histology.
• The DNA of the virus interacts with the DNA of cells and the so-called integrated form develops.
• A mutation occurs in the affected cells.

The same tests as in the third will help detect the virus in the last two stages.

Note!
Under no circumstances should this disease be allowed to spread, since certain strains of the virus can cause tumors - invasive cancer develops!

Gardnerellosis: causes, symptoms of the disease

Bacteria of the genus Gardnerella are present in small quantities in the vagina of any healthy woman. However, in a favorable environment, they begin to multiply too quickly.

The reasons are:

• intrauterine contraceptives;
• hormonal disorders;
• taking oral contraceptives;
• promiscuity;
• certain diseases.

Symptoms of the disease:

• gray-whitish discharge with an unpleasant “fishy” odor;
• burning and itching in the vaginal area;
• discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse.

• antibacterial therapy;
• normalization of vaginal microbial flora;
• strengthening the immune system and preventing relapses.

Prevention:

• achieving normal hormonal levels;
• careful use of antibiotics;
• compliance with the usual rules of personal hygiene, without frequent douching;
• refusal of promiscuous sex;
• treatment of intestinal dysbiosis and genitourinary system infections.

The time from the onset of the disease to the formation of the first signs in most cases is 10 days.

Lack of treatment can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases in the female body, possibly miscarriage, premature birth and a number of other problems!

Thrush or candidiasis: causes, symptoms, treatment

This is a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa. The symptoms of thrush in women are similar to the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, but thrush has nothing to do with venereology.

• long-term use of antibiotics;
• chronic diseases of the digestive and genitourinary systems;
• wearing synthetic tight underwear;
• metabolic disorders.

Symptoms:

• itching and burning in the perineum and vagina;
• white curd discharge;
• redness of mucous membranes;
• unpleasant smell.

Possible exacerbation 5 days before menstruation. The disease is diagnosed using analysis -.

Treatment: Clotrimazole, Isoconazole, Miconazole, Natolicin, Nystatin.

There are threats of cervical erosion, miscarriage and infertility!

Mycoplasmosis: routes of infection, symptoms, diagnosis

A pathological process transmitted sexually and from mother to child during childbirth. The form of the process is influenced by the bacteria Mycoplasma hominis and genitalium. The virus enters a healthy body during a kiss, when coughing or sneezing, when the patient’s sputum enters the mucous membranes of a healthy person.

Symptoms are different, they depend on the characteristics of each individual organism. The disease can affect the respiratory system, causing coughing and mild shortness of breath. For the first manifestations, the formation of one of the four types of mycoplasmosis bacteria is sufficient.

Diagnosis of this disease is very difficult, since mycoplasma is very small in size. Most often, the DNA test method is used to diagnose the disease by identifying the DNA of the pathogen.

Treatment: antibiotics (up to 10 days): Tetracycline, Josamycin, Midecamycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin.

The consequences of lack of treatment are: damage to the vaginal canal; pathological development of the placenta.

Ureaplasmosis: symptoms, diagnosis

One of the most "undefined" diseases - scientists debate its existence, but despite these discussions, it is a very common urinary infection. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact; intrauterine infection of the child is possible.

Symptoms:

At first, ureaplasma may not manifest itself in any way, but actively multiply, harming everything that gets in its way;

• From time to time, clear vaginal discharge appears;
• sometimes there is a burning sensation when urinating;
• menstrual irregularities;
• bleeding;
• heavy and prolonged menstruation;

Diagnostic methods:

• Bacteriological (cultural) - material from the vagina is placed on a nutrient medium, where ureaplasma is grown for three days. Allows you to determine the number of bacteria in the body.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - allows you to identify the DNA of the pathogen.
• Serological method - antibodies are detected.
• PIF and ELISA method (direct immunofluorescence and immunofluorescence analysis).

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, since the causative agent of this disease very easily adapts to various antibiotics.

During development, ureaplasma can damage the fallopian tubes. This can lead to infertility!

Chlamydia: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Infection. Transmission occurs exclusively through sexual contact.

Symptoms:

• mucopurulent vaginal discharge (yellowish tint) with an unpleasant odor;
• itching, burning and pain in the bikini area (may intensify before menstruation);
• general weakness;
• slightly elevated temperature.

