7 STI and 7 Candidiasis Pathogens in Urine Panel (Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida: albicans, krusei, glabrata, dubliniensis, parapsilosis, tropicalis, lusitaniae)

Chlamydia trachomatis - one of the most common sexually transmitted infection pathogens. Chlamydia infection can often be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. It affects both men and women and can damage various parts of the body, including the genitals, rectum, and throat. Without symptoms, untreated chlamydia infection can lead to serious complications, such as infertility, chronic infections, and Reiter's syndrome. Initial symptoms appear 1-3 weeks after infection. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during urination, bleeding between periods, and pain during intercourse. Men may have abnormal discharge from the penis, pain during urination, and testicular pain and swelling. Regular screening and prompt treatment are crucial to avoid complications and reduce the risk of infecting others.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae - gonorrhea is a widespread infection contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Symptoms typically manifest 1–14 days after sexual contact with an infected person. Most women do not exhibit symptoms, but may experience bleeding between periods or during intercourse, and pain or burning during urination. If undiagnosed, untreated, or improperly treated, the infection can spread to the upper reproductive tract, leading to complicated gonococcal infection, which causes pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancy, infertility in women, and penile edema and epididymitis in men.

Mycoplasma genitalium - this bacterium most commonly infects the urethra and cervix, and its infection can also be asymptomatic. If untreated, the infection can sometimes lead to more severe complications, such as urethral or cervical inflammation, infertility.

Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum - these bacteria can be naturally found in the genitals (uterus, ovaries, prostate gland) and usually do not cause any symptoms or diseases. In some cases, they can cause infections and symptoms, which vary depending on the affected area of the genital organs.

Trichomonas vaginalis - the most widespread non-viral sexually transmitted pathogen in the world. T. vaginalis can cause abnormal vaginal discharge (trichomoniasis) in women, and accounts for 10~12% of all non-gonococcal urethritis cases in men. The infection can be asymptomatic in at least 50% of women and 70~80% of men.

Candidiasis is a very common condition affecting up to 75% of women at least once in their lifetime. It is most commonly caused by Candida albicans; however, other Candida species, such as krusei, glabrata, dubliniensis, parapsilosis, tropicalis, lusitaniae, can also occur. Typical candidiasis symptoms include itching, vaginal pain, pain during intercourse, external dysuria, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Men may experience redness and itching on the head of the penis, white discharge under the foreskin, unpleasant odor, and pain during intercourse. If untreated, inflammations can recur, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, and reproductive system complications.