Pathogenicity and virulence of Mycoplasma genitalium: Unraveling Ariadne’s Thread

Abstract

Mycoplasma genitalium , a pathogen from class Mollicutes, has been linked to sexually transmitted diseases and sparked widespread concern. To adapt to its environment, M. genitalium has evolved specific adhesins and motility mechanisms that allow it to adhere to and invade various eukaryotic cells, thereby causing severe damage to the cells. Even though traditional exotoxins have not been identified, secreted nucleases or membrane lipoproteins have been shown to cause cell death and inflammatory injury in M. genitalium infection. However, as both innate and adaptive immune responses are important for controlling infection, the immune responses that develop upon infection do not necessarily eliminate the organism completely. Antigenic variation, detoxifying enzymes, immunoglobulins, neutrophil extracellular trap-degrading enzymes, cell invasion, and biofilm formation are important factors that help the pathogen overcome the host defence and cause chronic infections in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, M. genitalium can increase the susceptibility to several sexually transmitted pathogens, which significantly complicates the persistence and chronicity of M. genitalium infection. This review aimed to discuss the virulence factors of M. genitalium to shed light on its complex pathogenicity and pathogenesis of the infection.

Computational approach for identifying immunogenic epitopes and optimizing peptide vaccine through in-silico cloning against Mycoplasma genitalium

“…The p110 protein of M. genitalium is a surface-exposed lipoprotein that primarily facilitates adhesion to host cells [ 63 ]. Due to its high antigenicity and conservancy ( Table 5 ), making it a suitable target for vaccine development [ 6 ]. After analyzing the MHCI and MHCII binding analyses of these core epitopes and their extensions, a total of 50 epitopes with the highest binding to MHCI and MHCII alleles were selected for further analysis based on various criteria [ 64 ].…”

“…This microorganism has a flask-like shape and possesses a terminal organelle that is slightly curved [ 5 ]. It causes inflammation in the urogenital tract by attaching to host epithelial cells and activating innate immune sensors, resulting in the activation of pro-inflammatory signals and the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of infection, causing tissue damage [ 6 ]. It may also be transmitted through sexual contact, leading to the spread of infection between individuals.…”

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis in Chinese female with lower reproductive tract infection: a multicenter epidemiological survey

“…In a systematic review [ 16 ], the incidence of M. genitalium was 1.07 per 100 person-years in women in very highly developed countries. Existing data showed that prevalence of M. genitalium are higher in patients attending sexual health clinics which is estimated to be 10–35% [ 17 ]. Among female sex workers, women visiting STI clinic, or women with cervicitis and PID, infection rates of M. genitalium fluctuate between 10% and 19.2% [ 18 ].…”

Temporal and spatial differences in the vaginal microbiome of Chinese healthy women

“…C. trachomatis is mainly pathogenic to the urogenital tract ( Cevenini, Donati & Sambri, 2002 ). M. genitalium is associated with sexually transmitted diseases ( Yueyue et al, 2022 ). In addition, members of the genus Gardnerella are usually one of the most abundant bacteria in BV ( Agarwal & Lewis, 2021 ).…”