Diagnostics:

• polymerase chain reaction (PCR);
• enzyme immunoassay (ELISA);
• culture for chlamydia (culture method);
• microscopic analysis (general smear);
• immunofluorescence reaction (RIF);
• mini-test - sold in pharmacies (the most unreliable method)

• Betadine suppositories (in the vagina at night, 14 days);
• vaginal cream Dalacin C (at night, dispensed into the vagina, 5 g per week);
• azithromycin (500 mg 2 tablets once a day);
• erythromycin ointment (tampons in the evening and morning. 10-14 days);
• doxycycline (0.1 twice a day. Week);
• tetracycline ointment (tampons in the vagina in the morning and evening. 14 days).

Be sure to consult your doctor about treatment!

Complications are: Reiter's disease (urethro-oculo-synovial syndrome), urethral structure (narrowing of the urethra due to scar changes in the urethral mucosa), pelvic inflammatory diseases, ophthalmochlamydia (conjunctivitis with inclusions), chlamydial pneumonia of newborns, generalized chlamydia affecting many organs , encephalopathy with convulsions!

Cytomegalovirus: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

A virus from the herpes family that can infect people, causing cytomegaly.

Transfer occurs:

• by airborne droplets;
• through a kiss;
• sexually;
• during a blood transfusion;
• during childbirth;
• while the child is in the womb during pregnancy;
• through mother's milk.

Symptoms (manifests itself in the form of certain diseases):

• ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection);
• generalized form - CMV of internal organs may be affected;
• damage to the genitourinary system.

Diagnostics:

• detection of the presence of the virus in biological fluids of the body by identifying specific antigens using immunofluorescence;
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
• cell culture seeding;
• enzyme immunoassay (will detect specific antibodies in blood serum).

Treatment (sometimes requires strengthening the immune system):

• drugs effective against various types of herpes viruses;
• various antibiotics.

The prevention of this disease is a vaccine.

Dangerous for pregnant women, as if left untreated there is a risk of miscarriage!

What tests are needed to detect hidden infections?

Let's briefly look at the main types of analysis. This:

• General smear of microflora.
• Bacteriological culture for microflora.
• PCR - polymerase chain reaction.
• ELISA - enzyme immunoassays.

If the rules for preparing for tests are followed, doctors obtain a fairly accurate result and adjust the patient’s treatment. Since the infection is asymptomatic for a long time and this interferes with the timely detection of the infection, it is necessary to strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions before taking tests. For example, strictly adhere to the deadlines for collecting biomaterial (5-6 days of the cycle). Do not take antibiotics or other drugs (non-essential, if any, inform your doctor in advance). Avoid sexual intercourse 2-3 days before submitting the material. And the day before the tests, do not use personal hygiene products.

Therapy in the treatment of latent infections

1. Depending on the pathogen, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. At the initial stage of latent infection without inflammatory complications, antibacterial therapy is not carried out.
2. If an immunodeficiency state is diagnosed, then antiviral therapy (immunomodulators and immune stimulants) is used.
3. If fungal infections are detected, antifungal drugs are prescribed.
4. Hormone therapy is used to correct hormonal imbalances in women.
5. If the patient is not allergic to vitamins, then vitaminization is carried out in any treatment regimen.

A good analysis for the presence of pathologies (if there are several or one) will help identify a smear for hidden infections.

A smear for hidden infections is most often used. Since the analysis has a number of advantages: accurate determination of the pathogen and a small amount of test material. The sample is taken from the vagina, the material is placed on glass and in a test tube. This provides material for both microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that any disease, one way or another, requires the attention of the sick person. Sometimes even mild pain that hardly bothers you can indicate an approaching serious illness. Take care of your health, because, as our wise ancestors said, “no amount of wealth can buy it”!

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In modern life, we are increasingly faced with various diseases. The problems of combating infectious diseases have acquired particular significance in medicine. They can cause various pathological changes in the body and provoke the spread of infection throughout the body. They are quite difficult to diagnose and treat, quickly develop resistance to drugs, and multiply rapidly. But the main danger is that they often become the cause of mass epidemics, transmitted from person to person. Despite the rapid development of medicine and diagnostics, problems have not decreased. Today, hidden infections that are asymptomatic pose a great danger. A person often does not even suspect that he has a disease, however, it progresses. In addition, a person is a carrier and becomes a source of infection, infecting other people. Fortunately, today it is possible to detect such diseases and take timely measures. An analysis for hidden infections will help with this.

