Урологический мазок (мазок из уретры)

Microscopic examination of the male urogenital smear (microflora) evaluates the bacterial community and cellular elements of the urethra to support the diagnosis of urethritis. The assay also helps characterize the local microflora and can identify select sexually transmitted pathogens, including Candida species, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Common descriptors for this procedure include urethral smear microscopy and bacterioscopic examination.

In men, the urethral microbiota commonly includes Staphylococcus epidermidis as a predominant organism, along with selected alpha-hemolytic streptococci (notably viridans group), corynebacteria, and small quantities of Ureaplasma urealyticum. Smegma-associated mycobacteria and fusobacteria may also be encountered. Representatives of conditionally pathogenic flora—such as Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Staphylococcus aureus, corynebacteria, Klebsiella species, Gardnerella, anaerobes, and Candida yeasts—can be detected due to transfer from the skin or rectal mucosa. The upper urinary tract is expected to be sterile. Disruption of the usual urethral flora may follow inadequate personal hygiene, exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, or metabolic disturbances. Urethral smear microscopy provides a semi-quantitative appraisal of overall microbial load, assesses epithelial status and inflammatory changes, and delineates the composition of the local microflora. It can reveal findings consistent with candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea; for gonorrhea in men, reported sensitivity of microscopy approaches 98%.