Actinomyces urogenitalis
| Actinomyces urogenitalis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Kingdom: | Bacillati |
| Phylum: | Actinomycetota |
| Class: | Actinomycetes |
| Order: | Actinomycetales |
| Family: | Actinomycetaceae |
| Genus: | Actinomyces |
| Species: | A. urogenitalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Actinomyces urogenitalis Nikolaitchouk et al. 2000
| |
| Type strain | |
| CCUG 38704 = DSM 15434 = CIP 105524 | |
Actinomyces urogenitalis is a species of Gram-positive and facultative anaerobic bacteria in the genus Actinomyces (family Actinomycetaceae). It was formally described in 2000 after isolation from clinical specimens taken from the human urogenital tract.[1]
Etymology
The specific epithet urogenitalis combines Latin urina (urine) and genitalis (genital), referencing the anatomical source of the original isolates.
Morphology and physiology
A. urogenitalis is a non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. Colonies on solid media appear white, rough and dry; cells occur singly or in short chains and stain Gram-positive. The organism is catalase-negative and grows under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Clinical relevance
A. urogenitalis has been cultured from human urine and urethral specimens,[1] suggesting it forms part of the urogenital microbiota and can act as an opportunistic pathogen. Subsequent reports have shown its ability to cause invasive disease: an intra-uterine contraceptive device–associated pelvic actinomycosis in a woman demonstrated deep-seated infection potential,[2] while a separate case of bacteremia with a urinary-tract focus in a man with prolonged urinary retention confirmed pathogenicity in males.[3] These observations indicate that A. urogenitalis may contribute to urinary tract infections and other urogenital conditions in both sexes.
References
- ^ a b Nikolaitchouk, N.; Hoyles, L.; Falsen, E.; Grainger, J.M.; Collins, M.D. (July 2000). "Characterization of Actinomyces isolates from samples from the human urogenital tract: description of Actinomyces urogenitalis sp. nov". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 50 (4): 1649–1654. doi:10.1099/00207713-50-4-1649. PMID 10939672.
- ^ Elsayed, S.; George, A.; Zhang, K. (April 2006). "Intrauterine contraceptive device-associated pelvic actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces urogenitalis". Anaerobe. 12 (2): 67–70. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2005.12.004. PMID 16701616.
- ^ Holmgaard, D.B.; Marina, D.; Hansen, F.; Christensen, J.J. (2020). "Bacteremia and urogenital infection with Actinomyces urogenitalis following prolonged urinary retention". APMIS. 128 (1): 20–24. doi:10.1111/apm.13000. PMID 31943315.