Hidden infections mean a whole range of diseases that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact and occur covertly and unnoticed. They may not bother you for a long time.

Is it necessary to do tests for hidden infections?

They must be taken periodically, since it makes it possible to detect those infections that develop in the body asymptomatically. They make it possible to identify such diseases in the early stages and prevent their further development. Despite the fact that the disease does not bother a person, it still develops in the body and causes corresponding pathological damage at various levels: cellular, tissue, organ. Someday the infection will still manifest itself. Most often it manifests itself when serious changes have already occurred in the body, often irreversible. At such a late stage, the disease is often quite difficult to treat, and sometimes cannot be treated at all. Treatment can only be effective in the early period of detection of the disease, since the pathologies that develop as a result of an infectious lesion are irreversible.

This type of infection always reduces immunity and can lead to serious complications. Most latent infections are sexually transmitted, affecting the reproductive organs and leading to infertility. Many of them are capable of destroying the genetic information of germ cells, which entails various genetic pathologies and anomalies during the subsequent birth of a child.

In addition, infections are dangerous because they can be transmitted to a child and lead to intrauterine infection. It doesn’t matter who is sick: the mother or the father. Some infections can provoke the development of cancerous tumors and immunodeficiency states. Against the background of infection, secondary pathologies develop: severe kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure.

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Indications for use

Tests are carried out both as prescribed by the doctor and on the patient’s own initiative. The reason for taking the test should be unprotected sexual contact with a stranger, frequent and promiscuous sexual intercourse.

A test is required before pregnancy. For any pathological symptoms, such as pain in the abdomen, burning and discomfort in the genital area, discharge, pungent odor. At the slightest suspicion of a pathology or disorder, you need to get tested, as well as in case of sudden weight loss and loss of appetite. Many concomitant diseases give the doctor reason to suspect the presence of hidden infections. For example, frequent colds can be caused by hidden herpes.

Preparation

To get reliable and most accurate results for hidden infections, you need to prepare for them. Firstly, it is imperative to stop taking immunomodulators, antibacterial, antiviral and other antibiotic agents, and vitamins. Do not use antiseptics, even local ones. All these substances can significantly affect the results, distorting them. For example, antibacterial drugs can temporarily reduce the number of microorganisms, or convert them into an inactive form, in which they do not develop.

During stimulation of the immune system, there is also a temporary deactivation and reduction in the activity of any infection, and false-positive results are also possible. Such results indicate the presence of infection in the body, when in fact there is none. This is explained by the fact that the number of immune complexes that can mistakenly react with the indicator that determines the presence of infection increases sharply. The amount of certain substances may increase sharply, which often indicate infection and the doctor misinterprets the result.

Before taking the test, refrain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days, which will allow you to study the patient’s natural microflora without introducing transient (temporary) flora. You should also not douche, use local contraceptives, anesthetics, or personal hygiene products 24 hours before the procedure. This will allow us to study the microflora in its natural state, without introducing foreign microflora and destroying the existing one. It's best for women to watch their menstrual cycle and get tested on day 5-6 of the new cycle. This will give the most accurate results, since during this period all infections become more active due to a slight decrease in immunity.

Unlike conventional tests, when alcohol and non-dietary foods are excluded, here everything is quite the opposite: doctors recommend drinking alcoholic beverages and eating unhealthy foods on the eve of the test: fatty, spicy, sauces, marinades, spices. This trick makes it easier to detect, which under normal conditions is quite well camouflaged. Immunity decreases and the infection becomes more active, making it easier to detect. For the same reason, if you have a cold, this is the ideal time to undergo such an analysis.

Rules for getting tested for hidden infections

The basic rule is that you need to prepare for it in advance, about 3-5 weeks in advance. It is necessary to stop taking any medications, especially those that affect the state of the immune system, increase the body's resistance, and have a general strengthening effect. You should not take medications that reduce inflammation or normalize microflora. You should also not take sorbents and antitoxic drugs.

For 2 days you cannot swim, use local medications, or have sexual intercourse. It is better to take the analysis in a weakened state: under stress, hypothermia, overwork, or mild malaise. This will allow the infection to fully manifest itself and become active.

What hidden infections are tested for?

