Etiologies of nongonococcal urethritis: Bacteria, viruses, and the association with orogenital exposure

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine pathogens and behaviors associated with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and the usefulness of the urethral smear in predicting the presence of pathogens. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of men with and without symptoms of NGU. Sexual practices were measured by questionnaire. First-stream urine was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma parvum, U. urealyticum, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, HSV-2, adenoviruses, and Gardnerella vaginalis by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: C. trachomatis (20%), M. genitalium (9%), adenoviruses (4%), and HSV-1 (2%) were more common in cases with NGU (n = 329) ..