Androflor screen
Androflor Screen (male urogenital tract biocenosis) is a quantitative molecular test (quantitative real-time PCR, qPCR) designed for infection screening and assessment of the male urogenital tract microbiota.
The method quantifies total bacterial load, the aerobic-to-anaerobic microorganism ratio, and detects key pathogens of urogenital infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The test is based on multiplex qPCR, does not require culture, and does not provide antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Test components (major microorganism groups)
| Component | Description | Clinical significance |
| Human genomic DNA | DNA from urogenital epithelial cells | Specimen collection quality control |
| Total bacterial mass | Quantitative assessment of overall bacterial flora | Dysbiosis marker; estimates microbial load |
Lactobacillus spp. | Normal protective flora | Decrease → dysbiosis |
Staphylococcus spp. | Skin commensals, opportunistic | Possible urethritis/opportunistic infections |
Streptococcus spp. | Aerobic opportunists | May contribute to nongonococcal urethritis |
Corynebacterium spp. | Commensals, sometimes pathogenic | Chronic inflammatory processes |
Gardnerella vaginalis | Associated with dysbiosis | Urethritis, microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) |
Enterobacteriaceae / Enterococcus spp. | Opportunistic bacteria (e.g., E. coli) | Common cause of UTIs and prostatitis |
Ureaplasma urealyticum / parvum | Opportunistic intracellular bacteria | Urethritis, prostatitis, reduced fertility |
Mycoplasma hominis | Intracellular opportunist | Urethritis, prostatitis |
Mycoplasma genitalium | Important STI pathogen | Common cause of chronic urethritis |
Chlamydia trachomatis | Obligate intracellular bacterium | Common STI; urethritis, epididymitis |
Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Gonococcus | Gonococcal urethritis |
Trichomonas vaginalis | Protozoan | Urethritis; may affect fertility |
Candida spp. | Opportunistic fungi | Urogenital candidiasis |
Clinical role
Screening for key bacterial and fungal pathogens.
STI diagnostics (chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasmas, trichomonas).
Assessment of urogenital microbial imbalance (dysbiosis).
Monitoring after antibacterial or antifungal therapy.
Supporting targeted treatment selection.
Indications
Urethral discharge, burning, pain, or urethral discomfort.
Chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Screening prior to urologic and reproductive procedures.
Suspected STI after unprotected sexual contact.
Post-treatment follow-up.
Specimen collection procedure
Sampling is performed from the urethra using a dedicated sterile urogenital brush. The procedure takes a few minutes, may cause mild discomfort, and does not require recovery.
Sampling site: anterior urethra.
Technique: after gentle cleansing of the external urethral meatus with a sterile swab, the brush is inserted 2–4 cm, rotated in a circular motion, then the tip is detached and placed into transport medium.
Pregătirea:
Preparation
Sexual abstinence: at least 48–72 hours.
No urination: 2–4 hours before sampling.
Antibiotics/antifungals: preferably discontinued 10–14 days prior; ideally 2–4 weeks (as advised by the clinician).
Local antiseptics, suppositories, creams: avoid for 7 days before testing.
Intimate hygiene: only the evening before, with water, without soap or antiseptics.
Inform the clinician about chronic conditions and current medications.