Analysis for hidden infections in women

Usually blood and a smear are taken. Women need to undergo regular examinations, since infection can cause the development of many diseases that subsequently lead to infertility. Below is a brief description of the main female latent infections.

Mycoplasmosis is caused by microplasmas. It is a microorganism that occupies an intermediate position between viruses, fungi and bacteria. It is transmitted sexually, the first signs of the disease usually appear after 1.5-2 months. For men, such microorganisms are either harmless or can cause mild inflammation. In women, they cause numerous pathologies, which manifest themselves especially intensively during pregnancy. Most often, they become the cause of miscarriages and spontaneous abortions, and stillbirths.

Analysis for hidden infections during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a mandatory test is taken for TORCH - infections, which includes a set of major diseases that affect the fetus itself. This name encodes: toxoplasmosis, HIV, chickenpox, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, gonococcal infection, rubella, cytomegalovirus infection. It is rented out for free.

Analysis for hidden infections in men

The particular danger of latent infections in men is that they do not appear for a long time. The incubation period in this case is much longer than in women. Sometimes they appear only years or even decades later, causing hidden inflammation and other serious disorders. Diseases usually appear after a long period of time incubation period such dangerous diseases as prostatitis, prostate adenoma, various tumors, infertility. There are cases where the ability to fertilize is preserved, but the genetic information in them is still significantly affected. The fertilized fetus develops with genetic abnormalities. In addition, during sexual contact, both the expectant mother and the child become infected at the same time.

It is very important to take timely measures to identify the disease in the early stages, so you need to undergo preventive examinations with a urologist. You need to prepare for the tests in advance. Avoid taking any medications for about a month. You can urinate only a few hours before the test. For 3 days you cannot swim, use anesthetics and antiseptics, or have sexual intercourse.

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Analysis for hidden infections in children

Children often get sick due to hidden infections. The test should be taken if the child often suffers from colds, has a reduced immune system, or if the function of the respiratory system is impaired. The test should also be performed if the child has been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis.

The main clinically significant infections for a child: measles, rubella, whooping cough, scarlet fever, meningococcal infection, hepatitis, acute intestinal infections. The analysis is prescribed by the pediatrician after a preliminary examination.

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Test methods for latent infection

There are many methods that can be used to test for hidden infections. Conventionally, all methods can be divided into three large groups: bacteriological, immunological, molecular genetic.

To conduct a bacteriological examination, a smear or scraping is usually taken. Most often, the research material is genital secretions, various secretions, and sperm. A scraping is taken from the mucous membranes of the genitals. First, a preliminary microscopic examination is carried out, which makes it possible to detect signs in the smear that could indirectly indicate the presence of infection. Most often, such signs are protein, mucus, and fiber. Sometimes in a microscope you can see the microorganism itself, which is the causative agent of the disease. According to him appearance we can roughly guess which group he is a representative of.

Then the resulting material is sown on a nutrient medium. First, sowing is done on a regular nutrient medium and incubated for several days under thermostatic conditions. Then one or more colonies are isolated and immunological studies are carried out on them, which make it possible to roughly identify the microorganism. Then the grown colonies are reseeded on selective nutrient media and on shoals for further biochemical analyses. Incubate in a thermostat for a certain time, depending on the type and growth rate of the microorganism.

Biochemical studies and microscopy are carried out, which makes it possible to identify the organism by determining its species and genus. The degree of contamination, that is, the concentration of microorganisms, is also determined. The advantage of this method is that you can immediately select the drug that will be most effective against a given microorganism and its exact dosage. Accordingly, you can choose a treatment that will be as effective and safe as possible.

Immunological methods include a wide range of techniques. The principle of the method in most of them is to identify specific antigen-antibody complexes that are formed as a result of the interaction between antigen and antibody. The antigen is a microorganism, or the genes, proteins, and metabolic products that it produces. The point is that they are foreign to the body.

The immune system is immediately activated and begins to produce antibodies against them - proteins aimed at destroying and eliminating the foreign agent. Antibodies attack antigens, stick to them, forming a complex immune complex, which is detected during the reaction.

The test requires blood. Serum is separated from the blood using centrifugation. Then the serum is poured into test tubes and the antigen is added to it. Incubate for several hours. As a result of the reaction, complexes are formed that precipitate. The turbidity of the solution determines the concentration of the antigen in the blood.

