Mycoplasma genitalium

Abstract

Mycoplasma genitalium was initially isolated from men with nongonococcal urethritis in 1980. Subsequent studies to assess the association of M. genitalium with human disease were inhibited however because on repeated attempts the organism proved extremely difficult to culture. Fortunately, the development and use of specific polymerase chain reaction assays allowed progress in this arena and provided evidence of the association between M. genitalium and urethritis, cervicitis, and endometritis. A serologic association has also been noted between M. genitalium antibody and salpingitis and tubal factor infertility. In addition, sexual transmission of M. genitalium in heterosexual partners has also been demonstrated. Currently, studies are underway to further assess these associations and provide additional information about the significance of this organism with regards to sexual transmission, infertility in women, and its association with other genital tract disease processes. Recent studies have suggested that M. genitalium-associated infections are best treated with azithromycin.

Detection of Potential Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens by Molecular Methods

“…The association of M. genitalium with human disease and genital tract disease in particular, was made possible after the development of PCR technology [8,9]. There is strong evidence that M. genitalium is associated with nonspecific urethreitis in men, but there are not enough studies to support the contention that the bacterium can cause epididymitis and prostatitis and infertility [1,10,11].…”

“…There is strong evidence that M. genitalium is associated with nonspecific urethreitis in men, but there are not enough studies to support the contention that the bacterium can cause epididymitis and prostatitis and infertility [1,10,11]. PCR and serological studies of women have associated M. genitalium with PID, cervicitis, endometritis and infertility [9]. isolate to grow and identify.…”

Genital Mycoplasmas

“…Unlike culture studies for the presence of ureaplasmas or M. hominis , growth of M. genitalium on culture is generally not successful. PCR analysis may be used, most often amplifying the gap gene, MgPa adhesin gene, or the 16S‐rDNA gene [10], as well as rRNA or short tandem repeats (STRs, [11]). Unlike culture tests, detection from a urine sample is the most sensitive method for PCR.…”