Detection by immunofluorescence of viral, chlamydial and mycoplasma antigens in men with urethritis.

The presence of viral, chlamydial and mycoplasma antigens was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence (IF) reaction in the urethral cells of 30 male patients with urethritis. Positive IF reactions were recorded in 21 (70%) of the cases, 2-6 different antigens being simultaneously visualized in 14 patients. In addition to chlamydial, mycoplasma and herpes antigens, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus antigens were visualized in 39.34% and 11.47% of the cases, respectively. The efficacy of the IF technique in the rapid laboratory diagnosis of male urethritis is discussed.