Precipitated antigen-antibody complexes are formed only when there is an antigen (infection) in the blood. In the absence of infection, complexes do not form. The tubes are compared with the international standard for turbidity and the amount of microorganisms in the blood is judged by the degree of turbidity. Quantitative indicators can be more accurately determined using a spectrophotometer. The liquid is poured into special cuvettes and placed in the apparatus. Then rays of light are passed through. Based on the refractive index of light in a liquid, the device calculates extinction indices. Based on these data, recalculation is carried out in a special computer program. The result is obtained in the form of a concentration of infectious cells. A calibration graph is also constructed, which clearly shows all the data.

There is a similar method in which not antigens are detected, but antibodies. The technique is no different, except that antigens are added to the solution instead of antibodies. A similar complex formation reaction occurs if antibodies to this infection are present in the body. But this method is less accurate because the risk of false positive results increases. The fact is that antibodies can be formed to another infection, and even during normal inflammation. Despite the high specificity, the reaction may occur in error.

Of interest is the immunofluorescent method (RIF), in which the resulting biological material is stained with a special fluorescent dye. Samples are examined under a fluorescence microscope. At the same time, the cells of infectious agents and their metabolic products acquire a glow. The sensitivity of the method is 70%. Most often used to study syphilis.

The radioisotope method makes it possible to identify similar complexes in a stream of radioactive radiation.

Molecular genetic methods are based on identifying the genome of a microorganism or the microorganism itself in the sample being studied. This group includes the method of genome sequencing, PCR, and other methods.

General analysis for hidden infections

In general terms, an idea of ​​the processes that occur in the body can be obtained from a general blood test. He reveals in detail the blood formula, after reading which one can detect signs indicating an inflammatory or infectious process and its severity. For example, the presence of infection may be indicated by an increased ESR, increased levels of leukocytes and neutrophils. The leukocyte formula shifts to the left. Of course, such an analysis cannot show which specific microorganism caused such changes. Moreover, these indicators do not always indicate the presence of infection. Similar indicators can be observed for colds, inflammatory diseases, during the recovery period, and in the presence of tumors. But this gives the doctor the opportunity to suspect abnormalities and conduct a detailed study to discover the causes.

Blood test for hidden infections

Blood tests are carried out primarily using immunological methods, which detect antigen-antibody complexes. The method is highly specific and makes it possible to detect the presence of infection in the early stages. This test is taken if an infection is suspected, if a person is often sick and does not recover for a long time, during pregnancy. Also, this test should be taken for prevention in order to timely detect pathology, in case of questionable sexual contacts, in order to exclude the possibility of infection, in the event of any disease or discomfort in the genital area.

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Urine analysis for hidden infections

A urine test can detect infection of the genital tract and urinary organs. Normally, urine is a sterile liquid. The detection of microorganisms in it indicates the development of an infectious process. The study is carried out using the bacteriological method. The most commonly used method is Goleman culture. It makes it possible to isolate the pathogen, carry out its complete identification, and determine its concentration. If necessary, you can select an effective drug and determine its dosage.

PCR analysis for hidden infections

PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a molecular genetic research method, the essence of which is to detect DNA or RNA of a microorganism in the test sample. You can also determine its quantity. The method is highly specific, accuracy reaches 100%.

For detection, the material under study is placed in a reactor, the necessary enzymes are added, which bind DNA and build a copy of it. The method is based on genome replication. Any type of infection can be identified, including hidden ones.

Despite the active promotion of safe intimate relationships, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are widespread among the adult population. Hidden infections in women, the list of which is given below, are dangerous due to their consequences.

Genital infections are often called hidden, since many of them are asymptomatic; they are detected only during an in-depth examination when obvious complications appear. Most often, STDs are transmitted through unprotected intimate contact, less often through household methods or through transmission from mother to child during pregnancy.

General symptoms

The primary symptoms of STDs in women include:

• itching and burning in the genital area;
• uncharacteristic intimate discharge in smell, color, consistency, quantity;
• discomfort and pain during urination with frequent urge;
• rash on the genitals;
• discomfort and pain during or after sexual intercourse.

The appearance of these signs is a serious reason to immediately consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination.

More complex and delayed symptoms may include:

• menstrual irregularities;
• infertility or miscarriage;
• painful sensations in the pelvis.

Each of the hidden infections has its own characteristic symptoms, course characteristics and a list of serious consequences for the body, spreading not only to the genitourinary system, but also to other systems and organs of the body.

Herpes virus

Caused by various types of herpes virus (in particular, Herpes simplex virus 2), which remains in the body forever.

It is impossible to completely cure herpes; it tends to recur with a sharp decrease in immunity.

It appears as a rash on the skin and mucous membranes of characteristic groups of bubbles.

It manifests itself as discomfort, pain, itching in the perineum, which increases every day, the state of health worsens, the temperature rises, and vaginal discharge becomes more abundant. Next, a blistering rash appears on and around the genitals. After some time, the blisters burst, the liquid flows out, and scabs remain in their place.

Complications include:

• conjunctivitis,
• keratitis,
• damage to the central nervous system,
• encephalitis,
• meningitis.

Human papillomavirus

Papillomavirus or HPV (HPV) is a family of viruses that leads to the appearance of warts and condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes.

This disease is characterized by a long and latent course without obvious symptoms. An exacerbation occurs during a period of sharp decline in immunity, and is most often discovered during examinations during pregnancy and for cancer.

The presence of HPV can be assumed by the appearance of warts on the body, genital warts on the genitals and in the groin area, in the oral cavity and on the lips, and by diagnosing cervical erosion.

Possible consequences:

• cervical cancer,
• breast cancer,
• other malignant neoplasms.

Gardnerellosis

Bacterial vaginosis or dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) of the vagina, caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. It is present in the normal microflora of the vagina in small quantities, but during a decrease in immunity and other disorders leading to the death of lactobacilli, it begins to multiply uncontrollably.

Characteristic symptoms:

• Copious discharge of white or gray color with an unpleasant odor, sometimes with a foamy consistency. Over time, they may become yellow-green, thick and sticky.
• Pain, burning and itching, which intensifies during sexual intercourse.

Complications:

• urethritis,
• inflammation of the vagina,
• inflammation of the uterus, its appendages and cervix,
• miscarriage,
• premature birth.

Candidiasis

A common household name, thrush, is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida albicans).

These fungi are found in small quantities in the vaginal microflora and, when uncontrolled, cause vaginal candidiasis.

Characteristic symptoms:

• white cheesy discharge;
• increasing itching and burning of the genitals;
• pain during sexual intercourse and urination.

It is believed that candidiasis does not pose a long-term threat to a woman’s health, but does cause severe discomfort.

Mycoplasmosis

There are no clearly noticeable characteristic symptoms; scanty or abundant transparent vaginal discharge and painful sensations during urination or intimate contact are possible.

Mycoplasmosis provokes diseases:

• urethra,
• vagina,
• appendages,
• cavities and cervix,
• infertility,
• miscarriage,
• polyhydramnios,
• developmental disorders of the placenta.

Ureaplasmosis

Caused by the bacterium Ureaplasma urealyticum.

There are no specific symptoms, with the exception of clear vaginal discharge and burning during urination and sexual intercourse, which do not always appear.

Complications:

• inflammation of the fallopian tubes,
• formation of adhesions,
• pathologies of pregnancy and fetus,
• stricture (narrowing) of the urethra.

Chlamydia

One of the most common latent infections is caused by the intracellular microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis.

In most cases, chlamydia is asymptomatic or with minor complaints of itching and pain when urinating, and frequent urge.

At an advanced stage, the following may appear: general malaise, high fever, pain in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities.

Consequences of latent chlamydia defeat:

• cervix,
• uterus,
• fallopian tubes,
• ovaries,
• peritoneum,
• rectum.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegaly is a disease caused by a type of human herpes virus type 5, Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

With a strong immune system, the disease proceeds latently, and the virus remains suppressed for several years.

The symptoms of exacerbation of cytomegaly coincide with the symptoms of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections: fever, headache, general weakness, which makes its diagnosis difficult. The disease is most severe in people with weakened immune systems (for example, HIV-infected people, cancer patients, or people after organ transplantation).

Complications:

• pneumonia,
• gastroenteritis,
• hepatitis,
• arthritis,
• encephalitis,
• inflammation of the spleen,
• miscarriages,
• intrauterine fetal death,
• premature birth.

Analysis for hidden infections

To diagnose hidden infections, the following types of tests are performed:

• A general smear is an examination of a scraping from the vagina under a microscope.
• Bacteriological (BAC) culture for microflora and sensitivity to antibiotics. In a favorable nutrient medium, STD pathogens actively grow, and after a few days a pure culture is formed, on which hypersensitivity to certain medications can be determined.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is based on the principle of a specific immunological reaction to specific pathogens in biological material. This is an analysis with a high level of sensitivity, but ELISA only detects the reaction, and not the pathogen itself.
• Immunofluorescence reaction (RIF) is the mixing of biological material with special staining reagents and their subsequent study under a fluorescent microscope.
• Polymer chain reaction (PCR) – detection of DNA and RNA of pathogens of sexually transmitted infections in a variety of biological materials. With its help, not only the causative agent of the infection is determined, but also its quantitative assessment, as well as the duration of the disease, is obtained.

In order for the analyzes to be as reliable as possible, it is advisable to follow the following rules:

The best period for collecting biological material from a woman is day 5-6 of the menstrual cycle.

• 2-3 weeks before the examination day, stop taking antibiotics, antiviral and antimicrobial drugs.
• Avoid sexual contact for 2 days before the test.
• 1 day before the examination, you cannot use local contraceptives, antiseptics, intimate hygiene products, or douching.

Despite the fact that latent infections in women are initially asymptomatic, they cause serious complications in the future, so their timely diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.

In women it is performed quite often. This can be explained by the fact that infectious diseases that are mainly sexually transmitted, as a rule, occur without any special symptoms. However, at the same time, many ladies turn to gynecologists specifically on the issue of complications after unprotected sexual intercourse. After all, identifying some hidden infections in the body, the list of which in women is quite large, is possible only after a thorough diagnosis.

STIs are often transmitted through sexual contact. Sometimes a household route of infection is also possible. There are often cases when the infection is transmitted from a pregnant woman to a child in the womb. All that will be considered are common. They have some common symptoms, which patients notice and seek qualified help.

Sexually transmitted diseases always have primary symptoms and some later, but also more severe than the initial symptoms, complications.

Primary signs:

• severe burning and constant itching in the groin;
• rashes on the genitals;
• discharge that differs from normal in quantity, color and smell;
• pain when urinating, the number of urges increases significantly.

If such symptoms are noticed, you should immediately contact a specialist to find out the exact causes of this condition. After all, this is exactly how any of the hidden pathologies can manifest themselves. In this case, in order to make a final diagnosis, the doctor will definitely prescribe tests for hidden infections. For women, this specialist is a gynecologist.

Later symptoms of the disease:

• disruption of the normal menstrual cycle;
• pain in the pelvic area;
• infertility or premature spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

It is dangerous because it is initially present in the body of every person. Therefore, it will not be possible to cure such an infection once and for all. Relapses of the disease are quite common.

The virus usually manifests itself as specific rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. They are painful blisters, around which an area of ​​hyperemia is identified.

Patients most often complain of itching and discomfort in the perineal area. Moreover, the symptoms of the disease, if left untreated, will only intensify and cause even greater discomfort. A woman develops pathological vaginal discharge, her body temperature rises sharply and her general health worsens.

If treatment measures are not carried out on time, a painful blistering rash begins to appear on the genitals. Over the next few days, these bubbles begin to burst. Liquid is released from them. Further, in place of the former blisters, specific scabs begin to form, which cause severe pain.

Human papillomavirus

Typically, its persistence in the body is characterized by the appearance of neoplasms such as condylomas and multiple warts. The danger is the hidden course of the disease. Symptoms begin to appear only after the formations themselves have formed. If a woman’s immune system is damaged, then exacerbations of this disease can often be observed.

Most often, this infection can be detected by testing for cancer during pregnancy. The PCR reaction will help to obtain the most reliable result.

Gardnerellosis

Vaginal dysbiosis is most often caused by the bacterium Gandnerella vaginalis, which is one of the components of healthy vaginal flora. Due to decreased immunity or a decrease in the number of lactobacilli, Gandnerella begins to multiply rapidly.

Main signs of the disease:

• severe itching;
• discharge appears in large volumes.

Vaginal discharge usually has a very unpleasant odor and is whitish or grayish in color. The consistency of vaginal secretion is foamy.

The most common complications of gardnerellosis:

• urethritis;
• inflammatory processes of the uterus, its cervix, appendages;
• inflammatory processes of the vagina;
• premature onset of labor.

Candida infection

Candidiasis or simply thrush occurs as a result of too active proliferation of yeast-like fungi. Pathogens from the genus Candida usually make up a small part of the healthy vaginal flora. If such microorganisms begin to actively multiply, we can talk about the onset of bacterial vaginosis.

Signs of infection:

Mycoplasmosis

Frequent complications of mycoplasmosis:

• diseases of the appendages;
• infertility;
• polyhydramnios;
• miscarriage;
• inflammatory processes of the urethra;
• inflammation of the cervix and vagina;
• disturbances in the development of the placenta during pregnancy.

Ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasmosis is considered a fairly common disease. When infected, such a person may not notice virtually any symptoms. Sometimes clear vaginal discharge may appear. A burning sensation may occur during sexual intercourse and urination.

Chlamydia

It is one of the most common hidden infections. The disease is caused by intracellular microorganisms of the genus Chlamydia. Often the disease occurs with virtually no symptoms. Rarely, patients are bothered by mild itching and mild discomfort when urinating. If the infection is not treated, during relapses the temperature may rise and pain may occur, radiating down the abdomen. Disruptions in the menstrual cycle are quite common.

Complications manifest themselves in the form of damage to the following organs:

• cervix;
• ovaries;
• fallopian tubes;
• abdominal cavity;
• rectum.

Cytomegalovirus

When a person’s immune system copes with its task, this infection, as a rule, proceeds latently for several years. When the disease worsens, symptoms characteristic of ARVI appear. Patients develop fever, chills, severe headache and weakness. That is why diagnosing such a disease is quite difficult.

Tests for hidden infections in women, the list of which was presented, must be taken immediately after a doctor’s appointment. Sometimes it is precisely this kind of diagnosis that helps to accurately determine the presence of an infection in the body and begin its timely treatment. The main signs of infection that a latent infection has can be detected by taking smears during the latent period of the disease.

Tests for hidden infections

Treatment of hidden infections in women can begin only after diagnosis. And the doctor will be able to make a final conclusion only after receiving the test results:

• general smear;
• bacteriological culture;
• immunofluorescence reaction.

With the latter method, microorganisms are stained with special dyes with fluorescent properties. The results are assessed under a microscope. To carry out this diagnosis, a smear is taken from the vagina.

The ELISA method helps to identify specific antibodies to pathogens of latent infections. By the nature of these protective proteins, one can judge how long ago the encounter with the pathogenic microorganism was encountered.

Bacteriological culture makes it possible to assess the composition of the vaginal flora, as well as the sensitivity of the infectious agent to antibiotics. The PCR method is used to isolate fragments of RNA or DNA of the virus in the biomaterial.

Thus, it is possible and necessary to treat the manifestations of female infections. But you should consult a doctor at the first signs of illness. The doctor will take a smear from the vagina and conduct a set of necessary tests to clarify the diagnosis. After all, if a woman is not provided with qualified assistance in a timely manner, serious complications may develop that will lead to a deterioration in the patient’s general health and her reproductive function.

Anna Mironova

Reading time: 7 minutes

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From the 80s to the present day, all media actively promote safe sex and contraception. But despite this, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become a scourge modern society. According to statistics, every third woman who is active sex life more than one or another hidden infection, and sometimes even several. Therefore, today we decided to tell you what hidden infections are, what they are, and their symptoms.

What are hidden infections? Routes of infection, symptoms

Hidden infections in men. What male hidden infections you need to know.

Hidden infections in women. What women's hidden infections you need to know.

1. Gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis) is a latent infection caused by the gardnerella bacterium. This disease mainly affects women, since this type of bacteria does not live long in the body of men. This disease is disruption of the normal vaginal microflora , and modern doctors do not have a common opinion on how dangerous it is and whether it is worth treating;
2. Herpes virus– appears on the mucous membranes and skin in the form of blisters. This virus is dangerous because Once in the human body, it remains there forever , and clinically manifests itself with a sharp decrease in immunity. Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs, and women suffer from it much more often than men;
3. Candidiasis- better known as thrush. This disease is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. This fungus is part of the normal microflora of the vagina, but if it begins to multiply uncontrollably, a disease begins - vaginal candidiasis. This disease does not pose a health hazard, but causes quite unpleasant sensations . Both women and men suffer from thrush, but they most often become infected with it from their partner.